800G Active Optical Cables: Future-Ready Interconnect for High-Density Data Centers
As the demand for ultra-high-speed, low-latency connections surges across AI, cloud, and hyperscale environments, 800G Active Optical Cables are emerging as a vital component in modern data center infrastructure. With their combination of high throughput, flexibility, and energy efficiency, they are rapidly replacing traditional copper-based solutions for mid-range interconnects.
What Are 800G Active Optical Cables?
800G AOC cables are high-speed cables with embedded transceivers that convert electrical signals into optical signals and vice versa. These cables support data rates of 800 Gigabits per second, using eight parallel lanes of 100G PAM4 signaling. Compared with copper DAC cable, 800G Active Optical Cables are lighter, have longer reach (up to 100 meters), and are immune to electromagnetic interference.
Available in multiple form factors—including 800G QSFP-DD AOC Cables and 800G OSFP AOC Cables—they enable seamless deployment in high-capacity switches, servers, and routers across top-tier data centers.
Key Features of Fibrecross 800G AOC Cable Solutions
Fibrecross offers a full range of 800G AOC cables tailored to meet the performance and reliability requirements of enterprise and hyperscale data centers:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Form Factor Options | Available as 800G QSFP-DD AOC cables and 800G OSFP AOC cables |
| High-Speed Performance | Supports up to 800Gbps with PAM4 modulation over OM3/OM4 multimode fiber |
| Length Availability | Standard options from 1m to 100m, with custom lengths on request |
| Hot-Swappable Design | Plug-and-play functionality for quick deployment and replacement |
| Digital Diagnostics (DDM) | Real-time monitoring of power, temperature, and signal quality |
| Industry Compliance | IEEE 802.3ck, RoHS, and MSA compatibility ensures vendor interoperability |
These features make our AOC cable series ideal for scalable, high-performance networking environments.
800G QSFP-DD vs. 800G OSFP AOC Cables
Understanding the difference between the two leading form factors—800G QSFP-DD AOC Cables and 800G OSFP AOC Cables—is key to optimizing compatibility and thermal efficiency:
QSFP-DD (Quad Small Form Factor Pluggable – Double Density):
Backward compatible with QSFP ports, widely adopted by network vendors, and suitable for environments with controlled thermal conditions.OSFP (Octal Small Form Factor Pluggable):
Offers integrated heatsinks for superior thermal management, making 800G OSFP AOC Cables ideal for high-density, high-heat deployments.
Both versions are fully capable of delivering 800G performance across a range of distances and workloads.
Application Scenarios for 800G AOC Cable
| Application | Description |
|---|---|
| Hyperscale Cloud Networks | Supports high-throughput east-west traffic between spine and leaf switches in large-scale data centers. |
| AI and HPC Clusters | Enables low-latency, high-bandwidth links between GPUs, storage arrays, and compute nodes. |
| Top-of-Rack to Middle-of-Row Links | Ideal for medium-distance connections (1–30 m) where DAC is insufficient, but transceivers are overkill. |
| Data Center Interconnect (DCI) | Suitable for intra-room or short-building links that require high speed and lower power consumption than discrete optics. |
Whether you need 800G QSFP-DD AOC cables for Cisco and Arista platforms or 800G OSFP AOC cables for ultra-dense deployments, Fibrecross provides certified and tested options to match your needs.
Why Choose Fibrecross for Your 800G AOC Cable Needs?
Fibrecross stands out with:
In-house manufacturing and testing
Ensure consistent quality and low failure rates across all AOC cable products.Customized solutions
Tailored lengths, labels, and compatibility testing for your specific network hardware.Global B2B support
We help enterprises in the U.S., Europe, and Asia deploy future-ready fiber infrastructure with minimal lead time and competitive pricing.
Final Thoughts
As data demands soar, upgrading to 800G Active Optical Cables is a smart step for future-proofing your data center. Whether you need high-density 800G OSFP AOC cables or backward-compatible 800G QSFP-DD AOC cables, Fibrecross has the products and expertise to support seamless, high-speed deployment.
Contact Fibrecross today to discuss your 800G network strategy and request samples or a quote.
How do I choose between QSFP-DD and OSFP AOC cable versions?
Choose QSFP-DD AOC cables if:
Your equipment uses QSFP-DD ports.
Backward compatibility with QSFP28/56/112 is important.
Choose OSFP AOC cables if:
Your network supports OSFP ports.
You require superior heat dissipation for high-density rack deployments.
If you’re unsure, contact Fibrecross support for tailored recommendations.
Are Fibrecross AOC cables compliant with industry standards?
Absolutely. Our 800G AOC cables conform to IEEE 802.3ck, QSFP-DD/OSFP MSA specifications, and RoHS environmental standards to ensure maximum interoperability and safety.
The main difference lies in the form factor and thermal design:
800G QSFP-DD AOC cables are backward compatible with QSFP-based equipment and rely on switch-side heatsinks.
800G OSFP AOC cables feature a larger housing with a built-in heatsink, offering improved thermal performance in high-density environments.
Both types support 8x100G PAM4 signaling but are not physically interchangeable.
Yes. Fibrecross’s 800G QSFP-DD AOC cables and 800G OSFP AOC cables are tested for compatibility with leading brands such as Cisco, Arista, Juniper, NVIDIA/Mellanox, and more. We also offer custom compatibility testing on request.
Fibrecross provides 800G AOC cables in standard lengths ranging from 1 meter to 100 meters. Custom lengths can also be manufactured to meet specific deployment needs.
Choose QSFP-DD AOC cables if:
Your equipment uses QSFP-DD ports.
Backward compatibility with QSFP28/56/112 is important.
Choose OSFP AOC cables if:
Your network supports OSFP ports.
You require superior heat dissipation for high-density rack deployments.
If you’re unsure, contact Fibrecross support for tailored recommendations.
Absolutely. Our 800G AOC cables conform to IEEE 802.3ck, QSFP-DD/OSFP MSA specifications, and RoHS environmental standards to ensure maximum interoperability and safety.
