Active Optical InfiniBand Cable CBO QSFP-AOC-20M-NA-BO — 20 m QSFP to QSFP

CBO QSFP-AOC-20M-NA-BO is a 20-meter active optical cable (AOC) engineered for InfiniBand and QSFP interfaces. The cable provides a direct QSFP-to-QSFP connection over fiber without separate transceiver modules, enabling low-latency, high-integrity signal transmission across a 20 m span. Designed for data center and high-performance computing environments, this AOC delivers a compact, low-power option for interconnects between servers, switches and rack components while reducing electromagnetic interference associated with copper links.

Advantages

The Active Optical InfiniBand cable offers consistent low-latency data transfer and improved signal integrity across the full 20 m length. By integrating optical transceivers into the cable ends, it eliminates the need for separate modules and simplifies installation. The fiber-based design reduces susceptibility to electromagnetic interference and supports dense cabling in rack environments with lower heat and power consumption compared to equivalent copper solutions.

Suitable for

• Server-to-switch connections in data centers
• High-performance computing (HPC) racks and cluster interconnects
• InfiniBand fabrics and QSFP-compatible ports
• Short- to mid-range data center interconnects requiring low latency

Key specifications

• Interface: QSFP to QSFP (active optical cable)
• Length: 20 meters
• Transmission type: Optical (active)
• Designed for: InfiniBand and QSFP-compatible systems
• Latency: low, suitable for latency-sensitive applications
• Power consumption: lower than equivalent copper direct-attach solutions
• Environmental advantage: reduced electromagnetic interference (EMI)

How to use

Connect one QSFP connector end to the transmitting QSFP port and the other end to the receiving QSFP port on compatible networking equipment. Ensure both devices support active optical QSFP AOC connections and that firmware or driver requirements for the QSFP interface are met. Route the cable within the rack or conduit to avoid sharp bends and maintain the specified minimum bend radius for optical fiber to preserve signal integrity. No separate transceivers are required; power for the active components is provided through the QSFP ports.

Recommendations

When installing, avoid tight bends and physical stress on the connectors, verify compatibility with the QSFP ports on your switches and servers, and document cable runs for maintenance. For optimal performance in latency-sensitive or HPC environments, use this cable for direct QSFP links within a 20 m range and keep firmware on networking devices up to date.