CBO QSFP28 Active Optical Cable MCP1600-E00AE30-BL — 0.5 m, 100 Gbit/s, Male/Male

The CBO QSFP28 Active Optical Cable MCP1600-E00AE30-BL — 0.5 m, 100 Gbit/s, Male/Male is a short-reach AOC designed for high-density networking environments. With QSFP28 connectors on both ends, the cable supports 100 Gbit/s aggregate bandwidth over a 0.5 meter optical link, offering low latency and reduced electromagnetic interference compared with copper alternatives. The plug-and-play design enables straightforward installation in servers, switches and router line cards without additional transceivers or configuration changes.

Advantages

This active optical cable provides high data throughput and stable signal integrity for short interconnects. Its optical construction delivers lower power consumption and improved thermal behavior compared with equivalent copper direct attach cables. The male-to-male QSFP28 ends simplify racking and cabling in dense server and switch installations, while the short 0.5 m length minimizes clutter and supports tidy cable management. The standardized QSFP28 interface ensures compatibility with equipment that accepts QSFP28 pluggable modules.

Suitable for

• Interconnects between 100 GbE-capable switches in data center top-of-rack and spine deployments
• Direct connections between servers and top-of-rack switches requiring low latency
• High-density patching in chassis-based systems and modular line cards

Key specifications

• Connector type: QSFP28 male — both ends
• Data rate: 100 Gbit/s aggregate
• Length: 0.5 m optical link
• Medium: active optical cable (multimode AOC)
• Typical use: short-reach intra-rack or adjacent-rack connections

How to use

Insert each QSFP28 connector into the corresponding QSFP28 port on the network devices until the latch engages. No additional configuration or external power is required beyond the host devices. Ensure that ports are enabled and that device firmware supports QSFP28 AOCs; in managed environments verify link status through the switch or server management interface. When removing the cable, release the connector latch and pull straight out to avoid damaging the port.

Recommendations

For reliable operation, route the 0.5 m cable to avoid sharp bends and mechanical stress; maintain the manufacturer's minimum bend radius and keep the cable clear of heat sources. Use this AOC for intra-rack or adjacent-rack short-reach links where 100 Gbit/s performance, low latency and low power consumption are required. Confirm device compatibility with QSFP28 AOCs in advance to ensure full functionality.