Fixed optical links for rack and row connectivity
Choose each AOC cable and active optical cable with both connector ends, host targets, branch map and route length defined before quotation.
Commercial overview
An active optical cable combines optical engines and fiber into a factory-terminated assembly. It can simplify short interconnects, but the length, endpoint shells and coding cannot be changed independently after purchase. PhotonVerge organizes AOC options by rate, straight or breakout topology, endpoint type, length and host target. A useful RFQ includes the exact ports at both ends, network mode, branch mapping, measured route, bend and service-loop allowance, quantity and destination.
Product taxonomy
Rate, endpoint shells and branch mapping are equally important selection fields.
One full-rate endpoint at each side for direct switch, adapter or appliance links.
One higher-rate parent endpoint divided into defined lower-rate branches.
Matching shells at both ends; host coding may still differ by side.
Different endpoint packages selected for the exact port pair.
100G, 200G, 400G and 800G options filtered by structured rate fields.
Featured family routes
These links open exact family records; use the full browser for the complete set.
400G OSFP 3–50m AOC O2Q56-400G-A3H7 exact SKU options
400G OSFP 3–50m AOC O2Q56-400G-A5FH7 exact SKU options
980-9I13D-00E001 QSFP-100G-A1H 100G QSFP2821 exact SKU options
980-9I124-00H003 Q56-200G-A3H 200G QSFP5623 exact SKU options
MFS1S50-H001E Q2Q56-200G-A1H 200G QSFP5615 exact SKU options
NVIDIA/Mellanox O1Q56-200G-A3FH 200G OSFP 3m~100m7 exact SKU optionsBuyer checklist
A wrong endpoint or length usually means replacing the entire assembly.
Host, port, form factor, speed and coding target.
Remote host and any different identification requirement.
Straight or breakout with an explicit lane-to-branch map.
Route measurement plus planned service loop, not rack spacing alone.
Bend radius, pathway, pull access and connector clearance.
Software, port speed, breakout setting and FEC.
Spares, replacement access and labeling at both ends.
Quantity by length, destination, schedule and warranty terms.
Exact catalog records
Use product identity, structured specifications and exact SKU records. Search results do not assert live stock or host acceptance.
400G OSFP 3–50m AOC with 7 exact SKU options. Confirm the host, port and firmware before quotation.
400G OSFP 3–50m AOC with 7 exact SKU options. Confirm the host, port and firmware before quotation.
100G QSFP28 to QSFP28 1–100m AOC with 21 exact SKU options. Confirm the host, port and firmware before quotation.
200G QSFP56 to QSFP56 3–100m AOC with 23 exact SKU options. Confirm the host, port and firmware before quotation.
200G QSFP56 to 2xQSFP56 1–30m AOC with 15 exact SKU options. Confirm the host, port and firmware before quotation.
200G OSFP 3m~100m AOC with 7 exact SKU options. Confirm the host, port and firmware before quotation.
200G 2xQSFP56 to 2xQSFP56 3–30m AOC with 6 exact SKU options. Confirm the host, port and firmware before quotation.
400G QSFP-DD to 2xQSFP56 1–30m AOC with 50 exact SKU options. Confirm the host, port and firmware before quotation.
400G QSFP-DD to 4xQSFP56 1–30m AOC with 40 exact SKU options. Confirm the host, port and firmware before quotation.
400G OSFP to QSFP-DD 3–30m AOC with 42 exact SKU options. Confirm the host, port and firmware before quotation.
400G QSFP-DD to QSFP-DD 1–30m AOC with 48 exact SKU options. Confirm the host, port and firmware before quotation.
200G QSFP56 to QSFP56 3–100m AOC with 27 exact SKU options. Confirm the host, port and firmware before quotation.
200G QSFP56 to 2xQSFP56 1–30m AOC with 32 exact SKU options. Confirm the host, port and firmware before quotation.
100G QSFP28 1–100m AOC with 82 exact SKU options. Confirm the host, port and firmware before quotation.
10G SFP+ 1–20m AOC with 99 exact SKU options. Confirm the host, port and firmware before quotation.
25G SFP28 1–30m AOC with 65 exact SKU options. Confirm the host, port and firmware before quotation.
40G QSFP+ 1–30m AOC with 98 exact SKU options. Confirm the host, port and firmware before quotation.
40G QSFP+ to 4xSFP+ 1–30m AOC with 64 exact SKU options. Confirm the host, port and firmware before quotation.
QSFP+ 1–30m AOC with 8 exact SKU options. Confirm the host, port and firmware before quotation.
100G QSFP28 to 4xSFP28 1–30m AOC with 14 exact SKU options. Confirm the host, port and firmware before quotation.
20 product families available; page 1 of 1
Decision matrix
Route the requirement to the correct collection before comparing prices.
| Decision | AOC | Passive DAC | Pluggable optics plus fiber |
|---|---|---|---|
| Media | Integrated optical assembly | Fixed copper assembly | Separate optics and fiber |
| Field flexibility | Whole cable replaced | Whole cable replaced | Each endpoint or fiber can be replaced |
| Route | Short fixed optical routes | Shortest copper-qualified routes | Wider reach and structured plant |
| Planning risk | Wrong length or endpoint | Reach, gauge and bend limits | More components and compatibility points |
| Best comparison | Installed system cost | Installed system cost | Installed system cost |
Engineering boundary
Both cable ends must be accepted by their hosts, and a breakout cable must map the parent lanes to the intended branch ports. Coding on one end does not prove the other end or the breakout mode. Confirm both platforms, software, FEC, port mode, endpoint shells and branch map before sample approval.
Application planning
AOCs work best when the route and port map are stable.
Fixed optical paths where lighter cable and reach beyond passive copper are useful.
Switch-to-adapter links with known endpoint coding and controlled cable routing.
High-rate parent ports mapped to multiple lower-rate server or switch ports.
Repeatable short links where the exact host pair can be documented.
Supply coordination
The port map controls endpoint, coding, branch and length decisions.
Record host, port, shell, speed and software per side.
Define straight or breakout lane and branch relationships.
Include pathway, service loop and connector clearance.
Consolidate identical endpoint, length and coding combinations.
Test recognition, traffic, FEC, branch mapping and routing fit.
Quote each exact length and endpoint pair with destination and schedule.
Buyer validation
Approval should identify both ends and the physical cable route.
Technical resources
Use the relevant guide to resolve a specific decision; product-specific evidence is confirmed for the quoted SKU.
Buyer questions
Measure the actual pathway, including vertical and horizontal managers, bends, rack entry and a controlled service loop. Do not use straight-line rack spacing. Confirm that the chosen assembly can be installed without exceeding its minimum bend radius or forcing the connector. Group quantities by exact installed length instead of rounding every route to one size.
Normally no. The optical engines and cable form one assembly, so damage, a wrong endpoint or a changed host can require replacing the complete cable. If independent endpoint replacement or future route changes are important, compare pluggable transceivers with a separate fiber link before choosing AOC.
Provide the parent host and port, branch host models and ports, configured speeds, breakout mode, FEC, endpoint form factors, coding target per side, branch count, required length, branch-label format and quantity. A rate such as 400G-to-4x100G does not by itself establish electrical lane mapping or host support.
No. AOC can offer lower cable weight and greater practical reach, while passive DAC can be simpler for the shortest qualified paths. Compare host support, route length, bend and airflow constraints, power, serviceability, spares and installed cost. The right choice follows the rack layout and operating model rather than a universal preference.
Test the exact endpoint pair and cable length in the intended hosts. Confirm recognition at both ends, configured speed and FEC, stable traffic, diagnostics where available, branch mapping, cable routing and connector clearance. Record the exact SKU and sample identifiers. For breakout assemblies, label and test every branch rather than validating only one endpoint.
Procurement guide
List both devices, ports, form factors, speeds and software. For breakout, show every branch. This becomes the controlling input for coding and SKU selection.
Walk the actual route and include managers, bends, rack transitions and service loops. A fixed assembly cannot be shortened or re-terminated in the field.
AOC, DAC and pluggable optics distribute cost, power, reach and serviceability differently. Compare the installed link and spare strategy rather than component price alone.
Freeze host software and port modes, run representative traffic, check every branch and confirm physical routing. The quantity order should match the approved endpoint and length combinations.
Structured B2B request
Identify both hosts, endpoint shells, port modes, topology and installed length for every cable group.
No live-stock, lead-time or compatibility commitment is inferred from this page. The selected SKU and commercial terms are confirmed in the written offer.
B2B inquiry desk
Use the message field for part number, host model, firmware, reach, quantity, destination and required documents.