CBO InfiniBand Active Optical Cable QSFP-AOC-20M-LE-BO 20 m QSFP+ to QSFP+

CBO InfiniBand Active Optical Cable QSFP-AOC-20M-LE-BO 20 m QSFP+ to QSFP+ is a 20‑metre active optical link designed to connect QSFP+ ports in servers, switches and storage systems. The cable implements InfiniBand signalling over an optical medium, providing longer reach and improved signal integrity compared with copper direct attach solutions. Its 20 m length and QSFP+ to QSFP+ form factor make it suitable for inter-rack and intra-row links in data centres and high performance computing (HPC) clusters.

Advantages

The active optical design lowers insertion loss and maintains low latency for high-speed data transmission while supporting dense port layouts. Optical transmission reduces electromagnetic interference and heat generation compared with copper, enabling longer distance links without repeaters. The QSFP+ connectors provide compatibility with standard QSFP+ ports and simplify deployment in existing InfiniBand and 10/40 G Ethernet infrastructures.

Suitable for (tasks / use cases)

• Interconnects between servers and top-of-rack or leaf switches in data centres
• High performance computing (HPC) cluster node connections
• Storage area network (SAN) links requiring low latency and stable signal
• Replacement of short-reach copper assemblies where extended reach is needed

Key specifications

• Length: 20 metres
• Connector type: QSFP+ to QSFP+
• Medium: active multimode optical cable with integrated transceivers
• Supported protocols: InfiniBand signaling (QSFP+ form factor) and compatible 10/40 G Ethernet links
• Latency: low-latency optical transmission suitable for HPC and data centre use
• EMI characteristics: immune to electromagnetic interference compared with copper

How to use

Install the QSFP-AOC-20M-LE-BO by aligning and inserting QSFP+ connectors into compatible QSFP+ ports on the two devices to be linked. Ensure both devices are powered down or follow hot-plug guidelines of the equipment manufacturer if connecting live. Verify link status using the host system or switch management interface and check for expected data rates. Route the cable to avoid tight bends; adhere to the manufacturer’s minimum bend radius for optical assemblies to preserve signal quality.

Recommendations

For reliable operation, use this 20 m QSFP+ AOC in environments within the specified operating temperature and humidity ranges of your networking equipment, avoid physical stress and excessive bending, and ensure QSFP+ port firmware and drivers support active optical cables and the InfiniBand profile in use.