Dell CD59D 25GBE SFP 28 LR SMF Duplex LC Transceiver.

Overview

The Dell CD59D 25GbE SFP28 LR transceiver is a high-performance optical module designed for enterprise-class data center and networking environments that demand high-speed, long-range Ethernet transmission. Compatible with Dell and other vendor switches and servers supporting SFP28 interfaces, the CD59D delivers reliable, energy-efficient 25 Gigabit Ethernet connectivity over single-mode fiber (SMF) using an LC duplex interface. With a reach of up to 10 kilometers and support for long-range (LR) transmission, it is ideal for campus links, metro aggregation, and core network backbones.

Key Features 

• Data Rate: 25 Gbps
• Form Factor: SFP28
• Wavelength: 1310nm
• Connector: Duplex LC
• Fiber Type: Single-mode fiber (SMF)
• Transmission Distance: Up to 10 kilometers
• Compliant with IEEE 802.3by 25GBASE-LR standard
• Hot-swappable with standard SFP28 slots
• Low power consumption for energy-efficient operations

Enhanced Network Performance with SFP28 Technology

The SFP28 form factor represents a significant leap in transceiver design, delivering 25Gbps bandwidth over a single optical lane. The Dell CD59D leverages this advancement to provide faster, more efficient network throughput with backward compatibility to 10GbE SFP+ interfaces when supported by the switch or NIC. As data-intensive applications such as virtualization, video streaming, and cloud services grow, the SFP28 technology meets the demand for greater bandwidth without requiring significant infrastructure upgrades.

Optimized for Long-Range Connectivity

With its 1310nm laser and long-range optics, the CD59D is engineered for distances of up to 10km, making it ideal for inter-building links, metro aggregation points, and distributed campus networks. It facilitates seamless data transport between switches, servers, and routers across data centers, minimizing latency and packet loss across long-haul fiber links.

Use Cases

The Dell CD59D is suited for a variety of high-performance networking applications:

• Data Center Interconnect (DCI): Enables high-speed links between data centers or server farms for data replication, backup, and distributed workloads.
• Campus Networking: Provides reliable 25GbE connectivity between buildings on large educational or enterprise campuses.
• Cloud Infrastructure: Supports virtualized workloads, storage access, and high-volume data transfers within public, private, or hybrid cloud environments.
• Metro Ethernet and Aggregation: Useful in metro networks where aggregation switches connect to multiple access nodes with higher speed requirements.

Compatibility with Dell and Industry Equipment

The CD59D transceiver module is certified and tested for use with Dell network switches, servers, and storage platforms, ensuring maximum compatibility and support. It is also interoperable with equipment from other vendors that adhere to the MSA (Multi-Source Agreement) standards for SFP28 modules. Popular supported platforms include Dell Power Switch, PowerEdge servers, and third-party switches that support 25G SFP28 slots.

Plug-and-Play Installation and Hot-Swappable Design

Designed for operational efficiency, the CD59D features a hot-swappable interface, allowing network administrators to add, remove, or replace the transceiver without disrupting live traffic or requiring system reboots. This is especially useful in data center environments where uptime is critical.

Backward Compatibility and Investment Protection

The CD59D ensures investment protection by supporting backward compatibility with 10Gbps SFP+ ports (if the switch or host supports 25G to 10G downshift). This allows gradual infrastructure upgrades while maximizing hardware lifespan.

Reliability and Compliance

The Dell CD59D transceiver undergoes rigorous quality testing and adheres to multiple international standards to guarantee reliability, longevity, and performance under various operating conditions. It complies with IEEE 802.3by, RoHS, MSA, and relevant optical safety certifications.

Thermal and Environmental Considerations

Designed for typical data center conditions, the CD59D operates within a temperature range of 0°C to 70°C. Its low power consumption contributes to reduced thermal output, making it ideal for high-density deployments where cooling efficiency is paramount.

Electromagnetic Interference and Optical Safety

The CD59D meets electromagnetic interference (EMI) requirements and complies with laser eye safety classifications. This ensures safe deployment in environments with dense cabling and adjacent high-frequency equipment.

Field Deployment and Maintenance Benefits

Field technicians benefit from the plug-and-play nature, built-in diagnostics, and robust casing of the CD59D. Its digital diagnostics monitoring (DDM) allows real-time tracking of operating parameters such as temperature, laser bias current, optical output/input power, and supply voltage.

Technical Specifications

• Part Number: CD59D
• Data Rate: 25Gbps
• Wavelength: 1310nm
• Form Factor: SFP28
• Connector: LC Duplex
• Fiber Type: Single-mode (SMF)
• Max Distance: 10km
• Optical Budget: 6.3dB (typical)
• DDM/DOM: Yes (Digital Optical Monitoring)
• Power Consumption: < 1.5W
• Operating Temperature: 0°C to 70°C
• Hot Swappable: Yes
• Compliance: IEEE 802.3by, RoHS, MSA

Maximizing Network Scalability and Bandwidth

As enterprises scale operations, the Dell CD59D transceiver provides a cost-effective and scalable pathway to 25GbE networking. Its deployment enables higher throughput per port, reduced cable infrastructure, and increased switch port utilization compared to multiple 10GbE links, streamlining operations and lowering operational costs.

Fiber Infrastructure Optimization

Utilizing SMF with LC connectors allows longer reach with minimal signal degradation. This helps in reducing the need for complex media converters or signal amplifiers in extended link environments.

Seamless Integration into Existing Architectures

The transceiver’s adherence to MSA specifications ensures seamless integration with multi-vendor environments, allowing organizations to maintain flexibility in sourcing optical components without compromising compatibility.

Future-Proofing Network Infrastructure

As network demands continue to evolve toward 100GbE, 400GbE, and beyond, the 25GbE step provides a practical transition layer, especially for server NICs, top-of-rack switches, and leaf-spine architectures. The Dell CD59D supports this transition by offering high-speed, long-range capability at a fraction of the cost of higher-rate modules, making it an ideal option for incremental upgrades.

Contribution to Modern IT Infrastructures

The 25GbE standard is gaining popularity due to its optimal balance of performance and cost. It allows data centers to scale with greater efficiency compared to legacy 10GbE infrastructures. The Dell CD59D meets these demands, enabling IT teams to support containerized applications, AI workloads, and streaming data pipelines efficiently.

Advantages Over 10GbE Transceivers

• 2.5x the bandwidth without proportional increases in power or heat
• Reduced cable count in spine-leaf and top-of-rack architectures
• Greater cost-efficiency compared to aggregating multiple 10GbE links

Enabling Edge, Core, and Cloud Interconnectivity

With its long-range capabilities and robust performance, the CD59D plays a crucial role in unifying edge, core, and cloud environments through fast and reliable interconnects. Whether connecting storage nodes, compute clusters, or core routers, this transceiver ensures high availability and data integrity across the board.

Technical Benefits and Commercial Viability

The Dell CD59D 25GbE SFP28 LR SMF Duplex LC Transceiver is a critical component for modern network deployments seeking reliable, scalable, and high-performance optical links. Its technical merits—such as long-range 10km reach, energy efficiency, compliance with open standards, and hot-swappability—make it a preferred choice for enterprises upgrading their access and aggregation layers.

Key Value Propositions

• Ideal for high-speed, long-distance interconnects
• Supports mission-critical data transport in demanding environments
• Backward compatibility extends existing investments
• Certified for Dell systems and compatible with open SFP28 platforms
• Optimal choice for both greenfield and brownfield network upgrades

Recommended Deployment Scenarios

Use the Dell CD59D in 25GbE infrastructure builds, especially where physical distance between network nodes spans up to 10 kilometers. Its efficient performance makes it suitable for mid-sized and large-scale enterprises, financial institutions, healthcare data centers, and education campuses.

Order Confidence and Technical Assurance

Every Dell transceiver is tested for quality assurance and interoperability, backed by Dell’s support ecosystem. By choosing the CD59D, organizations gain peace of mind with a dependable, high-performing solution for their next-generation networking needs.