CBO Active Optical Cable SFP28-AOC-3M for 25Gbps SFP28 ports, 3 m length

CBO Active Optical Cable SFP28-AOC-3M for 25Gbps SFP28 ports is a 3-metre pre-terminated optical interconnect designed for short-reach high-speed links. The cable provides a single, integrated solution for connecting SFP28 ports on switches, network interface cards and servers without separate transceivers. It is engineered to support 25Gbps data rates while keeping latency and power consumption low, simplifying rack cabling and transceiver inventory management.

Advantages

The integrated active optical design reduces the number of separate components to install and manage, lowering deployment time and operational complexity. With a 3 m length it covers typical rack-to-rack and cabinet-to-cabinet connections in data centres and telecommunications rooms. The cable supports high-speed 25Gbps signalling and uses optical transmission to maintain signal integrity over the specified distance, while offering reduced power use compared with some discrete transceiver plus patch-cord solutions.

Suitable for

• Short-reach interconnects between switches in the same rack or adjacent racks
• Connections between servers and top-of-rack or leaf switches supporting SFP28
• Direct links between NICs and storage or compute nodes requiring 25Gbps
• Environments where simplified cabling and reduced transceiver inventory are desired

Key specifications

• Connector type: SFP28 form-factor active optical cable
• Supported data rate: 25 Gigabits per second
• Length: 3 metres
• Transmission medium: single-mode or multimode optical components as implemented in the active cable
• Latency: low latency design suitable for high-performance network links
• Power consumption: optimized for lower power compared with equivalent transceiver plus copper solutions

How to use

Install the CBO Active Optical Cable by inserting each SFP28 connector into compatible 25Gbps SFP28 ports on networking equipment or servers until the latch engages. Ensure both ends are fully seated and that link LEDs on connected devices indicate an active connection. No separate transceivers or fibre patch cords are required; handle the cable with care to avoid sharp bends and protect connector endfaces from contamination. Follow device vendor guidance for supported cable types and firmware compatibility when connecting to switches or NICs.

Recommendations

For reliable operation, avoid bending the cable beyond the manufacturer’s minimum bend radius and keep connectors free of dust. Use the 3 m length for rack-to-rack or adjacent-rack connections and verify compatibility with device port support for SFP28 AOC modules before deployment.