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SFP and QSFP Active Optical Cables

High-Performance Computing

Active Optical Cables (AOCs) for High-Speed Networking Interconnectivity

When it comes to connecting networking equipment in high-density, high-bandwidth applications, whether short distances or long, AOCs that operate over optical fiber are the most well-rounded solution available.

Significantly lower in cost than transceiver solutions, they are perfect for applications that do not require extremely long-distance connections or a modular design. And while higher in cost than copper Direct Attach Cables (DACs), their fiber optic construction allows for a greater transmission distance, is superior in EMI/RFI performance, is thinner, more flexible, and takes up less space.

When it comes to high-speed networking interconnects, you can’t match the combination of performance and affordability of Active Optical Cables.

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Active Optical Cable Features

Cost savings

Premium Performance, Affordable Price

  • Error-free data transmission up to 100 meters
  • All-in-One cable design makes install a breeze
  • An AOC is nearly half the cost of a single transceiver
100-Gigabit

Ultra-High Bandwidth

  • Supports speeds of 10G, 25G, 40G, 100G and higher
  • Same thin fiber optic form factor regardless of speed
  • VCSEL technology ensures optimal performance
Compliance

Standard Compliance

  • Meets Multi-Source Agreement (MSA) Industry Standards
  • SFF-8431 (SFP+), SFF-8402 (SFP28), SFF-8436 (QSFP+), SFF-8665 (QSFP28)
  • Compliant to CE and FCC

Flexible, Thin and Light

  • Ultra-thin (0.3 centimeters)
  • Flexible cable with a superior bend radius
  • Lightweight (10 meters of cable weighs less than 100 grams)
Power savings

Power Efficient Design

  • Low power consumption (0.6W to 2.5W)
  • Thin, flexible profile frees up space for air flow
  • Power savings results in cost savings
Immunity

EMI/RFI Immunity and Fire-Safe Jacketing

  • Optical cabling provides high EMI/RFI immunity
  • No need for additional shielding like with copper
  • Low-smoke, zero-halogen jacket meets fire protection regulations

Active Optical Cable Benefits


Premium Connectivity

Fiber-optic technology allows AOCs to make error-free ultra-high-bandwidth (up to 100G and beyond) interconnects at distances up to 100 meters.

Highly Affordable

AOCs, which feature a transceiver on each end, are nearly half the price of a single transceiver.

Convenient, All-in-One Cable Design

No more time consuming, expensive cleaning of fiber optic connectors to ensure optimal performance, just plug and play.

Reliable Performance

Once connected, the data keeps flowing, and with EMI/RFI protection due to fiber optic cabling construction, there’s no need to worry about signal disrupting interference.

Low Latency

AOCs feature eight fibers cut to exact lengths, which when combined with their all-in-one cable design with no additional points of connection, ensures that all signals arrive at the same time.

Highly Flexible

Good for use at almost any length, active optical cables are perfect for point-to-point, intra-rack and rack-to-rack connections of high speed networking equipment

Active Optical Cable Application Diagrams


Perfect for point-to-point, intrarack, and rack-to-rack connections of high-performance networking equipment utilizing 10G SFP+, 25G SFP28, 40G QSFP+, and 100G QSFP28 in Ethernet, Infiniband, Fibre Channel, PCI-Express, SAS/SATA applications, and more.

AOC Usage in the Data Center

Data Center with Multiple Racks

AOC Link Between Racks

AOCs Between Racks

AOC Emerald KVM Switch Diagram

AOC Emerald KVM Switch Diagram

Industry Applications


Data Centers

Data Centers

Use AOC for high-speed interconnectivity at significantly lower total costs than optical transceivers

Corporate

Corporate

Edge Networking: Use cost-efficient, easy-to-install AOCs for connections with Cisco SFP/QSFP devices

Government

Government

Save costs on energy bills and cable maintenance, using AOCs for your 10G to 100G network interconnectivity

Defense and Military

Military & Defense

As an ultra-light, easy to install fiber cable solution, AOCs become the preferred choice for connections between high-speed network devices

Healthcare

Healthcare

EMI-RFI resistant AOCs offer an unbeatable cost/performance ratio for your storage connections. Compatible with Black Box AV over IP systems, they ensure perfect medical imagery transmissions, too

Active Optical Cable Portfolio


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