Supported SFP+ DAC Cable Between HP Aruba 2530-48G-2SFP+ Switch (J9855A) and Netgate 1537?
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We've tried two different DAC cables between our HP Aruba 2530-48G-2SFP+ Switch (J9855A) and Netgate 1537 with no success. The link rapidly flaps up and down as soon as the DAC cable is connected.
We tried the following cables:
FS - 1m (3ft) HPE ProCurve Compatible 10G SFP+ Passive Direct Attach Copper Twinax Cable for HPE Aruba and OfficeConnect Switch Series - SFPP-PC01 - #36784
https://www.fs.com/products/36784.htmlGenuine HP 1m SFP+ DAC J9281B
Both result in link flapping. Both work between the Aruba and a Mikrotik CRS305 Switch.
We were able to get it to work using either of the following SFP+ RJ45 modules:
FS - 813874-B21 HPE BladeSystem c-Class Compatible SFP+ 10GBASE-T Copper 30m RJ-45 Transceiver Module (LOS) - SFP-10G-T - #89562
https://www.fs.com/products/89562.htmlQSFPTEK 10GBASE-T SFP+ to RJ45 Module, 10Gb Copper RJ-45, 10 Gigabit Mini gbic Transceiver Compatible with HPE BladeSystem 813874-B21, up to 30m
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BX6DJL1LHowever, as RJ45 SFP+ modules generate a significant amount of heat we'd like to use a DAC cable. What DAC cable actually works between an Aruba switch and a Netgate 1537?
Netgate TAC's Response:
Response 1:
I would recommend an LC fiber module on both sides with one that is Intel compatible on the Netgate-side so that you can utilize a module compatible with the other side of the connection for that unit. DAC cables will be only compatible with one particular vendor, but you can mix+match with LC multimode fiber modules. Any 10GBASE-SR module should work, as long as it's Intel-compatible.
Well, that’s not true, I’m using an HP branded DAC cable between an Aruba and a Mikrotik switch. Seems the Intel NIC is the problem here.Response 2:
Some devices don't care what branding a SFP+ module has and some do. The Intel modules in the Netgate 15XX series typically only work well with Intel-branded or compatible modules. It's possible an Intel-branded DAC cable could work with your Aruba switch, but I cannot comment with certainty on whether your switch would care or not. That is why I'd recommend a fiber module for the HP switch that is compatible with it and an Intel module for the Netgate, since you can mismatch both sides and have it work.
Well, that’s not true, I’m using an HP branded DAC cable between an Aruba and a Mikrotik switch. Seems the Intel NIC is the problem here.
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@ltctech It is actually true. Like they state some equipment works with most SFP+ modules while others are very strict.
Generally pfSense boxes works with most modules, and I have been using a lot of different modules and DACs witchout issues across varius netgate models.Right now I have a couple of 1541’s running with original Aruba J9281B DACs, so perhaps the 1537 is particularly picky? I seem to remember I had issues with a 1537 and DAC way back, and that resultet in me being forced to use optical trancievers instead.
EDIT: Just looked up what I ended up doing with that 1537: I couldn’t get it running with DAC cables until I ordered the official Netgate DAC cables that are Intel compatible models. That forced me to configure the switch to accept unsupported trancievers to get link, but then it worked as expected. So it seems the 1537 is a particularly picky box whereas most of the other boxes are not.
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I would also recommend using fiber where possible. The modules can then be chosen for each end and they usually offer more link options to the NICs than DACs.
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@keyser said in Supported SFP+ DAC Cable Between HP Aruba 2530-48G-2SFP+ Switch (J9855A) and Netgate 1537?:
EDIT: Just looked up what I ended up doing with that 1537: I couldn’t get it running with DAC cables until I ordered the official Netgate DAC cables that are Intel compatible models. That forced me to configure the switch to accept unsupported trancievers to get link, but then it worked as expected. So it seems the 1537 is a particularly picky box whereas most of the other boxes are not.
Hmm, that is interesting. I have a suspicious that they don't like each other electrically, but maybe that's not it. It's odd that an Aruba coded SFP+ RJ45 module would work, but not an Aruba coded DAC. The cable that you used was their passive Twinax cable, not anything active or optical? This one?:
https://shop.netgate.com/collections/cables/products/10g-sfp-direct-attached-copper-twinax-passive-cable-1-meter
What was the model of your Aruba switch? Where there any quicks in using the "allow-unsupported-transceiver" command on the Aruba?
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@ltctech Yes, it was the passive DAC cable you linked to above. I had no issues using “allow unsupported tranciever” on the switch. It was an Aruba 5400R ZL2 modular chassis switch with a 8 port SFP+ v3 module.
