AOC CBO QSFP-100G-AOC-10M 10 m active optical cable for 100G QSFP ports

The AOC CBO QSFP-100G-AOC-10M is a 10-meter active optical cable designed for 100G QSFP ports. It provides a factory-terminated fiber link between devices with QSFP interfaces, enabling short-reach high-bandwidth connections without separate transceivers and patch fiber. The cable architecture reduces connector count and simplifies rack-to-rack and switch-to-server interconnects while delivering low latency and immunity to electromagnetic interference.

Advantages

This active optical cable offers plug-and-play deployment with pre-matched QSFP connectors on both ends, eliminating the need for field termination or separate SFP/QSFP transceivers. The optical medium provides resistance to EMI and crosstalk, ensuring stable throughput in dense rack environments. By integrating the optical transceiver elements into the cable assembly, it reduces cabling complexity, saves port space and supports consistent 100G throughput with low power consumption compared with some discrete module-plus-patch solutions.

Suitable for

• Short-reach data center interconnects between racks and switches
• High-speed uplinks in campus and enterprise networks
• Direct links between servers and top-of-rack or spine switches supporting 100G QSFP
• Environments requiring low-latency, EMI-immune connections

Key specifications

• Cable type: active optical cable with integrated transceiver electronics
• Connector type: QSFP form-factor connectors at both ends
• Data rate: designed for aggregated 100 Gbps links
• Length: 10 meters
• Medium: optical fiber with active components for signal conversion
• Latency: low intrinsic latency suitable for high-performance switching
• Immunity: resistant to electromagnetic interference compared with copper alternatives

How to use

Install the AOC by inserting each QSFP connector into the QSFP cages of the corresponding devices until the connector latches. Ensure both endpoints support 100G QSFP interfaces and that the devices accept vendor-neutral AOC assemblies if required. Link negotiation and signal conditioning are handled by the cable’s integrated electronics, so no additional configuration is typically necessary beyond configuring the network ports on connected devices. Avoid excess bending near the connector assemblies and maintain the recommended bend radius to preserve optical performance.

Recommendations

Use the cable for rack-to-rack or switch-to-server connections within a single data center or equipment room. Store and route the cable to prevent sharp bends and mechanical stress. Verify compatibility with the switch or server vendor’s supported QSFP AOC list if your infrastructure enforces vendor checks. For longer distances or multi-span links, consider appropriate optical transceiver modules and fiber patching instead of short-reach AOC assemblies.