400G Active Optical Cable (AOC)

400G AOC (Active Optical Cable) is a high-speed fiber optic connector used in data centers and high-performance computing environments with transmission rates of up to 400 Gbps. 400G AOC offers higher transmission speeds and greater bandwidth than traditional 100G AOCs to meet the demands of higher-rate data transmission.

Parameter
Part NumberProductData RateWavelengthLengthTemp
GL4H-AQDY1M3xxM400G QSFP-DD to QSFP-DD AOC400Gbps850nm1~100m0~70 ℃
GL4H-AQDY2M3xxM400G QSFP-DD to 2*QSFP56 AOC400Gbps850nm1~100m0~70 ℃
GL4H-AQ1Y1M3xxM400G Q112 to Q112 AOC400Gbps850nm1~100m0~70 ℃
GL4H-AQ1Y2M3xxM400G Q112 to 2*QSFP56 AOC400Gbps850nm1~100m0~70 ℃
GL4H-AQDY1M3xxM400G QSFP-DD to QSFP-DD AOC400Gbps850nm1~100m0~70 ℃
GL4H-AQDY2M3xxM400G QSFP-DD to 2*QSFP56 AOC400Gbps850nm1~100m0~70 ℃
GL4H-AOSY1M3xxM400G OSFP to OSFP AOC400Gbps850nm1~100m0~70 ℃
GL4H-AOSY2M3xxM400G OSFP to 2*QSFP56 AOC400Gbps850nm1~100m0~70 ℃
  • 400G-Ethernet
  • Date Center
  • Other Optical Links
  • Four-channel full duplex active optical cable with breakout from QSFP-DD
  • Hot-pluggable QSFP-DD footprint
  • Support 425Gbps aggregate bit rate
  • Available in lengths up to 100m
  • Power Dissipation <10W on QSFP-DD
  • Single +3.3V power supply
  • Operating Case temperature range:0°C to 70°C
  • RoHS-6 compliant
  • Compliant with QSFP-DD MSA

FAQ About 400G Active Optical Cables

What is a 400G AOC cable and how does it work?

A 400G Active Optical Cable (AOC) is a pre-assembled, plug-and-play cable assembly used to support 400 Gigabit Ethernet data transmission over short distances (typically within a data center). Unlike copper solutions, AOC cables incorporate optical fibers and active electronic components (transceivers) at both ends. The electronics convert electrical signals from the host device into optical signals and back again, which minimizes losses, reduces latency, and provides higher bandwidth over compact, lightweight cables.

What Are the Key Features and Benefits of 400G AOC Cables?
  • Ultra-High Bandwidth: 400G AOC cables enable multi-hundred gigabit connections, essential for modern high-density, high-performance data centers and cloud environments.

  • Low Latency: With integrated optical transceivers optimized for high-speed modulation, these cables introduce minimal latency—a critical parameter for applications such as high-performance computing and real-time data processing.

  • Reduced Power Consumption and Cooling Needs: Because AOCs use passive optical fibers along with low-power active components, they generally consume less power and generate less heat compared to equivalent electrical solutions.

  • Compact and Lightweight: The cable assemblies are significantly less bulky than copper counterparts (such as QSFP-DD DACs) and simpler to route in dense environments.

  • Ease of Installation and Reliability: Pre-terminated and factory-tested, AOC assemblies reduce installation errors and downtime while providing high reliability over the cable’s rated distance.

What type of connector does a 400G AOC cable use?

400G AOC cables are often built in the QSFP-DD (Quad Small Form-factor Pluggable Double Density) form factor for the electrical interface, or in similar compact high-density modules designed for 400G applications. These standardized modules ensure compatibility with various high-end switches and routers that support 400G Ethernet.

What Factors Should I Consider When Selecting a 400G AOC Cable?
  • Distance: Verify the cable’s rated reach meets your deployment needs (typically 5–15 meters).

  • Compatibility: Ensure your networking equipment supports the QSFP-DD or other relevant 400G optical interface. Check vendor documentation for any compatibility notes regarding third-party AOCs.

  • Performance Requirements: Consider latency, power consumption, and error rates (bit error ratio) in relation to your application demands.

  • Environmental and Physical Constraints: Verify that the cable meets your specific environmental requirements (such as operating temperature and bending radius) and that its physical design works within your rack layout.

  • Warranty and Supplier Reliability: Purchase from reputable vendors who offer robust warranty terms and verified performance results.

What Is the Future Outlook for 400G AOC Cables?

The demand for 400G connectivity is growing with the explosion of data traffic and advancements in cloud computing. As data centers and network equipment continue to evolve, 400G AOC cables are expected to be a major component of next-generation data interconnects. They offer an optimal balance between performance, cost, and scalability, and innovations in optical transceiver technology continue to enhance their capabilities.

Do you test all your goods before delivery?

Yes,we have professional engineers to test all devices before shipping.Our product inspection also conforms to FCC/CE/RoHS

Related Products

Get A Quote Or Sample Today