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StarTech. com QSFPH40GAO15 Cisco QSFP-H40G-AOC15M Compatible 15m 40GbE QSFP+ Active Optical Cable - AOC Fiber
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Product Features
Technical Overview
This 40GbE QSFP+ Active Optical Cable operates at a data transfer rate of 40 Gbit/s, providing high-bandwidth connectivity for network devices, rack servers, switches, and routers. The cable features QSFP+ male connectors on both ends, ensuring secure connections to compatible ports.
The active optical technology eliminates the need for separate transceivers and fiber patch cables, simplifying deployment while maintaining optical performance. The cable is hot-swappable and MSA compliant, supporting seamless integration with a range of networking equipment.
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 offers several advantages over traditional fiber optic solutions, including simplified installation, reduced component count, and reliable factory-terminated connections.
Compatibility Assurance
Designed for compatibility with Cisco switches like Firepower and ASR1000 series, this cable also works with MSA-compliant switches from Ubiquiti, D-Link, Netgear, Supermicro, TP-Link, and other manufacturers that accept uncoded modules.
- Cisco QSFP-H40G-AOC15M compatible
- Works with MSA-compliant switches
- Does not void OEM warranties
Durability & Support
Backed by StarTech.com's lifetime warranty for the module itself, this cable features a durable PVC jacket and comes with technical support from StarTech.com's advisors.
- Lifetime warranty
- PVC jacket construction
- Technical support available
Deployment / Use Cases
This Active Optical Cable is ideal for data center environments where high-speed connections between networking equipment are required. The 15-meter length provides flexibility for various rack configurations and distances.
Common deployment scenarios include connecting switches to routers, linking servers to top-of-rack switches, and establishing connections between network devices in adjacent racks. The AOC design is particularly valuable in environments where traditional transceiver-based solutions would require additional components and more complex cable management.
Data Center Connectivity
Perfect for 40GbE connections between switches, routers, and servers in data center racks, providing reliable high-speed links with simplified cabling.
Server Room Infrastructure
Suitable for server room deployments where the active optical design ensures signal integrity over moderate distances without the need for separate transceivers.
Physical Profile
The cable features a black PVC jacket that provides durability and flexibility for routing in rack environments. With a weight of approximately 8.08 ounces (229 grams), the cable is lightweight yet robust enough for data center use. The 15-meter length offers sufficient reach for most intra-rack and adjacent rack connections while maintaining signal quality through active optical technology.
- Weight
- 8.08 oz (229 g)
- Length
- 49.2 ft (15 m)
Highlights
- Cisco QSFP-H40G-AOC15M compatible Active Optical Cable
- 15-meter (49.2 ft) length for flexible deployment
- 40 Gbit/s data transfer rate for high-speed networking
- QSFP+ male connectors on both ends
- Active optical technology for reliable signal integrity
- MSA compliant and hot-swappable design
- Works with Cisco Firepower and ASR1000 series
- Compatible with MSA-compliant switches from multiple manufacturers
- Lifetime warranty from StarTech.com
- PVC jacket for durability and flexibility
Specifications
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | StarTech.com |
| Manufacturer Part Number | QSFPH40GAO15 |
| Brand Name | StarTech.com |
| Product Name | QSFP+ Active Optical Cable - 15 m (49 ft.) |
| Packaged Quantity | 1 Each |
| Product Type | Network Cable |
| Technical Information | |
| Cable Type | Fiber Optic |
| Cable Length | 49.2 ft (15 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,Passive |
| Physical Characteristics | |
| Color Family | Black |
| Product Color | Black |
| Jacket Material | Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) |
| Weight (Approximate) | 8.08 oz (229 g) |
| Miscellaneous | |
| Compatibility | Cisco Firewall and Router: Firepower ASR1000 |
| 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 |
FAQ
What is the main advantage of using an Active Optical Cable over traditional transceivers?
Active Optical Cables integrate the optical transceivers directly into the cable assembly, eliminating the need for separate transceiver modules and fiber patch cables. This simplifies deployment, reduces component count, and ensures factory-terminated connections for reliable performance. The AOC design is particularly beneficial in data center environments where it reduces cable management complexity while maintaining 40GbE signal integrity over the full 15-meter length.
Which Cisco equipment is this cable compatible with?
This StarTech.com cable is designed for compatibility with Cisco switches that use the QSFP-H40G-AOC15M module, including Firepower and ASR1000 series devices. It provides a direct replacement option for Cisco's proprietary AOC while maintaining the same 40GbE performance and 15-meter reach. The cable works with the QSFP+ ports on these devices without requiring additional configuration.
Can this cable be used with non-Cisco networking equipment?
Yes, this Active Optical Cable works with any MSA-compliant switch that accepts uncoded QSFP+ modules. This includes equipment from manufacturers like Ubiquiti, D-Link, Netgear, Supermicro, and TP-Link. The cable's standard QSFP+ connectors and MSA compliance ensure broad compatibility across different networking platforms that support 40GbE connections via QSFP+ ports.
What is the maximum distance this cable can reliably transmit data?
This Active Optical Cable is designed for reliable 40GbE transmission over its full 15-meter (49.2-foot) length. The active optical technology maintains signal integrity throughout this distance without degradation. For longer distances, different fiber optic solutions with separate transceivers would be required, but for most intra-rack and adjacent rack connections in data centers, 15 meters provides sufficient reach.
Does using this third-party cable void my Cisco equipment warranty?
No, using this StarTech.com Active Optical Cable does not void your Cisco equipment warranty. The cable is designed as a compatible alternative that works with Cisco switches without modifying the equipment or requiring special configuration. StarTech.com specifically notes that their cables won't void OEM warranties, making this a safe choice for maintaining your networking infrastructure while potentially reducing costs compared to proprietary solutions.
What type of warranty does this cable come with?
This StarTech.com Active Optical Cable comes with a lifetime warranty that covers the module itself for its operational life. The warranty is provided by StarTech.com and applies to the cable assembly, not your connected equipment. This warranty coverage, combined with technical support available from StarTech.com's advisors, provides assurance of product quality and long-term reliability for your networking investments.