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NIC, Transceiver and Cable Requirements for Preseem Deployments
This page outlines the NIC, transceiver, optic, and cable requirements for Preseem. Including encoding rules, vendor considerations, and guidelines for selecting the correct optics.
NIC Requirements
Preseem requires one network interface for management and cloud connectivity. Any NIC may be used for this purpose.
The interfaces that will pass subscriber traffic must be based on one of the following chipsets. Only the use of one of the following NICs is supported for the Preseem platform. If you've purchased a Preseem hardware appliance, the correct NICs are already included and vary based on hardware type. For customer-provided or third-party hardware, using one of the NICs below is a strict requirement.
See the supported NICs shown below:
Supported NIC Chipsets
Transceiver Encoding Requirements — Preseem Interfaces
Transceivers used for Preseem bridge interfaces must meet the required encoding specifications to ensure compatibility and stable throughput.
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While other transceivers may work, we strongly recommend Intel-encoded or Generic-encoded modules for all SFP and SFP+ transceivers. If you choose to use encoded optics other than Intel-encoded or Generic-encoded, we cannot guarantee functionality.
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For SFP28, QSFP+, and QSFP28, only Intel-encoded transceivers are supported.
Transceiver Requirements — Switches & Routers
The transceivers used on devices directly connected to the Preseem appliance (switches, routers) may vary depending on the vendor.
Some vendors require:
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Intel-encoded transceivers
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OEM-locked modules
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Vendor-approved optics only
Since requirements differ widely between platforms, always consult your vendor’s documentation for compatibility. We can also assist in identifying appropriate modules when needed.
Recommendations
We use and strongly recommend transceivers from FiberStore: https://www.fs.com/c/optical-transceivers-9. These optics are extensively used and validated in our lab environments and are fully tested to work with Preseem.
Optics Selection Guidelines
Transceiver modules used for Preseem bridge interfaces must match the correct optical range, speed, and encoding requirements to ensure compatibility and stable throughput. In most deployments, SR optics are preferred.
Installation Type & Recommended Optics
| Installation Type | Distance | Recommended Optic |
|---|---|---|
| Data Center / NOC | < 100 m | SR (Short-Range) |
| Field Installation | > 300 m | LR (Long-Range) |
Supported Optic Range Types
Ensure the optic type matches one of the following supported classifications:
| Range Type | Description |
|---|---|
| SR4 / SR2 | Short-range MMF |
| CR / CR2 | DAC cable |
| LR / ER | Long-range SMF |
| LR2 / ER2 | Long-range SMF |
Speed & Encoding Requirements
Select the optic type based on maximum speed and encoding support:
| Optic Type | Maximum Speed | Supported Encodings |
|---|---|---|
| SFP | 1 Gbps | Intel or Generic |
| SFP+ | 10 Gbps | Intel or Generic |
| SFP28 | 25 Gbps | Intel Only |
| QSFP+ | 40 Gbps | Intel Only |
| QSFP28 | 50 / 100 Gbps | Intel Only |
Supported Cables
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Active or passive DAC cables (ADAC/PDAC). Use DAC cables only where supported by both the NIC and the connected device. Ensure the attached transceiver or DAC encoding matches the requirements outlined above.
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Single-mode fiber patch cables (OS2). For long-range LR/ER optics.
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Multi-mode fiber patch cables (OM3/OM4). For short-range SR optics, with OM4 preferred for best distance and performance.
General Cable Guidelines
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Ensure cable type matches the transceiver type (SMF vs MMF vs DAC).
- Length and connector type must match the optics used (LC-LC, MTP/MPO, etc.)
Questions?
For specific recommendations such as model numbers or detailed compatibility information, please contact us directly via the link below.