What external SFP+ transceivers are compatible with MetaDefender Optical Diode (NIC Intel X710-DA2)?

Purpose

This article lists supported / recommended SFP+ transceiver and cable types for the external data ports on MetaDefender Optical Diode appliances that ship with an Intel X710‑DA2 network adapter.

Applies to

• MetaDefender Optical Diode (10 GbE models)

• Appliances configured with Intel X710‑DA2 (dual‑port 10GbE SFP+) for external networking

• External SFP+ slots on the NIC (commonly labeled SFP3/SFP4 or “slots 5/6” on the rear panel)

Not in scope: The internal BLUE→RED one‑way optical link. That link uses OPSWAT‑supplied directional optics and is not interchangeable with the transceivers below.

Hardware context

• External data NIC: Intel X710‑DA2 (dual SFP+ 10GbE)

• Internal diode optics: Directional TX‑only / RX‑only SFP+ modules mounted inside the chassis (used solely for the one‑way enforcement link)

Recommended transceivers & cables for the X710‑DA2

Use Intel‑coded or Dell‑labeled parts for best compatibility.

1) 10GBASE‑SR (MMF, LC, 850 nm)

• Intel: E10GSFPSR

• Dell: SFP‑10G‑SR (family; e.g., part 407‑BBOU)

2) 10GBASE‑LR (SMF, LC, 1310 nm)

• Intel: E10GSFPLR

• Dell: SFP‑10G‑LR (family; e.g., parts 407‑BBOP / 407‑BCDT)

3) SFP+ Direct‑Attach Copper (Twinax DAC)

• Intel/Dell passive DAC

• Intel/Dell active‑limiting DAC

Tip: Keep NIC firmware/drivers current. If a link doesn’t come up, check module coding (Intel/Dell), link partner capability (10G SFP+), and cable/fiber polarity.

Not recommended / often blocked by X710

• 10GBASE‑T (RJ‑45) SFP+ copper modules (high power; frequently unsupported/unstable on X710)

• Generic/uncoded SR/LR optics (may be rejected by module validation)

• BiDi/CWDM/DWDM/FC/SAN SFP/SFP+ modules (not validated for this NIC’s 10GbE Ethernet use case)