Specifications
QSFP28 to SFP28 Adapter (QSA)
Reliable, compatible, and deployment-ready QSFP28 to SFP28 adapter modules designed to maximize the flexibility of modern networking infrastructure. E.C.I. NETWORKS QSA adapters enable 25GbE and 10GbE SFP28/SFP+ modules to operate within QSFP28 ports, providing a simple and cost-effective migration path while preserving existing optics and cabling investments.
Key Features
- Plug-and-play installation with no configuration required
- Enables QSFP28 ports to support 25GbE and 10GbE SFP28/SFP+ modules
- Fully compliant with SFF-8665 (QSFP28) and SFF-8432 (SFP28)
- Supports data rates up to 25Gbps with backward compatibility for 10Gbps and 5Gbps
- Single-lane electrical mapping from QSFP28 to SFP28
- Supports SFP28 SR/LR optics, SFP+ optics, passive DACs, and Active Optical Cables (AOCs)
- All-metal housing for superior EMI shielding
- Low insertion loss and low crosstalk
- 100Ω differential impedance system
- Secure latching mechanism
- Low power consumption (≤0.3W)
- RoHS compliant
QSFP28 to SFP28 Adapter (QSA)
The E.C.I. NETWORKS QSFP28 to SFP28 Adapter (QSA) enables 25GbE and 10GbE connectivity on QSFP28-based networking platforms by allowing standard SFP28 and SFP+ modules to be installed in QSFP28 ports. The adapter provides a cost-effective migration path from 100GbE to lower-speed Ethernet deployments while maintaining compatibility with existing optics, DAC cables, and Active Optical Cables. Utilizing a single electrical lane of the QSFP28 interface, the QSA enables seamless deployment without requiring hardware or software configuration.
| Parameter | Specification | Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|---|---|
| Form Factor | QSFP28 to SFP28 Adapter (QSA) | Maximum Data Rate | 25Gbps |
| Supported Rates | 25Gbps, 10Gbps, 5Gbps | Standards Compliance | SFF-8665 (QSFP28), SFF-8432 (SFP28) |
| Supported Modules | SFP28, SFP+ | Supported Media | Optical Transceivers, Passive DAC, Active Optical Cable (AOC) |
| Electrical Mapping | Single QSFP28 Lane to SFP28 Interface | Remaining QSFP28 Lanes | Unused |
| Power Supply | 3.3V | Power Consumption | ≤0.3W |
| Differential Impedance | 90–110 Ω | Housing | All-metal EMI Shielded |
| Operating Temperature | 0°C to +70°C | Storage Temperature | -40°C to +85°C |
| Relative Humidity | Up to 85% (Non-condensing) | Mechanical Dimensions | 13.5 × 18.4 × 78 mm |
| Weight | <100g | Installation | Plug-and-Play |
Selection Guide
Which 100G Transceiver Should I Choose? Selecting the right 100G transceiver depends on distance, fiber type, and infrastructure. Use the guide below to quickly identify the best option for your deployment.
| Selection Criteria | Option | Recommended Transceivers | Fiber / Connector | Typical Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Distance (Reach) | ≤ 100m | SR4, SR BiDi | MMF (MPO / LC) | Intra-rack, leaf-spine |
| ≤ 500m | DR, PSM4 | SMF (LC / MPO) | Data center interconnect | |
| ≤ 2km | FR, CWDM4 | SMF (LC) | DCI / aggregation | |
| 10km – 40km | LR4, ER4 | SMF (LC) | Campus / metro | |
| ≥ 80km | ZR4 | SMF (LC) | Long-haul / DCI | |
| Fiber Type | Multimode (OM3/OM4/OM5) | SR4, SR BiDi | MPO / LC | Short-range DC |
| Single-mode (OS2) | DR, FR, CWDM4, LR4, ER4, ZR4 | LC | Medium to long reach | |
| Parallel SMF | PSM4, PLR4 | MPO | Hyperscale / legacy MPO | |
| Connector Type | MPO / MTP | SR4, PSM4, PLR4 | Multi-fiber | High-density links |
| Duplex LC | CWDM4, LR4, DR, FR, ER4, ZR4 | 2 fibers | Standard deployments | |
| LC (BiDi MMF) | SR BiDi | 2 fibers | Fiber reuse / migration | |
| Optical Technology | NRZ (4×25G) | SR4, PSM4, LR4, CWDM4 | MPO / LC | Mature, widely deployed |
| PAM4 (Single Lambda) | DR, FR, LR (new gen) | LC | AI / cloud / future-ready | |
| Breakout Capability | 100G → 4×25G | SR4, PSM4, DAC, AOC | MPO / breakout cable | Server fan-out |
| Power & Thermal | 2.5W – 3.5W | SR4 | — | High-density DC |
| 3.5W – 4.5W | CWDM4, LR4 | — | Standard SMF | |
| 4.5W – 6W | ER4, ZR4 | — | Long distance |
Applications
Deployment scenarios for this module
Data Center & Enterprise Networks
High-speed connectivity for leaf-spine architectures, server aggregation, and backbone upgrades supporting growing east-west traffic.
Telecom & Service Provider Transport
Robust optical connectivity for aggregation, metro, and long-haul transport across carrier and service provider networks.
Cloud, AI & Hyperscale Infrastructure
Reliable, low-latency links designed for high-performance computing, AI workloads, and scalable cloud environments.
Quality Certification
At E.C.I. NETWORKS, all our optical transceivers are CE, FCC, RoHS, and FDA laser compliant, meeting global standards for safety, environmental responsibility, and electromagnetic performance.
Key Certifications
Emissions and immunity compliance for IT and multimedia equipment.
Verified as unintentional radiators with SDoC available.
Safety-certified and laser-classified (Class 1).
U.S. laser safety regulations.
Free from hazardous substances and environmentally responsible.
Available on selected models per regional or customer needs.
Compliance Standards
These certifications ensure our transceivers are safe, interoperable, and built to meet the highest global compliance standards across data center, telecom, and enterprise environments.
Conflict-Free Sourcing
We comply with the SEC Conflict Minerals Rule, supporting ethical sourcing practices for minerals like tantalum, tin, tungsten, and gold.
Quality Certification
At E.C.I. NETWORKS, all our optical transceivers are CE, FCC, RoHS, and FDA laser compliant, meeting global standards for safety, environmental responsibility, and electromagnetic performance.
Key Certifications
Emissions and immunity compliance for IT and multimedia equipment.
Verified as unintentional radiators with SDoC available.
Safety-certified and laser-classified (Class 1).
U.S. laser safety regulations.
Free from hazardous substances and environmentally responsible.
Available on selected models per regional or customer needs.
Compliance Standards
These certifications ensure our transceivers are safe, interoperable, and built to meet the highest global compliance standards across data center, telecom, and enterprise environments.
Conflict-Free Sourcing
We comply with the SEC Conflict Minerals Rule, supporting ethical sourcing practices for minerals like tantalum, tin, tungsten, and gold.
Performance & Reliability
We ensure our optical transceivers deliver exceptional performance and long-term reliability through rigorous testing on industry-leading equipment.
Power & Wavelength Testing
We verify signal strength and wavelength stability to ensure seamless decoding and consistent transmission across the optical path.
Traffic Testing
All transceivers undergo bit error rate (BER) and packet loss testing to guarantee zero data loss and full compliance with Ethernet and Fiber Channel standards.
Optical Performance Validation
Our modules are evaluated for signal integrity, eye diagram clarity, and BER, ensuring stable, high-quality optical transmission in all operating conditions.
End Face Inspection
Each module's fiber interface is inspected and cleaned to eliminate contamination and physical defects - a critical step for optimal signal performance and long service life.
Warranty & Compatibility
Optical Transceivers (1G–400G): Lifetime (5 Years)
Zero Risk
Using our transceivers does not void the warranty of your network equipment. Global OEM policies and consumer protection laws (Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act) prevent manufacturers from denying support based solely on the use of third-party components.
Guaranteed Compatibility
Our modules are coded and tested for seamless operation across major platforms including Cisco, Arista, Juniper, HPE, Nvidia, Huawei, and more. This rigorous validation ensures plug-and-play reliability and full compliance with OEM specifications.
Technical Support & RMA
Have an issue? We provide full technical support and hassle-free RMA on all eligible transceivers. Our team is ready to help with any technical questions about compatibility or deployment. contact our technical support support@ecin.ca
Q&A
Commonly asked questions
No. Under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act and similar global consumer protection laws, OEMs cannot void your equipment warranty simply because you use a third-party transceiver. Your equipment warranty remains intact.
Yes. Our QSFP28 modules can be coded for major OEM platforms (Cisco, Juniper, Arista, Nvidia, etc.) and support open networking environments including SONiC.
A compatible generic version can be provided and coded before delivery.
Common types include SR4 (MMF, short reach), PSM4 (parallel SMF), CWDM4 (SMF up to ~2km), LR4 (SMF up to ~10km), and extended reach options like ER4. Each is designed for different distances and fiber types.
Yes. Our modules are coded for the specific platform you select at purchase. They are recognized natively by the switch OS without any additional configuration or commands.
No. Our transceivers meet the same IEEE and MSA specifications as OEM modules. They deliver identical optical performance, data rates, and reach characteristics.
Yes. We offer full support, RMA service, and warranty coverage on all modules.
Resources
Downloads and documentation