StarTech. com QSFP40GAO15M MSA Uncoded 40GbE QSFP+ to SFP Active Optical Cable - 15m (49. 2') AOC - 40 Gbps Fiber Optic
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Product Features
Technical Overview
This AOC delivers consistent 40 Gbit/s performance across its 15-meter length using active optical fiber technology. The cable features QSFP+ male connectors on both ends, supporting hot-swappable operation for maintenance without network downtime. The tight buffer construction and flexible PVC jacket provide durability and ease of installation in confined rack spaces.
The active design incorporates signal conditioning electronics within the connectors, ensuring signal integrity over the full cable length without the attenuation concerns of passive copper alternatives. This makes it suitable for longer reaches within and between server racks where electrical signals might degrade.
Key Product Advantages
This active optical cable offers several advantages over traditional transceiver and fiber patch cord combinations. The integrated design reduces component count, simplifies inventory, and minimizes potential connection issues. Factory termination ensures optimal optical alignment and performance reliability, backed by StarTech.com's lifetime warranty on the module itself.
Simplified Deployment
Eliminates the need for separate transceivers and fiber patch cords, reducing installation time and complexity.
- Single integrated assembly
- No additional transceivers required
- Plug-and-play connectivity
Enhanced Reliability
Factory-terminated construction provides consistent optical performance with reduced maintenance requirements compared to field-terminated solutions.
- Optimal signal integrity
- Reduced connection points
- Lower failure probability
Deployment / Use Cases
This 40GbE AOC is ideal for high-speed interconnects within data centers, server rooms, and network racks. It serves as a convenient alternative to discrete transceivers for connecting switches to servers, storage arrays, or other networking equipment over moderate distances.
Common applications include spine-leaf network architectures, high-performance computing clusters, and storage area networks where 40GbE connectivity is required. The 15-meter length provides flexibility for connections within the same rack or between adjacent racks, while the active design maintains signal quality over this distance.
Data Center Interconnects
Connect top-of-rack switches to servers or storage devices within the same rack or adjacent racks.
- Server-to-switch connections
- Intra-rack connectivity
- High-density deployments
Network Infrastructure
Link network switches in spine-leaf architectures or connect core switches to distribution layers.
- Switch-to-switch links
- Fabric connectivity
- Aggregation layer connections
Physical Profile
The cable features a black PVC jacket that provides flexibility for routing in tight spaces while offering protection against abrasion and minor impacts. With a weight of approximately 7.60 ounces (215.46 grams), it adds minimal load to cable management systems. The compact QSFP+ connectors facilitate high-density port configurations on compatible networking equipment.
- Weight
- 7.60 oz (215.46 g)
- Length
- 49.2 ft (15 m)
Highlights
- MSA uncoded Active Optical Cable (AOC) for 40GbE connectivity
- 15-meter (49.2-foot) length with QSFP+ male connectors on both ends
- 40 Gbit/s data transfer rate for high-speed network applications
- Hot-swappable design supports maintenance without network downtime
- Compatible with MSA compliant switches accepting uncoded transceivers
- Works with switch models from Ubiquiti, D-Link, Netgear, Supermicro, TP-Link
- Factory-terminated construction ensures reliability and performance
- Black PVC jacket provides durability and flexibility
- Lifetime warranty from StarTech.com on the module itself
- Environmentally compliant with RoHS, WEEE, and REACH standards
Specifications
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | StarTech.com |
| Manufacturer Part Number | QSFP40GAO15M |
| 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 | 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,Server,Switch,Router,Transceiver |
| 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) | 7.60 oz (215.46 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 StarTech.com QSFP40GAO15M?
The StarTech.com QSFP40GAO15M is an Active Optical Cable (AOC) that integrates transceiver functionality directly into the cable assembly. It uses fiber optic technology to transmit data at 40 Gbit/s speeds over a 15-meter (49.2-foot) distance, with QSFP+ male connectors on both ends. This design eliminates the need for separate optical transceivers and fiber patch cords.
What is the data transfer rate of this AOC?
This Active Optical Cable supports a data transfer rate of 40 Gbit/s (40GbE). It provides full-duplex 40 Gigabit Ethernet connectivity between compatible networking devices, making it suitable for high-bandwidth applications like data center interconnects, server-to-switch connections, and network backbone links.
What switches is this cable compatible with?
This MSA uncoded AOC works with MSA compliant switches that accept uncoded transceivers. It is compatible with switch models from manufacturers including Ubiquiti, D-Link, Netgear, Supermicro, and TP-Link that support uncoded modules. The uncoded design provides broad compatibility across different vendor platforms.
What is the advantage of an Active Optical Cable over traditional solutions?
Active Optical Cables integrate the optical transceiver into the cable connectors, eliminating separate transceiver modules and fiber patch cords. This reduces component count, simplifies installation, minimizes connection points that could fail, and ensures factory-optimized optical performance. AOCs typically offer better signal integrity over longer distances compared to passive copper cables.
Is this cable hot-swappable?
Yes, this Active Optical Cable supports hot-swappable operation. You can install or remove the cable while the networking equipment is powered on and operating, without requiring a system shutdown. This feature facilitates maintenance, upgrades, and reconfigurations without causing network downtime.
What warranty does StarTech.com provide for this AOC?
StarTech.com provides a lifetime warranty for this Active Optical Cable. The warranty covers the module itself for its entire lifespan, independent of the equipment it's connected to. This warranty support is complemented by technical advisory services available 5 days a week, 24 hours a day.