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Forum Discussion
Unable to get SFP28 working on a M4350-24x4V
Hello, Let me start by saying this is my first attempt to make fiber connections. I recently acquired a M4350-24x4V and am attempting to utilize the SFP28 ports. Without being able to find any ...
Hi MisterBumbles ,
Thank you for your message, let me help you.
Did you review the M4350 datasheet ever? Maybe the problem is related to the information shown on page 2:
https://www.downloads.netgear.com/files/GDC/M4350/M4350_Datasheet.pdf
On the M4350-24X4V (XSM4328CV) and any other M4350 switch with SFP28 25G uplinks, there is a strong limitation as follows: * ETHERNET Mode: Each 4x25G block is connected to a 100G SERDES. As such, each 4-port block can only work at the same speed: 4x1G, or 4x10G, or 4x25G. Since 25G takes precedence, when one 25G module is inserted, other ports with 1G or 10G modules get down in the same 4-port block.
This might explain why when you have a 10G connection to another switch, you are experiencing issues with the other 25G connection.
The switch won't so 10G and 25G simultaneously on the four SFP28 ports. I would advise the NETGEAR AXM765-20000S 10GBASE-T transceiver on the other switch, in order to establish a 10G link using one of the 24 10GBASE-T copper ports on the M4350-24X4V (XSM4328CV). With Copper SFP or SFP+ transceivers, please always go with genuine NETGEAR modules, since third-party (cheap) copper transceivers never come with the correct hardware PHY to work great in our switches.
For fiber modules, we see less problems but we cannot guarantee the quality control at other vendors. I can confirm to you that the 10G fiber or 25G fiber third-party modules should work for the most part, unless they are defect or not following MSA standards. For 25G, we successfully tested all FlexOptix modules for your information.
Last, on 25G, don't forget you might need to configure another FEC mode than our default FEC mode on the SFP28 25G ports. Please upgrade your M4350 switch with our latest 14.0.2.17:
After the upgrade and the reboot, please go to the IT GUI, Switching\Ports\Port Configuration, and select the SFP28 port you want to test, then select maybe another FEC setting in the dropdown menu (FEC Mode column):
Please let us know (but you need to do either all 10G or all 25G on these four SFP28 ports!)
Hi LaurentMa,
I appreciate the quick reply. I thought the details you mentioned would be in the user manual, which is where I looked, but could not find. I missed the asterisk and corresponding footnote on page 2 of the datasheet. You pointing me to this information is helpful.
Also, I have little familiarity with switching equipment and in my naive exposure I could not imagine a situation where there would be such a limitation, i.e., in this case all optical ports must operate at the same speed. So I've approached this issue somewhat with blinders on.
My firmware needs updating as I don't see the 'FEC' columns in the port configuration page. But you said, "Don't forget you might need to configure another FEC mode." However, I don't see mention of FEC or Forward Error Correction in the user manual or data sheet for this device. Did I miss this somewhere?
I will update the firmware, try some different FEC setting[s] and report back.
Thanks. Jerry.
Hi Jerry, thank you.
The datasheet is the repository for supported features and any known limitations that can come with a product.
The technical documentation is always trying to keep up with new features (such as FEC) knowing this is general documentation based on the managed switch platform that always evolve based on new series, maintenance releases, etc.
And FEC is a setting for 25G and 100G because optics used in transceivers, NICs, and other network devices can differ hence FEC sometimes need to be configured right for specific devices. We have default Auto-FEC but in our recent firmware you will find this setting. Please upgrade to 14.0.2.17 from here: https://www.netgear.com/support/product/m4350#download
Hi LaurentMa. With the updated firmware, connecting my Intel card looks to work without issue. I didn't make any particular change to the FEC mode as one was chosen for me. In my mind this is proof enough that things are looking good.
Cheers. Jerry.
Thank you for the update, MisterBumbles
With our latest firmware, we implemented some Auto mode for FEC and I'm happy to hear that the detection with your Intel NIC went smooth, then. Cheers
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