R0R42A HPE 25GBE SFP28 Transceiver

Understanding the R0R42A HPE 25GbE SFP28 SR 30 Meter Transceiver

The HPE R0R42A 25GbE SFP28 SR 30 Meter Transceiver represents a high-performance, short-reach transceiver optimized for modern enterprise networking environments. Designed to support 25 Gigabit Ethernet connectivity over multimode fiber, this transceiver offers a robust solution for data centers and enterprise infrastructures seeking reliable, low-latency, and cost-effective network performance. With a reach of up to 30 meters using OM3 or OM4 multimode fiber, the R0R42A is an excellent choice for top-of-rack (ToR) to end-of-row (EoR) network links.

Key Features of the HPE R0R42A SFP28 SR Transceiver

High-Speed 25GbE Connectivity

The R0R42A supports 25 Gigabit Ethernet (25GbE) speeds, providing a major bandwidth improvement over 10GbE transceivers while maintaining similar power and size specifications. This higher throughput is particularly useful in dense virtualized environments, high-frequency trading systems, and cloud-scale data centers.

Short-Range Optical Reach

With a 30-meter optical reach over OM3 or OM4 multimode fiber, the HPE R0R42A is ideal for short-range interconnects within racks or across adjacent network racks. This makes it an ideal fit for high-density environments where ToR, MoR (Middle-of-Row), and EoR topologies are deployed.

Form Factor and Interface

The transceiver uses the compact and efficient SFP28 form factor, which ensures compatibility with standard SFP28 ports on compatible HPE switches and network adapters. It utilizes an LC duplex connector for efficient fiber interconnection, supporting ease of installation and cable management.

Compliance and Interoperability

The HPE R0R42A is fully compliant with the IEEE 802.3by standard for 25GbE operation. It also meets the SFF-8402 and SFF-8472 standards for SFP28 modules. This ensures reliable interoperability with a broad ecosystem of networking equipment and infrastructure components from HPE and other vendors supporting open standards.

Applications and Use Cases

Data Center Networking

The HPE R0R42A is ideally suited for modern data centers where high-throughput, low-latency connectivity is essential. Use cases include connecting top-of-rack switches to aggregation layers, or server NICs to edge switches, helping to build a scalable leaf-spine architecture with 25GbE links.

Cloud Computing Environments

Cloud providers require scalable, reliable, and high-speed networking solutions. The R0R42A provides a cost-effective way to deploy 25GbE in private and public cloud environments, particularly when connecting hyper-converged and virtualized server nodes within the same rack or across adjacent racks.

Enterprise Core and Access Layers

In large enterprise networks, 25GbE speeds can dramatically enhance the performance of applications and services by reducing bottlenecks between core, distribution, and access layers. The R0R42A plays a key role in enabling faster inter-device communication with minimal latency.

Advantages of Deploying 25GbE SFP28 SR Transceivers

Bandwidth Efficiency

25GbE offers a 2.5x bandwidth improvement over 10GbE in the same port space and at a similar power envelope. This allows organizations to scale up performance without additional port consumption or energy usage.

Infrastructure Optimization

By using fewer cables and ports to achieve higher data throughput, data centers benefit from reduced cable clutter, easier airflow management, and lower cooling requirements. The R0R42A allows network architects to maximize efficiency in both performance and physical layout.

Scalability for Future Growth

As applications become more data-intensive—think machine learning, real-time analytics, and big data—25GbE connectivity ensures the network backbone can support these demands. Transceivers like the R0R42A enable incremental upgrades from 10GbE without wholesale infrastructure overhaul.

Investment Protection

The R0R42A is compatible with backward-capable switch ports and NICs that support 10GbE and 25GbE dual-mode operation. This helps protect existing investments and provides flexibility during infrastructure transitions.

HPE Ecosystem Compatibility

ProLiant Server NICs

The R0R42A is fully qualified for use with a variety of HPE ProLiant server network interface cards (NICs), including the 640SFP28, 640FLR-SFP28, and 641FLR-SFP28 adapters. These NICs enable high-throughput connectivity for enterprise applications and services.

Aruba and HPE Switches

This transceiver integrates seamlessly with Aruba and HPE networking switches that feature SFP28 uplink ports. This includes the Aruba 8325, 8360, and 6300 series switches, among others, supporting 25GbE backbone and distribution-layer interconnects.

HPE Synergy and BladeSystems

The R0R42A is also certified for deployment within HPE Synergy composable infrastructure and select BladeSystem modules, where 25GbE uplinks are critical for dynamic workloads and infrastructure-as-code deployments.

Digital Diagnostics Monitoring (DDM)

Monitoring Capabilities

DDM allows real-time access to operating parameters such as temperature, voltage, laser bias current, optical power, and transceiver fault conditions. These diagnostics can significantly improve uptime by enabling predictive maintenance and fast fault isolation.

Integration with HPE Management Tools

The R0R42A supports integration with HPE’s management platforms including iLO and OneView, giving administrators centralized access to transceiver performance metrics and alerts.

Comparison with Related Transceivers

Versus 10GbE SFP+ Modules

Compared to traditional 10GbE SFP+ SR modules, the R0R42A delivers 2.5x the bandwidth with comparable energy consumption. While both share similar physical dimensions and optical connectors, the R0R42A provides a cost-effective upgrade path for existing infrastructures.

Versus DAC and AOC Solutions

Direct Attach Copper (DAC) and Active Optical Cable (AOC) solutions are often used for short-range connectivity. While DACs are limited by cable length and flexibility, and AOCs can be costlier and less modular, the R0R42A provides the flexibility of standard fiber cabling, making it ideal for structured cabling deployments.

Deployment Considerations

Optical Cabling Requirements

The R0R42A is designed for use with OM3 or OM4 multimode fiber and LC connectors. For optimal performance and full 30-meter reach, OM4 cabling is recommended, especially in environments with potential insertion loss or tight bend radii.

Port and Device Compatibility

Ensure that networking devices such as switches and NICs support 25GbE SFP28 ports and meet firmware compatibility requirements. A firmware mismatch can lead to link flaps or reduced performance.