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AddOn QSFP28-4SFP28-AOC3M-ARCJ-AO 100GBase-AOC QSFP28 to 4xSFP28 Active Optical Cable - 3m OM3 Multimode - Blue - TAA Compliant
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Product Features
Technical Overview
This active optical cable operates at a data transfer rate of 100 Gbit/s, utilizing QSFP28 and SFP28 interfaces to break out a single 100GbE link into four 25GbE channels. The QSFP28 end features a male connector for direct insertion into compatible switches or adapters, while the opposite end terminates in four SFP28 male connectors, each supporting 25 Gbit/s lanes. The cable employs multimode OM3 fiber, optimized for short-reach applications up to 3 meters, with active electronics embedded to boost signal integrity and extend reach beyond passive copper alternatives.
The AOC technology integrates transceiver functions within the cable assembly, eliminating external optics and reducing power consumption compared to discrete modules. This design ensures hot-pluggable support for easy installation and maintenance without network downtime. The cable is constructed from lightweight fiber material, weighing approximately 4.80 oz (136.08 g), and is backed by a lifetime limited warranty for long-term reliability.
Key Product Advantages
This cable offers significant advantages for modern network deployments, combining high performance with operational simplicity. Its active optical design provides superior signal quality over distance, reducing bit error rates and ensuring stable 100GbE connectivity in dense rack environments. The breakout configuration from QSFP28 to 4xSFP28 allows efficient utilization of switch ports, enabling cost-effective migration to higher-speed networks without replacing existing SFP28 infrastructure.
Compatibility and Compliance
Designed for seamless integration with Cisco, Juniper Networks, and Arista Networks equipment, this cable meets TAA compliance requirements, making it a trusted choice for public sector and enterprise procurements where regulatory standards are critical.
- Multi-vendor compatibility
- TAA compliant for regulated use
- Hot-pluggable for easy deployment
Performance and Reliability
With AOC technology and multimode OM3 fiber, the cable delivers consistent 100 Gbit/s throughput with low latency, supported by a lifetime warranty that underscores its durability and long-term value in demanding network applications.
- 100 Gbit/s aggregate speed
- Active electronics for signal integrity
- Lifetime warranty coverage
Deployment / Use Cases
This active optical cable is ideal for data center interconnects, high-performance computing, and enterprise network upgrades. It efficiently links 100GbE switches to servers or storage arrays equipped with 25GbE interfaces, optimizing bandwidth utilization in spine-leaf topologies. The 3-meter length suits in-rack or adjacent-rack connections, minimizing cable clutter while maintaining signal integrity.
Common use cases include connecting top-of-rack switches with SFP28-based NICs in server racks, enabling 100GbE uplinks from aggregation switches to core routers, and supporting clustered environments where low-latency, high-throughput links are essential. Its blue color aids in cable management and identification in complex cabling environments, streamlining maintenance and troubleshooting.
Data Center Networking
Deploy in hyper-scale data centers to connect 100GbE spine switches with 25GbE leaf switches, facilitating scalable network architectures that support cloud workloads and virtualized infrastructure.
- Spine-leaf connectivity
- High-density rack deployments
- Cloud and virtualization support
Enterprise Upgrades
Use to modernize existing networks by integrating 100GbE capabilities without full infrastructure overhaul, leveraging SFP28 ports for gradual migration to higher speeds in campus or enterprise core networks.
- Gradual speed migration
- Mixed-vendor environments
- Cost-effective upgrades
Physical Profile
The cable features a sleek blue fiber optic jacket, providing both aesthetic consistency and durability in rack environments. With a length of 9.8 ft (3 m) and a lightweight design at 4.80 oz (136.08 g), it offers flexible routing without adding significant weight to cable management systems. The male connectors on both ends ensure secure, direct connections to network devices, supporting repeated insertions and removals for maintenance. Originating from the United States/United Kingdom, this cable meets quality standards for global deployment.
- Weight
- 4.80 oz (136.08 g)
- Length
- 9.8 ft (3 m)
Highlights
- 100GBase-AOC QSFP28 to 4xSFP28 active optical cable for 100 Gbit/s networking
- 3-meter OM3 multimode fiber optic construction in blue for easy identification
- Compatible with Cisco, Juniper Networks, and Arista Networks equipment
- TAA compliant, suitable for government and regulated procurement environments
- Active Optical Cable (AOC) technology for enhanced signal integrity and reach
- Breakout configuration supports four 25GbE channels from a single 100GbE port
- Hot-pluggable design for easy installation and maintenance without downtime
- Lifetime limited warranty ensures long-term reliability and peace of mind
- Lightweight at 4.80 oz (136.08 g) for flexible cable management in racks
- Male QSFP28 and SFP28 connectors provide secure, direct device connections
Specifications
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | AddOn |
| Manufacturer Part Number | QSFP28-4SFP28-AOC3M-ARCJ-AO |
| Brand Name | AddOn |
| Product Name | Cisco Fiber Optic Network Cable |
| Packaged Quantity | 1 |
| Product Type | Network Cable |
| Technical Information | |
| Cable Type | Fiber Optic |
| Fiber Optic Mode | Multi-mode |
| Cable Length | 9.8 ft (3 m) |
| Connector Type on First End | QSFP28 Network - Male |
| Connector Gender on First End | Male |
| Connector on First End Details | 1 x QSFP28 Network - Male |
| Connector Type on Second End | SFP28 Network - Male |
| Connector Gender on Second End | Male |
| Connector on Second End Details | 4 x SFP28 Network - Male |
| Device Supported | Network Device |
| Data Transfer Rate | 100 Gbit/s |
| Features | AOC Technology,Active |
| Physical Characteristics | |
| Color Family | Blue |
| Product Color | Blue |
| Product Material | Fiber |
| Weight (Approximate) | 4.80 oz (136.08 g) |
| Miscellaneous | |
| Country of Origin | United States/United Kingdom |
| TAA Compliant | Yes |
| Warranty | |
| Limited Warranty | Lifetime |
FAQ
What is the data transfer rate of this AddOn active optical cable?
This cable supports a data transfer rate of 100 Gbit/s, aggregating four 25 Gbit/s channels through its QSFP28 to 4xSFP28 breakout configuration. It is designed for high-speed networking applications, providing reliable throughput for data center and enterprise environments where bandwidth demands are critical.
Is this cable compatible with Cisco, Juniper, and Arista network devices?
Yes, the AddOn QSFP28-4SFP28-AOC3M-ARCJ-AO is fully compatible with Cisco, Juniper Networks, and Arista Networks equipment. This multi-vendor compatibility allows flexible deployment across mixed network infrastructures, making it a versatile choice for organizations using different networking brands without requiring vendor-specific cables.
What does TAA compliant mean for this optical cable?
TAA compliance indicates that this cable meets the Trade Agreements Act requirements, ensuring it is manufactured in designated countries like the United States or United Kingdom. This makes it suitable for government contracts and regulated procurements where sourcing from approved regions is mandatory, adding a layer of trust for public sector and enterprise buyers.
How does AOC technology benefit this cable compared to passive cables?
AOC technology integrates active electronics within the cable assembly, boosting signal integrity and extending reach beyond passive copper cables. This results in lower latency, reduced bit error rates, and reliable performance over the 3-meter length, especially in high-density environments where signal degradation can be a concern with passive solutions.
What is the cable length and fiber type used in this product?
The cable is 9.8 ft (3 meters) long and uses OM3 multimode fiber optic media. This length is ideal for in-rack or adjacent-rack connections in data centers, while OM3 multimode fiber supports short-reach, high-speed applications up to 100 Gbit/s, ensuring efficient data transmission with minimal signal loss over the specified distance.
Does this cable come with a warranty?
Yes, this active optical cable includes a lifetime limited warranty, covering defects in materials and workmanship for the product's lifespan. This warranty underscores the cable's durability and reliability, providing long-term peace of mind for network administrators and ensuring sustained performance in demanding operational conditions.