100G QSFP28 AOC Cable Overview and Applications
# 100G QSFP28 AOC Cable Overview and Applications
## Introduction to 100G QSFP28 AOC Cable
The 100G QSFP28 AOC (Active Optical Cable) is a high-performance interconnect solution designed for 100 Gigabit Ethernet applications. This advanced cable combines the benefits of optical fiber technology with the convenience of a plug-and-play copper-like interface, offering superior performance compared to traditional copper cables.
## Key Features of 100G QSFP28 AOC
The 100G QSFP28 AOC cable stands out with several important features:
- High-speed data transmission up to 100Gbps
- Low power consumption compared to optical transceivers
- Lightweight and flexible design
- Hot-pluggable QSFP28 connectors on both ends
- Longer reach than copper cables (typically up to 100 meters)
- Lower latency than copper alternatives
- Electromagnetic interference (EMI) immunity
## Technical Specifications
Physical Characteristics
The 100G QSFP28 AOC typically features:
- 4-channel full-duplex active optical cable
- 850nm VCSEL-based multimode fiber
- Standard QSFP28 form factor connectors
- Various length options (1m to 100m)
Performance Parameters
Key performance metrics include:
- Data rate: 100Gbps (4x25Gbps)
- Power consumption: <3.5W per end
- Operating temperature: 0°C to 70°C
- Compliance with IEEE 802.3bm, SFF-8636, and QSFP28 MSA standards
## Applications of 100G QSFP28 AOC
Data Center Interconnects
100G QSFP28 AOC cables are widely used in modern data centers for:
- Top-of-rack (ToR) to leaf switch connections
- Leaf to spine switch interconnects
- Server to switch high-speed links
- Storage area network (SAN) connections
High-Performance Computing
In HPC environments, these cables provide:
- Low-latency cluster interconnects
- High-bandwidth connections between compute nodes
- Efficient data transfer for parallel computing
Telecommunications
Telecom applications include:
- 5G fronthaul and backhaul networks
- Core network equipment interconnections
- Cloud RAN (C-RAN) architectures
## Advantages Over Alternative Solutions
Compared to other 100G connectivity options, QSFP28 AOC offers several benefits:
| Feature | QSFP28 AOC | Copper DAC | Optical Transceivers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maximum Distance | Up to 100m | Up to 7m | Up to 10km+ |
| Weight | Light | Heavy | Light |
| Flexibility</
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