100G QSFP28 to QSFP28 AOC (5m): High-Performance 100G Ethernet Interconnect
The 100G QSFP28 to QSFP28 Active Optical Cable (AOC) is a high-speed, integrated optical assembly designed for short-range 100G Ethernet links up to 5 meters. Utilizing 850nm VCSEL technology over OM3 multimode fiber, this AOC offers a lower-cost and lower-power alternative to 100G SR4 transceivers. It is optimized for Top-of-Rack (ToR) and Spine-Leaf switch-to-switch connections.
OM3 QSFP28 Transceivers Features
l40Gb/s active optical cable up to 100m OM2 MMF
l850nm VCSEL and PIN receiver
lSingle 3.3V power supply
lOperating Case Temperature: -5~75℃
lHot pluggable
lLow Power Consumption
lLight weight
lSmall Bend Radius
lDigital Diagnostic Monitor(DDM)
lAll-metal Housing for Superior EMI Performance
Technical Specifications & Comparison
At 100G speeds, the choice between AOC and DAC (Copper) is no longer just about price—it’s about Signal Integrity and Airflow.
| Feature | 100G QSFP28 AOC (5m) | 100G QSFP28 DAC (Copper) |
| Transmission Media | Multimode Fiber (OM3) | Twinax Copper |
| Max Reach (Reliable) | Up to 100m | Hard Limit < 5m (High Signal Loss) |
| Power Consumption | < 2.5W per end | ~0.1W (but induces port heat) |
| Cable Weight | Ultra-Light (Fiber) | Heavy (Thick Copper) |
| Bend Radius | 30mm (Highly Flexible) | >75mm (Rigid, blocks airflow) |
| EMI Immunity | Complete Immunity | Susceptible to High-Freq Noise |
Deep Technical Insights: 100G Signal Optimization
4x25Gbps Parallel Architecture
The QSFP28 AOC operates via 4 full-duplex lanes, with each lane capable of transmitting data up to 25.78Gbps. To ensure error-free performance in high-density AI clusters, UnitekFiber integrates Digital Diagnostics Monitoring (DDM), allowing engineers to track:
Real-time Optical Output/Input Power
Module Temperature & Voltage
Laser Bias Current
2. Overcoming the “5-Meter Barrier”
In 100G networks, passive copper cables (DACs) face severe Skin Effect and signal degradation beyond 3 meters. Our 5m AOC uses Active Signal Reconditioning to maintain a clean “Eye Diagram.”
By using factory-terminated AOCs, we eliminate the 0.75dB loss typical of field-connected patch cords, ensuring the highest Link Margin.
100G QSFP28 AOC Applications
lDatacom
lLow-latency and high-speed interconnections for high performance computing(HPC)
l40G Ethernet SR4
lOther high-throughput data transmission network
lStorage area Network(SAN)
The 5m 100G AOC is the ideal choice for AI Compute Clusters and High-Frequency Trading (HFT) environments where low latency and high throughput are critical. It provides a seamless, plug-and-play connection between Core Switches and high-performance Storage Arrays.
Compatible
Cisco, Juniper, H3C, Huawei, Alcatel, Allied Telesis, Zyxel, Brocade, Mikrotik, Extreme, Blade, D-linnk Netgear, Finisar, ZTE, Linksys, SMC, Ruijie, Avaya, 3com, Enterasys, Redeback, Planet etc.
Future-Proof Your Data Center
Eliminate link flaps and cable congestion with Op2Link’s 100G AOCs. Every cable is verified in our compatibility lab to ensure “plug-and-play” deployment.
Request a Quote: jason@op2link.com| Reliability in Every Fiber.
Packaging and Shipping
Production
