InfiniBand/fibre optic cable BlueOptics Q28-AOC-7M-SO-BO 7m OM3 QSFP28

The BlueOptics Q28-AOC-7M-SO-BO is a 7m active optical cable (AOC) with QSFP28 connectors on both ends, designed for high-speed InfiniBand and 100GBASE-SR4 Ethernet applications. It uses OM3 multimode fibre with a 50 µm core diameter and an LSZH (low-smoke, halogen-free) sheath for short-reach rack-to-rack or intra-rack connections. The built-in optical-electrical conversion in each QSFP28 connector enables hot-pluggable operation while offering reduced weight and improved flexibility compared to direct-attach twinax solutions.

Advantages

The BlueOptics AOC provides reliable 100 Gbit/s transmission over short distances with QSFP28 compatibility and OM3 fibre characteristics. Its active transceiver ends perform electrical-to-optical and optical-to-electrical conversion, ensuring signal integrity and compliance with SFF/MSA and IEEE form-factor specifications. The LSZH sheath reduces toxic smoke and halogen release in case of fire and the cable construction yields a smaller bend radius and lower weight compared with passive twinax alternatives. Each cable is factory-new and tested for functionality and quality prior to shipping.

Suitable for

• Short-distance data center links between switches, servers and network devices
• High-performance computing (HPC) clusters requiring InfiniBand or 100G Ethernet connectivity
• Connections within racks or between adjacent racks where QSFP28 ports are available

Key specifications

• Cable length: 7 meters
• Connector type: QSFP28 to QSFP28 (hot-pluggable)
• Fibre type: OM3 multimode fibre, 50 µm core
• Supported protocol: 100GBASE-SR4 Ethernet and compatible InfiniBand high-speed links
• Sheath: LSZH (low smoke zero halogen)
• Construction: Active optical cable with integrated I/O and O/E conversion
• Designed for short-reach, rack-to-rack and intra-rack interconnects

How to use

Inspect both QSFP28 ports on the network devices and ensure they support QSFP28 AOC connections. Remove protective caps from the cable connectors and align each QSFP28 end with the device port, then insert until it latches. No additional transceivers are required because the cable contains integrated optical-electrical conversion. When disconnecting, press the latch or release mechanism on the QSFP28 connector and pull straight out to avoid damage. Verify link status on connected devices and consult device logs or management interfaces if the link does not come up.

Recommendations

For optimal performance, route the cable to avoid tight bends and mechanical stress; maintain the manufacturer’s recommended minimum bend radius. Use the 7m AOC for short-reach connections within or between adjacent racks and prefer LSZH pathways in environments where low smoke and halogen-free materials are required. Ensure connected equipment supports QSFP28 and the intended 100G or InfiniBand protocol before deployment.