Active Optical Cable CBO SFP28 3m (compatible with D-Link SFP28-AOC-3M) — 3 meters, SFP28

The Active Optical Cable CBO SFP28 3m is a fixed-length SFP28 form-factor AOC designed for 25Gbps short-reach links between compatible SFP28 ports. The 3-meter cable supports direct connections between servers, switches and white-box network devices and is compatible with modules specified for D-Link SFP28-AOC-3M. As an optical interconnect it offers lower power consumption and reduced electromagnetic interference compared with copper DACs, while delivering low latency and plug-and-play installation for rapid deployment in rack and hyperscale environments.

Advantages

This 3m SFP28 active optical cable provides a compact, lightweight link that simplifies cabling in dense rack deployments. Being an optical active cable, it consumes less power than equivalent direct-attach copper solutions and is immune to EMI, which helps maintain signal integrity near noisy equipment. The SFP28 form factor ensures compatibility with standard 25Gbps SFP28 ports and the fixed length removes the need for field termination or additional transceivers, enabling straightforward hot-plug installation.

Suitable for

• Short-reach 25GbE connections between switches and top-of-rack servers
• Server-to-switch links in data centers and colocation racks
• Switch-to-switch uplinks in high-density network deployments
• White-box and compatible branded SFP28-enabled network devices

Key specifications

• Form factor: SFP28 active optical cable (AOC)
• Nominal length: 3 meters
• Data rate: 25 Gbps per lane (25GbE)
• Connector type: SFP28 plug on both ends
• Signal medium: Optical fiber with integrated transceivers
• Power profile: Lower power consumption compared with equivalent copper DACs
• Plug-and-play: Hot-pluggable SFP28 modules integrated in cable ends

How to use

Install the Active Optical Cable CBO SFP28 3m by inserting each SFP28 connector into the corresponding SFP28 port on your equipment until the latch engages. Ensure both devices support 25Gbps operation and compatible SFP28 AOC modules. No additional transceivers or fiber patching is required; the fixed-length cable integrates the optical transceivers and fiber within the assembly. After insertion, verify link status via device LEDs or management interfaces and configure port settings (speed, duplex, auto-negotiation) as needed for your network.

Recommendations

Use the cable in short-reach applications within racks or between adjacent racks to maintain signal performance. Avoid sharp bends and excessive tension; follow manufacturer bend-radius guidelines for optical cables. For mixed-vendor environments, confirm host compatibility and firmware support for third-party AOC modules before large-scale deployment.