StarTech. com QSFP4X10GAO3 3m 40GbE Active Optical Cable - 1x QSFP+ to 4x SFP+ Breakout AOC - Cisco QSFP-4 x 10G-AOC3M Compatible
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Product Features
Technical Overview
This active optical cable transmits data at 40 Gbit/s, splitting a single 40GbE QSFP+ link into four independent 10GbE SFP+ channels. The cable uses active optical components to maintain signal integrity over its 3-meter length, reducing the need for external signal boosting or retiming devices.
The connectors are male QSFP+ on one end and four male SFP+ on the other, both designed for direct plug-and-play installation into compatible switch ports. The cable jacket is constructed from durable Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) and features an aqua color, which is standard for many high-speed optical cables.
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 eliminates the complexity and points of failure associated with using separate transceivers and fiber patch cables. The factory-terminated design ensures consistent performance and reduces maintenance overhead in data center and server room environments.
Simplified High-Density Connectivity
By converting one 40GbE QSFP+ port into four 10GbE SFP+ links, this cable maximizes port utilization on switches, enabling efficient connectivity to servers, storage, or downstream network devices without requiring additional switch ports or adapters.
Reliability and Reduced Latency
Active optical technology provides lower signal attenuation compared to passive copper DACs over similar distances, offering a reliable, low-latency connection ideal for performance-sensitive applications.
Vendor Flexibility and Support
Beyond primary Cisco compatibility, the MSA-compliant design allows use with switches from other manufacturers that accept uncoded modules. The cable is backed by StarTech.com's lifetime warranty and includes access to technical support.
Deployment / Use Cases
This breakout AOC is ideal for data center topologies where high-density 10GbE server connections are required from a switch with available 40GbE QSFP+ uplink ports. It is commonly used to connect top-of-rack switches to servers or to aggregate multiple 10GbE links into a higher-bandwidth 40GbE backbone.
Typical deployment scenarios include connecting Cisco Nexus or Catalyst series switches to servers with SFP+ network interface cards, linking switches in a leaf-spine architecture, or expanding network capacity in hyper-converged infrastructure setups. The 3-meter length is suitable for intra-rack or adjacent-rack connections within a server room.
Data Center Server Connectivity
Connect a 40GbE switch port directly to four 10GbE servers, optimizing switch port usage and simplifying cabling in rack-mounted server deployments.
Network Aggregation
Aggregate four 10GbE links from access switches into a single 40GbE uplink on a core or distribution switch, consolidating traffic for improved network efficiency.
Physical Profile
The cable features a flexible PVC jacket in an aqua color, providing durability and easy identification in cable management systems. With a weight of approximately 200 grams (7.05 ounces), it is lightweight and easy to route within racks. The 3-meter (9.8-foot) length offers sufficient reach for most intra-rack and short inter-rack connections without excessive slack.
- Weight
- 7.05 oz (200 g)
- Length
- 9.8 ft (3 m)
Highlights
- 40GbE Active Optical Cable (AOC) with 1x QSFP+ to 4x SFP+ breakout configuration.
- 3-meter (9.8-foot) length for flexible intra-rack and adjacent-rack deployments.
- Fully compatible with Cisco switches including C9300, C3850, C9500, and C3650 series.
- Hot-swappable and MSA compliant for broad vendor interoperability.
- Active optical design ensures reliable signal integrity over the cable length.
- Durable PVC jacket in aqua color for easy identification and management.
- Backed by StarTech.com's lifetime warranty on the cable.
- RoHS, WEEE, and REACH compliant for environmental responsibility.
Specifications
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | StarTech.com |
| Manufacturer Part Number | QSFP4X10GAO3 |
| Brand Name | StarTech.com |
| Product Name | QSFP+ to 4x SFP+ - 3 m (9.8 ft.) |
| Packaged Quantity | 1 Each |
| Product Type | Network Cable |
| Technical Information | |
| Cable Type | Fiber Optic |
| Cable Length | 9.8 ft (3 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 | SFP+ Network - Male |
| Connector Gender on Second End | Male |
| Connector on Second End Details | 4 x SFP+ Network - Male |
| Device Supported | Network Device,Server,Switch,Router,Transceiver |
| Data Transfer Rate | 40 Gbit/s |
| Features | Active,Flexible,Hot-swappable |
| Physical Characteristics | |
| Color Family | Green |
| Product Color | Aqua |
| Jacket Material | Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) |
| Weight (Approximate) | 7.05 oz (200 g) |
| Miscellaneous | |
| Compatibility | Cisco Switches: C9300 C3850 C9500 C3650 |
| 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 is the primary use case for this QSFP+ to SFP+ breakout cable?
This cable is designed to connect a switch with a 40GbE QSFP+ port to four devices with 10GbE SFP+ ports, such as servers, storage arrays, or downstream switches. It is commonly used in data centers to maximize port density and simplify cabling by eliminating the need for separate transceivers and fiber patches.
Is this cable compatible with non-Cisco switches?
Yes, this Active Optical Cable is MSA (Multi-Source Agreement) compliant, which means it will work with switches from other manufacturers that accept uncoded, standard QSFP+ and SFP+ modules. This includes switches from vendors like Ubiquiti, D-Link, Netgear, Supermicro, and TP-Link, provided they support the 40G to 4x10G breakout functionality.
What does 'active optical' mean for this cable?
An Active Optical Cable (AOC) contains built-in optical transceivers and electronics within the cable connectors to convert electrical signals to optical and back. This active design allows for longer reach and better signal integrity compared to passive copper cables at similar lengths, making it suitable for reliable 40GbE data transmission over its 3-meter span without external signal boosting.
Can this cable be hot-swapped during operation?
Yes, the cable supports hot-swappable installation. You can connect or disconnect it from compatible switch and device ports without powering down the equipment, facilitating maintenance and reconfiguration with minimal network downtime in live environments.
What warranty does StarTech.com provide with this cable?
StarTech.com backs this Active Optical Cable with a lifetime warranty that covers the cable itself for its usable life. This warranty does not void the original equipment manufacturer's warranty on your switches or servers, and it includes access to technical support advisors.
What is the cable length and is it sufficient for rack deployments?
The cable is 3 meters long, which is approximately 9.8 feet. This length is ideal for most intra-rack connections, such as linking a top-of-rack switch to servers within the same rack, or for short connections between adjacent racks in a data center. It provides enough reach for flexible routing while minimizing excess cable management.
| Qty | Price | Available |
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