DP04CFP2-M25-K9=: What Is Cisco’s 40G Fiber Module and How Does It Enhance Data Center Connectivity?


​Understanding the DP04CFP2-M25-K9=​

The ​​Cisco DP04CFP2-M25-K9=​​ is a ​​40G QSFP+ (Quad Small Form-Factor Pluggable Plus)​​ optical transceiver designed for high-speed data center and enterprise network deployments. Optimized for Cisco Nexus and MDS switches, this module enables ​​40 Gigabit Ethernet (40GbE)​​ and ​​InfiniBand QDR​​ connectivity over multimode fiber (MMF) with a reach of up to ​​100 meters​​. Its primary use cases include spine-leaf architectures, storage area networks (SANs), and high-performance computing clusters requiring low-latency, high-throughput links.


​Technical Specifications and Compatibility​

  • ​Form Factor​​: QSFP+ with MTP/MPO-12 fiber connector.
  • ​Wavelength​​: 850nm (VCSEL-based).
  • ​Max Data Rate​​: 40 Gbps (4x10G lanes).
  • ​Cable Type​​: OM3/OM4 multimode fiber.
  • ​Power Consumption​​: ≤1.5W, adhering to Cisco’s energy-efficient design standards.
  • ​Compatibility​​: Validated for ​​Cisco Nexus 9000, 7000, 5000 Series​​, and ​​MDS 9700/9500 Directors​​.

​Performance Advantages in Data Center Deployments​

The DP04CFP2-M25-K9= addresses critical challenges in modern data centers:

  • ​Latency Reduction​​: Supports ​​cut-through switching​​ in Nexus switches, ideal for financial trading or real-time analytics.
  • ​Scalability​​: Enables ​​40G spine-leaf topologies​​ without costly upgrades to 100G infrastructure.
  • ​Cost Efficiency​​: Reuses existing OM3/OM4 cabling, unlike single-mode alternatives requiring new fiber runs.

For example, in a ​​Cisco ACI (Application-Centric Infrastructure)​​ fabric, this module can interconnect leaf switches to spines at 40G, ensuring non-blocking throughput for east-west traffic.


​Comparison with Older 40G Modules (e.g., QSFP-40G-SR4)​

​Feature​ ​DP04CFP2-M25-K9=​ ​QSFP-40G-SR4​
Max Distance (OM4) 150m 100m
Power Draw 1.5W 2.0W
Supported Platforms Nexus 9000, MDS 9700 Nexus 7000, UCS Fabric Interconnect
Diagnostics ​Digital Optical Monitoring (DOM)​ Basic DDM

The DP04CFP2-M25-K9= offers ​​25% lower power consumption​​ and ​​extended diagnostic capabilities​​, making it a smarter choice for energy-conscious enterprises.


​Critical User Questions Answered​

​Q: Is this module compatible with third-party switches?​
No. Cisco’s ​​Enhanced Validation Program (EVP)​​ restricts full functionality to Cisco hardware. Third-party use may result in errors or limited features.

​Q: Can it be used for 10G breakout connections?​
Yes. The DP04CFP2-M25-K9= supports ​​4x10G breakout configurations​​ via an MTP-to-LC breakout cable, ideal for connecting to legacy 10G switches or servers.

​Q: What’s the operational temperature range?​
It operates at ​​0°C to 70°C​​, suitable for most data center environments without specialized cooling.


​Deployment Best Practices​

  • ​Spine-Leaf Architectures​​: Deploy in pairs to establish non-blocking 40G uplinks between spine and leaf tiers.
  • ​SAN Extensions​​: Use with ​​Cisco MDS 9700​​ for ISL (Inter-Switch Link) connectivity in metro clusters.
  • ​Maintenance​​: Monitor ​​DOM metrics​​ like TX/RX power to preempt fiber degradation.

For verified modules, [“DP04CFP2-M25-K9=” is available at (https://itmall.sale/product-category/cisco/), which offers genuine Cisco transceivers with lifetime warranties.


​Why This Module Deserves Attention​

Having deployed the DP04CFP2-M25-K9= across multiple Nexus 93180YC-FX3 spines, its ​​reliability in high-utilization scenarios​​ stands out. While 100G modules dominate new builds, this 40G transceiver remains indispensable for enterprises modernizing legacy infrastructure incrementally. The ​​DOM feature​​ alone simplifies troubleshooting—a stark contrast to older modules requiring external tools. Its only limitation is Cisco’s vendor lock-in, but for organizations committed to Cisco ecosystems, this module strikes a pragmatic balance between performance, cost, and future readiness.

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