StarTech. com QSFP40GAO10M MSA Uncoded 40GbE QSFP+ to SFP Active Optical Cable - 10m (32. 8') - AOC Fiber
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Product Features
Technical Overview
This Active Optical Cable operates at a data transfer rate of 40 Gbit/s, making it suitable for high-bandwidth applications such as data center interconnects, server-to-switch links, and network backbone connections. The cable uses optical fiber technology to transmit data, providing immunity to electromagnetic interference and enabling longer reach compared to copper DAC cables.
The QSFP+ connectors are designed to MSA (Multi-Source Agreement) standards, ensuring interoperability with equipment from major manufacturers like Ubiquiti, D-Link, Netgear, Supermicro, and TP-Link that accept uncoded modules. The cable supports hot-swappable installation, allowing for maintenance and upgrades without network downtime.
This section brings together practical product details such as Cable Type, Cable Length, Connector Type on First End, Color Family, so buyers can judge configuration, deployment fit, and day-to-day suitability with less guesswork.
Key Product Advantages
This AOC cable simplifies network deployments by eliminating the need for separate transceivers and fiber optic patch cables. The factory-terminated design ensures consistent performance and reliability, reducing maintenance requirements and potential points of failure in critical infrastructure.
High Performance
Delivers full 40 Gbps bandwidth with low latency and signal integrity, ideal for demanding applications like virtualization, storage networking, and high-performance computing.
- 40 Gbit/s throughput
- Optical fiber transmission
- Tight buffer construction
Simplified Deployment
The integrated design combines transceiver and cable into a single unit, reducing component count and installation complexity in rack-to-rack or within-rack scenarios.
- No separate transceivers needed
- Factory terminated
- Plug-and-play installation
Deployment / Use Cases
This cable is specifically designed for data center environments where high-speed, reliable connections are essential. It serves as an optimal solution for connecting top-of-rack switches to servers, linking switches in spine-leaf architectures, or providing inter-rack connectivity in server rooms.
Common applications include connecting 40GbE switches to servers with QSFP+ ports, establishing links between network devices in high-density racks, and creating short-reach connections where traditional fiber optic cabling would require separate transceivers and patch cables. The AOC design is particularly valuable in environments where space constraints, cable management, or reliability are primary concerns.
Physical Profile
The cable features a black PVC jacket that provides durability and flexibility for routing in tight spaces. With a weight of approximately 5.9 ounces (167 grams), it adds minimal load to cable management systems while maintaining the robustness needed for data center environments. The compact QSFP+ connectors ensure secure connections without excessive bulk at termination points.
- Weight
- 5.90 oz (167.26 g)
- Length
- 32.8 ft (10 m)
Highlights
- 40GbE Active Optical Cable (AOC) with 10m (32.8') reach
- QSFP+ male connectors on both ends for direct 40GbE connections
- MSA compliant uncoded design works with major switch brands
- Hot-swappable support for maintenance without downtime
- Factory-terminated optical fiber ensures reliability and performance
- PVC jacket provides durability and flexibility for data center routing
- Compatible with network devices, rack servers, switches, and routers
- Lifetime warranty from StarTech.com for the cable itself
- RoHS, WEEE, and REACH compliant for environmental responsibility
- Active optical technology eliminates EMI concerns
Specifications
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | StarTech.com |
| Manufacturer Part Number | QSFP40GAO10M |
| Brand Name | StarTech.com |
| Product Name | Fiber Optic Network Cable |
| Packaged Quantity | 1 Each |
| Product Type | Network Cable |
| Technical Information | |
| Cable Type | Fiber Optic |
| Cable Length | 32.8 ft (10 m) |
| Connector Type on First End | QSFP+ Network - Male |
| Connector Gender on First End | Male |
| Connector on First End Details | 1 x QSFP+ Network - Male |
| Connector Type on Second End | QSFP+ Network - Male |
| Connector Gender on Second End | Male |
| Connector on Second End Details | 1 x QSFP+ Network - Male |
| Device Supported | Network Device,Rack Server,Switch,Router |
| Data Transfer Rate | 40 Gbit/s |
| Features | Active,Flexible,Tight Buffer,Hot-swappable |
| Physical Characteristics | |
| Color Family | Black |
| Product Color | Black |
| Jacket Material | Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) |
| Weight (Approximate) | 5.90 oz (167.26 g) |
| Miscellaneous | |
| Environmentally Friendly | Yes |
| Environmental Compliance | Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS),Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive (WEEE),Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) |
| Country of Origin | Taiwan |
| Warranty | |
| Limited Warranty | Lifetime |
User Manual
FAQ
What type of cable is the QSFP40GAO10M?
The QSFP40GAO10M is an Active Optical Cable (AOC) that combines optical fiber transmission with integrated QSFP+ connectors. Unlike traditional fiber optic setups that require separate transceivers and patch cables, this AOC provides a complete, factory-terminated solution for 40GbE connectivity. It uses active optical components to transmit data over 10 meters while maintaining signal integrity and performance.
What devices is this cable compatible with?
This cable is compatible with MSA compliant network equipment that accepts uncoded QSFP+ modules. It works with switches, routers, and servers from manufacturers including Ubiquiti, D-Link, Netgear, Supermicro, and TP-Link, as well as other devices that follow MSA standards for 40GbE connectivity. The uncoded design ensures broad compatibility without vendor-specific coding requirements.
What is the maximum data transfer rate?
The cable supports a maximum data transfer rate of 40 Gbit/s (40GbE). This bandwidth is suitable for high-performance applications such as data center interconnects, server-to-switch links, and network backbone connections where traditional 10GbE or 1GbE connections would create bottlenecks.
Can this cable be hot-swapped during operation?
Yes, the cable supports hot-swappable operation, allowing you to install, remove, or replace it without powering down connected equipment. This feature is essential for maintaining network uptime during maintenance, upgrades, or reconfiguration in live data center environments.
What is the cable length and how does it affect deployment?
The cable is 10 meters (32.8 feet) long, making it ideal for connections within racks, between adjacent racks, or across short distances in server rooms. This length provides flexibility for cable management while maintaining optimal signal performance through the active optical design, which doesn't suffer from the distance limitations of passive copper cables.
What warranty does StarTech.com provide for this cable?
StarTech.com provides a lifetime warranty for the QSFP40GAO10M cable. This warranty covers the cable itself for its functional lifetime and does not void warranties on connected equipment. The warranty is backed by StarTech.com's technical support available through their advisory services.
| Qty | Price | Available |
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