56G QSFP+ Active Optical Cable (AOC), 3ft–100m

• Supports aggregate data rates up to 56Gbps
• Multi-rate operation up to 14.025Gbps per channel
• QSFP+ to QSFP+ active optical cable configuration
• Transmission distance up to 100m
• Supports InfiniBand and Fibre Channel applications
• Compliant with QSFP+ Electrical MSA SFF-8436
• Integrated optical transceivers for plug-and-play deployment
• +3.3V single power supply
• Low power consumption

• 56G Ethernet connections
• InfiniBand networking
• Fibre Channel infrastructure
• High-performance computing (HPC)
• Data center interconnects (DCI)
• Data center switch-to-switch connections
• Server-to-switch high-speed connections
• Storage networking
• High-density rack and cluster interconnects
• Enterprise and cloud computing infrastructure

OEM and customized 56G QSFP+ AOC solutions are available for network equipment manufacturers, system integrators, distributors, and large-scale data center deployments. Customization options may include cable length, labeling, packaging, branding, and other project-specific requirements.

For volume projects, compatibility with specific switches, servers, storage systems, or InfiniBand platforms can be evaluated. Customers can provide the target equipment, required distance, quantity, and application protocol to help determine the appropriate cable configuration.

Why choose a 56G QSFP+ AOC instead of a passive DAC?

AOC uses optical transmission rather than electrical copper transmission, allowing it to support substantially longer connections while maintaining a relatively lightweight and flexible cable structure. It is particularly useful when the required distance exceeds the practical reach of a passive QSFP+ DAC.

What is the maximum transmission distance?

The product supports transmission distances of up to 100m. The actual maximum distance depends on the selected cable configuration and the requirements of the connected networking equipment.

Can this AOC be used for InfiniBand and Fibre Channel?

Yes. The cable is designed to support InfiniBand and Fibre Channel applications in addition to compatible 56G Ethernet environments. The connected equipment must support the corresponding protocol and data rate.

Does the AOC require separate optical transceivers?

No. The optical components are integrated into the QSFP+ connectors at both ends of the cable. This creates a single plug-and-play assembly and eliminates the need to install separate transceiver modules and optical patch cables.

What does multi-rate operation up to 14.025Gbps per channel mean?

The QSFP+ architecture uses multiple parallel channels. Each channel can operate at up to 14.025Gbps, allowing the combined interface to provide 56Gbps-class aggregate bandwidth while supporting compatible lower-rate operating modes.

Is the cable suitable for high-density rack environments?

Yes. Compared with equivalent copper assemblies, the AOC’s optical transmission architecture allows a lightweight and flexible cable design that can simplify routing and cable management in dense racks, HPC clusters, and large-scale data center environments.