Mikrotik Switch Lenovo Server

Hardware MikroTik hardware general
1

HI
I am working on a “big” project. So I should know everything about compatibility.

Which SFP+ FC / SPF+ RJ45 module should I use between this mikrotik switch: https://mikrotik.com/product/crs326_24s_2q_rm
And between this Lenovo Network Controller: https://lenovopress.com/lp0654-intel-x722-integrated-controller

I would use 10 GB on it, thats why I need the correct module… I dont want to be in compatiblity problem.

Thanks!

2

Why dont you check the compatibility list of each device ?

3

I have checked but dont really find which modul is good, because as I read mikrotik doesnt really support the right DAC cabels, because my first idea was simple just using DAC cable between the lenovo server and the mikrotik switch.
But after I got the information - it should be the same at both of the FC cable ends, and it doesnt support most of the dac cables, thats why I asked for the support forum.

I already asked a sales guy, maybe he will answer tomorrow…

4

This is a pretty simple solution.

You can purchase DAC cables that are flashed on one end for Lenovo and are generic at the other end (since MikroTik accepts almost all types)

https://www.fs.com/c/10g-sfp-dac-1114

We’ve had a lot of success with FS.com when connecting hypervisors, servers, storage, etc that need to be a specific vendor type on one end.

5

Or, as alternative to suggestion by @IPANetEngineer: use fibre connection, but use compatible SFPs on each end (i.e. Mikrotik compatible in CRS and Lenovo compatible in server). It is completely fine if SFPs on both ends of fibre are by different vendor, they only have to be similar enough on the optical side (e.g. same wavelength, same link budget, same sync speed).

6

Can you give me a link about it? I mean an example cable?

I have read lots of post about if mikrotik doesnt support the sfp+ connection than it wont work really well. And I should make the best connection, because it will be a 10 gig network…

7

As I wrote: it’s not cable, it’s 3 pieces of gear:

  • 1 pcs Mikrotik compatible SFP+ module of certain fibre technology and wavelength (could be single-mode short-range 1310nm 10Gbps module or multi-mode 850nm 10Gbps module)
  • 1 pcs Lenovo (or rather NIC vendor, could be Intel) compatible SFP+ module (of same technology, wavelength and speed)
  • 1 pcs fibre patch cord of appropriate length … if switch and server are going to be in same rack, then a 3m/10ft cord should do
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And then you mount SFP+ modules in respective devices and connect modules using patch cord.

8

I was on their live chat and a support guy give me this stuff:
https://www.fs.com/de-en/products/15134.html
https://www.fs.com/de-en/products/74668.html
https://www.fs.com/de-en/products/40220.html

He said, it will works fine with the lenovo server and with the mikrotik switch. What do you think? Can I order them?

9

So it may be helpful to clarify that you have two options to connect the server to the MikroTik switch

  1. You had originally asked about a DAC cable which is a coaxial copper cable with SFPs molded and permanently attached to the ends. You can either purchase one from Lenovo, one that is compatible with Lenovo or have a company like fs.com flash one end to be Lenovo compatible.

  2. You can use optical SFPs and fiber to connect the server to the switch. Because the optical SFPs are not permanently attached to the fiber, you can select a different SFP for each end to ensure compatibility

It appears what FS.com sent you is for Option #2.

Either way will work and not affect performance.