Invalid SFP Connected warning on SonicWall firewall when using supported 10G SFP+ Module

Users may observe one of the following warning messages on the SonicWall firewall UI when connecting a supported 10G SFP+ module:

• SFP With Invalid Fiber Channel Transmission Media Byte 9
• Invalid SFP Connected
  

These messages may appear even when the SFP+ module is listed in SonicWall's supported SFP modules KB:
https://www.sonicwall.com/support/knowledge-base/supported-sonicwall-and-3rd-party-sfp-and-sfp-modules-that-can-be-used-with-sonicwall-nsa-series/211109111458350

SonicWall firmware performs a strict EEPROM compliance check based on industry standards (SFF-8431/SFF-8472). This warning is triggered when:

• EEPROM fields (Bytes 3–10 and Byte 36) are incorrectly programmed (e.g., zeros) or missing.
• The SFP module does not fully conform to the expected EEPROM structure.

This results in the software flagging the SFP as "invalid" or "unrecognized", even if it is functionally compatible.

Expected Behavior

This behavior is by design and reflects a strict validation of SFP module compliance.

• The interface may still come up successfully.
• Traffic flows normally.
• The system allows manual speed override, defaulting to the highest supported speed (e.g., 10G).

Recommendation

The warning can be safely ignored if:

• The link status is "up".
• There are no signs of packet loss or performance issues.
  
  

Recommended Actions:

1. Verify Link Status:
   - Ensure the interface is operational and traffic is passing.
2. Manually Set Interface Speed (if needed):
   - Override interface speed to match the expected performance.
3. Ignore Cosmetic Warning:
   - If functionality is unaffected, no further action is required.

NOTE: SonicWall supports the 10G passive copper cable in use. The warning is cosmetic and stems from EEPROM strictness, not hardware incompatibility.