200G QSFP56 Active Optical Cable, Armored

• 200G QSFP56 to QSFP56 active optical cable
• Four-channel full-duplex optical architecture
• Aggregate data rate up to 212.5Gbps
• Data rate up to 53.125Gbps per channel
• 850nm VCSEL array transmitters
• PIN photodetector arrays
• Hot-pluggable QSFP56 connectors
• Supports 200G Ethernet applications
• Transmission distance up to 70m over OM3 multimode fiber
• Integrated DSP/CDR for high-speed signal processing
• Low power consumption of ≤5.5W per end
• 3.3V single power supply

• 200G Ethernet
• Data center switch-to-switch interconnects
• Switch-to-server connectivity
• High-density rack connectivity
• Spine-and-leaf network architectures
• Data center network expansion
• High-performance computing (HPC)
• Cloud computing infrastructure

OEM and customized 200G QSFP56 AOC solutions are available for network equipment manufacturers, system integrators, distributors, and data center operators. Customization can include cable length, cable construction, labeling, connector identification, packaging, branding, and other project-specific requirements.

For deployment-specific projects, compatibility can also be evaluated against particular switch, server, NIC, and other networking equipment models. Customers can provide the required length, transmission distance, equipment models, operating environment, and quantity for configuration and compatibility assessment.

What is the difference between a 200G QSFP56 AOC and a passive 200G DAC?

A QSFP56 AOC uses optical components and multimode fiber to transmit data, allowing it to reach up to 70m over OM3 fiber. A passive DAC uses copper conductors and is generally intended for much shorter connections, but can offer a lower-cost solution where the required distance is limited.

Why does this cable use PAM4 modulation?

PAM4 encodes two bits per symbol instead of one, allowing higher data rates to be transmitted over each optical lane. This enables QSFP56 to achieve approximately 53Gbps per lane while maintaining the four-lane architecture required for 200G-class connectivity.

Can the cable be used for connections longer than 70m?

The specified maximum reach is 70m when used with OM3 multimode fiber. For longer data center links, a separate optical transceiver and fiber infrastructure may be more appropriate because the achievable distance depends on the complete optical link budget.

What does the armored construction provide?

The armored design adds mechanical protection to the optical cable assembly, helping protect the internal fibers during routing, installation, and maintenance. It is particularly useful in dense data center environments where cables may be exposed to additional handling or mechanical stress.

Does the AOC require separate optical transceivers?

No. The optical transmitters and receivers are integrated into the QSFP56 connectors at both ends of the cable. This makes the AOC a direct-attach solution that can be installed directly between compatible QSFP56 ports.

Is this cable suitable for high-density data center deployments?

Yes. Its integrated optical architecture eliminates separate transceiver and patch-cable components, while the QSFP56 form factor provides a compact connection for high-bandwidth switch and server environments. The armored construction also provides additional protection in densely routed cable systems.