HPE S2P34A Networking 25G LR SFP28 LC 10km SMF C-Class Transceiver

Product Overview: HPE S2P34A 25G LR SFP28 LC 10km SMF C-Class Transceiver

The HPE S2P34A Networking 25G LR SFP28 LC 10km SMF C-Class Transceiver represents a critical component in high-speed data transmission infrastructure. Designed to meet the rigorous demands of enterprise and data center environments, this transceiver provides 25 Gigabit Ethernet connectivity over single-mode fiber (SMF) with a maximum reach of up to 10 kilometers. Utilizing an LC duplex connector and compliant with IEEE 802.3by standards, it ensures reliable performance, scalability, and interoperability across a range of HPE switches and networking devices.

This transceiver belongs to the category of high-speed optical transceivers tailored for long-range applications. It is ideal for top-of-rack (ToR), middle-of-row (MoR), and end-of-row (EoR) architectures in modern data centers where fast, reliable, and low-latency communications are critical to operations.

Technical Specifications and Performance

25 Gigabit Ethernet Compatibility

The HPE S2P34A supports 25G Ethernet, a rapidly emerging standard that provides a cost-effective performance boost over 10G Ethernet. Its 25G line rate offers enhanced throughput capabilities, making it highly suitable for data-intensive applications and bandwidth-heavy workloads such as virtualization, machine learning, and distributed computing. This standard is backward compatible with 10G and forward compatible with higher standards in certain configurations, enhancing the long-term value of the transceiver.

Long Range Transmission with SMF

With a maximum reach of 10 kilometers over single-mode fiber (SMF), the S2P34A is engineered for campus and metropolitan area network (MAN) environments. Its long-reach capability ensures efficient data transmission between data centers and branch locations, minimizing latency and maintaining signal integrity over long distances. This makes it an excellent choice for applications requiring high-speed connectivity between geographically dispersed facilities.

Form Factor and Interface

The transceiver is built on the SFP28 (Small Form-factor Pluggable 28) interface, which offers a compact, hot-swappable design for easy integration into HPE switches and routers. It uses LC duplex connectors, which are industry-standard for optical fiber applications and known for their reliability and low insertion loss. The SFP28 form factor ensures compatibility with high-density switch ports, making it ideal for environments with space constraints.

Use Cases and Deployment Scenarios

Data Center Core and Aggregation Layers

In high-performance data center environments, the HPE S2P34A serves as a vital link in the core and aggregation layers. These layers require reliable high-throughput links to interconnect access switches and core routers. The 25G throughput significantly reduces oversubscription and enables scalable growth in cloud-based and virtualized infrastructures.

Enterprise Campus Backbones

For large enterprise campuses with distributed buildings and multiple wiring closets, the S2P34A provides long-distance, high-speed connections that ensure seamless data flow across departments and facilities. Its 10km range ensures robust interbuilding connectivity without compromising on speed or quality.

Carrier and Metro Networks

Telecommunications and service providers benefit from deploying the S2P34A in metro access and edge applications. With its support for C-Class temperature range, it can operate reliably in outdoor enclosures and less climate-controlled environments, which is essential for carrier-grade installations.

Reliability and Environmental Compliance

Temperature and Environmental Ratings

The C-Class rating of the S2P34A indicates its enhanced temperature tolerance, supporting operation within a commercial temperature range typically from 0°C to 70°C. This robustness allows it to perform reliably even in challenging thermal environments, such as high-density racks or poorly ventilated enclosures. This makes it suitable for a wide range of deployment conditions, from air-conditioned data centers to telecom-grade facilities with minimal cooling infrastructure.

MTBF and Lifecycle Management

With an industry-standard Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF), the S2P34A transceiver offers high reliability and a long operational life. This translates into reduced maintenance costs and lower downtime. Network administrators benefit from its plug-and-play installation and minimal maintenance requirements, allowing them to streamline device lifecycle management and focus on higher-level network optimizations.

Compatibility with HPE Networking Hardware

HPE Switches and Routers

The HPE S2P34A is certified for seamless operation with a wide range of HPE Aruba and HPE FlexNetwork switches. This includes compatibility with HPE 5700, 5900, 5940, and 5950 series switches, among others. The certified compatibility ensures full support for management features, diagnostics, and vendor-backed warranty services, giving IT professionals peace of mind when integrating this transceiver into their network environment.

Vendor Lock-In Prevention

While it is optimized for HPE environments, the S2P34A transceiver adheres to industry-wide standards such as IEEE 802.3by and MSA (Multi-Source Agreement) compliance. This enables interoperability with third-party networking equipment that supports the same standards, offering customers flexibility and protection against vendor lock-in.

Security and Network Optimization Benefits

Secure Optical Transmission

Fiber-optic communications are inherently secure against electromagnetic interference and signal tapping compared to copper-based connections. The S2P34A further strengthens this security by enabling encrypted high-speed links within data centers and between remote facilities. Network architects can rely on this transceiver to meet the stringent security and data privacy requirements of enterprise IT policies and regulatory standards.

Network Efficiency and Power Savings

With improved power efficiency over legacy transceivers, the S2P34A helps reduce the total power consumption per gigabit transmitted. Its advanced circuitry and power management features contribute to lower cooling requirements, resulting in an overall reduction in operational expenditure (OPEX). When deployed at scale, this energy efficiency can have a significant impact on the data center's carbon footprint.

Comparison with Other Transceivers

25G SR vs. 25G LR

While both 25G SR (Short Range) and 25G LR (Long Range) transceivers operate at the same data rate, the S2P34A LR variant supports significantly greater transmission distances. SR modules typically cover up to 100 meters on multimode fiber, making them ideal for short links within the same rack or room. In contrast, the S2P34A offers up to 10km over single-mode fiber, making it indispensable for inter-building and long-distance backbone links.

10G vs. 25G Technology Evolution

The transition from 10G to 25G represents a significant upgrade in data throughput and port efficiency. The S2P34A supports this evolution by delivering more bandwidth without requiring changes to the existing fiber infrastructure in most cases. As a result, enterprises can benefit from higher network speeds with minimal disruption and capital investment.

Procurement, Licensing, and Warranty

HPE Part Number and Inventory Management

The HPE part number S2P34A allows easy identification and procurement through official HPE channels and authorized resellers. Maintaining consistent part numbers simplifies inventory management for IT departments handling large-scale rollouts or maintaining spare part inventories for critical systems.

Warranty and Support Options

Purchasing the S2P34A through HPE ensures eligibility for extended warranties, on-site support, and lifecycle management tools. Buyers receive full access to HPE’s global technical support network, which can help reduce downtime and speed up resolution of deployment issues.

Future-Proofing and Scalability

Support for Hybrid Infrastructure

The S2P34A’s ability to seamlessly integrate with both current-generation 25G infrastructure and next-generation networking hardware makes it a future-ready investment. As businesses adopt hybrid cloud environments and scale their digital operations, the transceiver provides the bandwidth and reliability needed to support evolving workloads and application demands.

Scalable Deployment Models

Whether deploying a few units in a single rack or hundreds across multiple data centers, the S2P34A supports scalable, consistent performance. Its hot-swappable design and low failure rates facilitate efficient scaling without costly downtime or configuration issues.

Regulatory Certifications and Compliance

Industry Standards Compliance

The S2P34A adheres to a range of industry standards including IEEE 802.3by for 25G Ethernet, SFP28 MSA for form factor and interoperability, and RoHS compliance for environmental responsibility. These certifications ensure the transceiver meets international safety, performance, and sustainability requirements.

Environmental Sustainability

In alignment with corporate environmental goals, the HPE S2P34A is manufactured in compliance with the Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) directive and is part of HPE’s sustainability initiatives. Enterprises that prioritize green IT solutions will find this component suitable for eco-conscious data center planning.