Compatible QSFP28 Fiber Ethernet Switches

QSFP28-compatible switches support 100G Ethernet and are available from Malaysian suppliers such as J&M Eastern and Broadbase, offering HPE/Aruba and other enterprise-grade options.

QSFP28 Switch Overview

QSFP28 (Quad Small Form-factor Pluggable 28) is a high-speed transceiver standard designed for 100Gbps Ethernet, using four parallel 25G lanes. Switches with QSFP28 ports can either be native 100G ports or backward-compatible ports on QSFP-DD or OSFP platforms. While MSA (Multi-Source Agreement) ensures baseline interoperability, real-world compatibility depends on vendor firmware, FEC settings, and platform-specific configurations . Popular QSFP28-compatible switches include:

• HPE Networking Comware 5720 Series: Offers hybrid SFP+ and 10GBASE-T ports with QSFP28 support up to 100G, IRF stacking, DRNI, VXLAN/EVPN, and MACsec for secure, resilient networks .
• Arista 7060X4 and Cisco Nexus 9500 series: Support native QSFP28 ports and, in some SKUs, backward-compatible QSFP-DD ports .
• NVIDIA SN4700: QSFP-DD ports that accept QSFP28 modules without adapters .

Compatibility Considerations

• MSA Compliance: Ensures mechanical, electrical, and optical standards are met, but does not guarantee plug-and-play interoperability .
• Vendor Whitelists: Some switches may reject third-party QSFP28 modules if the Vendor ID does not match the expected value .
• FEC and Configuration: Certain switches require specific Forward Error Correction (FEC) settings for QSFP28 modules to function correctly .
• Split Mode: Some QSFP28 ports (e.g., Aruba 6400 series) can split 100G SR4 into 4x25G channels, but this feature may be firmware-dependent .

Malaysian Suppliers

• J&M Eastern: Aruba partner and reseller in Malaysia, offering QSFP28 transceivers and compatible switches, including HPE/Aruba products. They provide technical support and rapid response for enterprise deployments .
• Broadbase: ICT networking equipment provider specializing in fiber optic Ethernet switches for enterprises in Malaysia, offering a range of QSFP28-compatible switches .

Recommendations

1. Verify Module Compatibility: Even MSA-compliant QSFP28 modules should be tested with the target switch to ensure proper operation.
2. Check Firmware and FEC Settings: Ensure the switch firmware supports the QSFP28 module and configure FEC as required.
3. Consult Local Resellers: Suppliers like J&M Eastern and Broadbase can provide guidance on compatible switches, modules, and deployment support in Malaysia. By sourcing from these suppliers and following compatibility best practices, you can deploy 100G QSFP28 fiber Ethernet switches reliably in Malaysian enterprise or data center networks.