BlueOptics MFA1A00-C050-BO InfiniBand fibre optic cable 50 m QSFP28

The BlueOptics MFA1A00-C050-BO InfiniBand fibre optic cable 50 m QSFP28 is a 50-metre active multimode optical cable with QSFP28 connectors on both ends. Designed for high-speed links in data centres and HPC environments, the cable implements QSFP28-to-QSFP28 connectivity compatible with industry MSA pinouts and supports 100GBASE-SR4 applications over multimode fibre. The integrated transmitter and receiver electronics on each end enable reliable optical signal conversion for Ethernet and other high-speed protocols on short-reach links.

Advantages

The cable provides a factory-terminated, plug-and-play 100 Gbps connection over a 50 m reach, reducing the need for transceivers and additional fibre patching. Compliance with QSFP28 electrical and optical interfaces and compatibility with platforms that support Mellanox MFA1A00-C050-style AOCs ensure interoperability in mixed vendor environments. The multimode construction and active optics offer consistent signal integrity, lower power per port compared with some alternatives, and simplified cable management in racks and trunking runs.

Suitable for

• Top-of-rack and end-of-row interconnects in data centres
• High-performance computing clusters and compute-to-switch links
• Storage area network uplinks and switch-to-switch aggregation
• Short-reach 100 G Ethernet, Fibre Channel over Ethernet and InfiniBand connections

Key specifications

• Length: 50 metres
• Connector type: QSFP28 to QSFP28 (male/male)
• Transmission: Active Optical Cable (AOC) with integrated Tx/Rx
• Supported data rate: up to 100 Gbps (100GBASE-SR4 compatible)
• Fibre type: multimode fibre for short-reach applications
• Compliance: QSFP28 electrical/optical MSA-compatible pinout and signalling

How to use

Install the cable by inserting each QSFP28 connector into matching QSFP28 ports on switches, routers, or network adapters. Ensure that both devices support QSFP28 AOC modules and that port settings (speed and lane configuration) match the intended 100GBASE-SR4 or other supported protocol. No additional transceivers are required; the active electronics in the cable handle optical-to-electrical conversion. Route the cable to avoid excessive bending or strain and secure it within racks or cable management hardware to maintain performance and longevity.

Recommendations

To maintain signal integrity, avoid tight bends near the connectors, keep the cable free from kinks and sharp edges, and follow the host device vendor guidance for QSFP28 AOC compatibility. Use in environments with controlled temperature and humidity and replace the cable if connector damage or repeated link errors occur.