56G QSFP+ Active Optical Cable (AOC), Armored, Commercial-Grade

• Four-channel full-duplex QSFP+ active optical cable
• Supports aggregate data rates up to 56Gbps
• Up to 14.0625Gbps data rate per lane
• 850nm VCSEL array transmitter
• PIN array receiver
• Transmission distance up to 82m over OM2 fiber
• Transmission distance up to 300m over OM3 fiber
• Compliant with SFF-8436
• NRZ modulation
• Low power consumption of ≤1.4W
• 3.3V single power supply
• DDM/DOM supported
• Armored cable construction for enhanced mechanical protection
• LSZH cable jacket
• COB optical packaging
• Plug-and-play QSFP+ interface
• Minimum bending radius of 60mm
• Commercial-grade operating temperature of 0°C to +70°C
• RoHS-compliant design

• 56G Ethernet
• InfiniBand FDR and EDR
• InfiniBand 4x FDR
• High-performance computing (HPC)
• Data center interconnects
• Switch-to-switch connections
• Server-to-switch connectivity
• Storage networking
• High-density rack interconnects
• Enterprise and cloud computing infrastructure
• Short- and medium-distance high-speed network connections

OEM and customized 56G QSFP+ AOC solutions are available for network equipment manufacturers, system integrators, distributors, and data center operators. Customization options may include cable length, fiber type, armored construction, labeling, connector identification, packaging, branding, and other project-specific requirements.

For volume deployments, compatibility can be evaluated with specific switches, servers, storage systems, or InfiniBand platforms. Customers can provide the target equipment, required transmission distance, application protocol, quantity, and cable-management requirements for a suitable configuration.

What is the difference between the OM2 and OM3 versions?

Both versions use multimode fiber and 850nm optical transmission, but they provide different maximum transmission distances. The specified reach is up to 82m with OM2 fiber and up to 300m with OM3 fiber, allowing the cable to be selected according to the required link distance.

Why is this AOC armored?

The armored construction provides additional mechanical protection to the optical cable, helping reduce the risk of physical damage during installation, routing, and maintenance. It is particularly useful in dense data center environments where cables may be exposed to repeated handling or mechanical stress.

Is this cable suitable for InfiniBand FDR?

Yes. The cable is designed for InfiniBand applications including FDR and is specified for InfiniBand 4x FDR deployments. The connected equipment must support the appropriate InfiniBand mode and QSFP+ interface.

Does the cable require separate optical transceivers?

No. The optical transmitter and receiver components are integrated directly into the QSFP+ connectors. The AOC therefore provides a factory-terminated plug-and-play connection without requiring separate transceiver modules or fiber patch cables.

What is the advantage of using an AOC instead of a passive copper DAC?

An AOC uses optical transmission, allowing it to achieve longer distances while maintaining a relatively lightweight cable structure. It also provides strong immunity to electromagnetic interference, making it useful in high-density environments where passive copper cables may have insufficient reach.

Is this a 40G or 56G product?

The product uses four optical channels with up to 14.0625Gbps per lane, providing up to 56Gbps aggregate bandwidth. The original product specification also identifies 40G Ethernet and InfiniBand applications, so the actual operating rate depends on the supported protocol and host equipment.