AOC cable CBO QSFP-100G-AOC-5M 100G active optical cable, QSFP to QSFP, 5 m

Active Optical Cable CBO QSFP-100G-AOC-5M is a 100G QSFP-to-QSFP fiber link with a 5 metre length, developed for high-speed interconnects between servers, switches and storage systems. The cable uses active optics to deliver 100 Gigabit per second bandwidth with reduced power consumption and lower heat dissipation compared with equivalent copper assemblies. Designed for data centre topologies and short-reach high-performance networking, the plug-and-play QSFP connection supports transparent link integration and minimal configuration effort.

Advantages

The AOC provides high-density 100G connectivity with low latency and stable signal integrity over a 5 m distance. Active optical components in the cable ensure consistent transmission quality while reducing electromagnetic interference and eliminating the need for separate transceivers in each port. Its QSFP-to-QSFP form factor simplifies direct links between compatible ports and helps maintain predictable thermal and power characteristics in rack environments.

Suitable for

• Direct server-to-switch connections in data centres
• Switch-to-switch links within aggregation and spine layers
• High-performance storage fabric interconnects
• Short-reach trunking between adjacent racks or within the same rack

Key specifications

• Data rate: 100 Gigabit per second
• Connector type: QSFP to QSFP
• Cable type: active optical cable (AOC)
• Length: 5 metres
• Signal medium: optical fibre with active transceivers in-line
• Typical applications: short-reach data centre interconnects and high-performance networking

How to use

Install the cable by inserting each QSFP connector into compatible QSFP ports on the devices to be linked. Ensure ports are powered down if required by your equipment vendor; most modern switches and servers support hot-plugging QSFP AOCs. After seating both ends, verify link status through the host devices' management interface or LEDs. No additional transceivers or fibre patching is necessary because the active optical components are integrated in the cable assembly.

Recommendations

Route the cable with gentle bends to avoid exceeding the manufacturer’s minimum bend radius and avoid sharp kinks. Use appropriate port cages or retainers if available to secure the QSFP connectors and minimise strain. For reliable operation, match link settings and firmware compatibility according to your networking equipment vendor guidelines, and verify optical lane mapping when connecting devices from different manufacturers.