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AddOn QSFP-4X10G-AOC5M-AO 40GBase-AOC QSFP+ to 4xSFP+ Active Optical Cable - 40 Gbit/s - 850nm - MMF - 5m - 16. 4 ft - TAA Compliant
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Product Features
Technical Overview
This active optical cable operates at 40 Gbit/s (40GBase-AOC) using a QSFP+ connector on one end that breaks out to four SFP+ connectors on the other end. The 850nm wavelength multimode fiber supports short-reach applications typical in data center topologies, with the active components embedded in the cable ends providing electrical-to-optical conversion without external power requirements.
The cable utilizes AOC (Active Optical Cable) technology, which integrates VCSEL-based optical engines at each connector to enable high-speed data transmission with lower power consumption compared to copper alternatives. This design provides excellent EMI immunity and reduces weight while maintaining the hot-pluggable functionality expected from QSFP+ and SFP+ form factors.
Key Product Advantages
This AOC cable delivers several advantages for network infrastructure deployments where reliability, density, and performance are critical. The integrated active design eliminates compatibility concerns between separate transceivers and fiber cables while providing consistent performance across the entire cable assembly.
Simplified Deployment
The pre-terminated, factory-tested design reduces installation time and eliminates field termination errors. The lightweight construction and flexible cable management simplify routing in dense switch environments.
- No separate transceivers required
- Factory tested for reliability
- Flexible cable management
Enhanced Signal Integrity
Active optical technology maintains signal quality over the full 5-meter distance without degradation. The embedded retiming and signal conditioning ensure low bit error rates for critical data center applications.
- Active signal conditioning
- Low latency performance
- EMI immune design
Deployment / Use Cases
This QSFP+ to 4xSFP+ breakout cable is ideal for connecting 40GbE switch ports to multiple 10GbE server interfaces in data center environments. The breakout configuration allows a single 40GbE port to serve four 10GbE connections, optimizing port utilization and reducing overall switch costs.
Common deployment scenarios include top-of-rack switching architectures, spine-leaf network designs, and high-performance computing clusters where 40GbE uplinks connect to 10GbE server interfaces. The cable is particularly valuable in financial trading environments, cloud infrastructure, and media production facilities where low latency and high reliability are essential.
Data Center Interconnect
Connect 40GbE switch ports to 10GbE server NICs in rack-optimized configurations. The 5-meter length provides flexibility for adjacent rack connections while maintaining signal integrity.
- Switch-to-server connectivity
- Rack-optimized length
- Breakout port utilization
High-Density Networking
Maximize port density in crowded switch environments where space and airflow are constrained. The slim cable profile and lightweight design improve thermal management in dense configurations.
- Space-efficient design
- Improved airflow
- High-density compatibility
Physical Profile
The cable features a durable outer jacket that protects the internal fiber strands while maintaining flexibility for routing through cable management systems. With an approximate weight of 1.20 pounds (544.31 grams), the cable is lightweight enough for overhead tray routing while robust enough for data center environments. The connectors feature standard latching mechanisms compatible with QSFP+ and SFP+ cages, and the cable is designed for repeated insertion cycles typical in data center maintenance operations.
- Weight
- 1.20 lb (544.31 g)
- Length
- 16.4 ft (5 m)
Highlights
- 40 Gbit/s QSFP+ to 4xSFP+ Active Optical Cable (AOC)
- 5-meter (16.4-foot) 850nm multimode fiber construction
- Breakout configuration: 1x QSFP+ to 4x SFP+ connectors
- Compatible with Cisco network devices
- TAA compliant with United States origin
- Lifetime limited warranty coverage
- Active optical technology for signal integrity
- Lightweight design at 1.20 lb (544.31 g)
Specifications
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | AddOn |
| Manufacturer Part Number | QSFP-4X10G-AOC5M-AO |
| Brand Name | AddOn |
| Product Name | Fiber Optic Network Cable |
| Packaged Quantity | 1.0 |
| Product Type | Network Cable |
| Technical Information | |
| Cable Type | Fiber Optic |
| Fiber Optic Mode | Multi-mode |
| Cable Length | 16.4 ft (5 m) |
| Connector Type on First End | QSFP+ Network |
| Connector on First End Details | 1 x QSFP+ Network |
| Connector Type on Second End | SFP+ Network |
| Connector on Second End Details | 4 x SFP+ Network |
| Device Supported | Network Device |
| Data Transfer Rate | 40 Gbit/s |
| Features | AOC Technology |
| Physical Characteristics | |
| Weight (Approximate) | 1.20 lb (544.31 g) |
| Miscellaneous | |
| Country of Origin | United States |
| TAA Compliant | Yes |
| Warranty | |
| Limited Warranty | Lifetime |
User Manual
FAQ
What is the difference between this AOC cable and a traditional fiber cable with separate transceivers?
This Active Optical Cable integrates the optical engines directly into the cable connectors, eliminating the need for separate pluggable transceivers. This provides guaranteed compatibility between the cable and optical components, reduces points of failure, and simplifies inventory management. The AOC design also typically offers lower power consumption and better EMI immunity compared to copper DAC cables while maintaining the flexibility of fiber.
What network devices is this cable compatible with?
This cable is designed for compatibility with Cisco network devices that support QSFP+ and SFP+ interfaces. It can connect 40GbE QSFP+ switch ports to 10GbE SFP+ server interfaces, making it suitable for data center switching environments from Cisco and other vendors that follow the QSFP+ and SFP+ MSA specifications. Always verify compatibility with your specific switch and NIC models before deployment.
What does the 40GBase-AOC designation mean?
40GBase-AOC refers to the 40 Gigabit Ethernet Active Optical Cable standard. This indicates the cable operates at 40 Gbit/s data rates using active optical technology, where electrical signals are converted to optical signals within the cable connectors themselves. The AOC approach allows for longer reach than passive copper cables while maintaining the hot-pluggable convenience of direct-attach cables, typically supporting distances up to 100 meters depending on the specific implementation.
Why is this cable TAA compliant and what does that mean for buyers?
TAA (Trade Agreements Act) compliance indicates this product meets the requirements for U.S. government procurement and certain commercial contracts that mandate sourcing from designated countries. With United States origin and TAA compliance, this cable is eligible for purchase by federal agencies, government contractors, and organizations with TAA requirements in their procurement policies. This compliance ensures the product meets specific manufacturing and sourcing standards.
What is the advantage of the QSFP+ to 4xSFP+ breakout configuration?
The breakout configuration allows a single 40GbE QSFP+ port to connect to four separate 10GbE SFP+ devices. This maximizes port utilization on high-speed switches, enabling more efficient connectivity in data center environments. Instead of using four separate 10GbE switch ports, you can use one 40GbE port with this breakout cable, reducing switch costs and simplifying cable management while maintaining full bandwidth to each connected device.
What type of applications is the 5-meter length best suited for?
The 5-meter (16.4-foot) length is ideal for typical data center rack-to-rack or within-rack connections. This distance accommodates connections between top-of-rack switches and servers in the same rack or adjacent racks, with sufficient slack for proper cable management. The active optical design ensures signal integrity is maintained over this distance without the signal degradation that can occur with passive copper cables at similar lengths, making it reliable for critical network links.