40G/100G Optical Transceivers
10G/25G Optical Transceivers
155M/622M/2.5G Optical Transceivers
1G Optical Transceivers
FC 16G/32G Optical Transceivers
CWDM/DWDM Optical Transceivers
SGMII Port Optical Transceivers
100M/1G/10G Coppers
Active Cable AOC
Direct Attach Cable DAC
Regular/MTP-MPO Fiber Patch Cords
MT2011
MT2010
CodingBox
QSFP to SFP Adapter
Active Optical Cable (AOC) Connection Solutions
Time: 2020-02-23
1. Overview of Active Optical Cable (AOC)
The appearance of Active Optical Cable (AOC) is quite similar to that of Direct Attach Cable (DAC), but they differ in transmission mode and application environment. Common types of AOC include 10G SFP+ AOC, 25G SFP28 AOC, 40G QSFP+ AOC and 100G QSFP28 AOC, with the primary distinction lying in their transmission rates. This article will focus on the connection solutions for AOC.
2. Structure and Signal Transmission Mode of AOC
An AOC uses a section of optical fiber cable to connect two high-density connectors and relies on an external power supply for signal transmission. Its transmission mode follows an electrical-to-optical-to-electrical conversion process. Specifically, electrical signals are converted into optical signals inside the connector at end A. These optical signals are then transmitted to the connector at end B via the intermediate optical fiber cable, where they are converted back into electrical signals.
3. Characteristics and Advantages of AOC
AOC features low power consumption, compact size, light weight and excellent heat dissipation performance. Compared with copper cables, it supports longer transmission distances ranging from 100 to 300 meters and delivers superior transmission performance. In contrast to optical modules, AOC eliminates the risk of interface contamination, which greatly enhances the stability and reliability of the system while reducing the management costs of the equipment room.
4. AOC Connections
4.1 Connections Between Racks
AOC serves as an ideal cable for connecting racks in data centers, with the optimal length ranging from 5 to 30 meters. For short-distance connections within 5 meters, high-speed DAC cables are a preferable choice; for long-distance connections exceeding 30 meters, a combination of optical modules and fiber patch cords is recommended. For details, refer to the figure below:
Figure 1: DAC High-Speed Cable, AOC Active Optical Cable, MTP/MPO Fiber Patch Cord
4.2 Connections Between Switches and Between Switches and Servers
40G QSFP+ to 4*SFP+ AOC can be deployed to interconnect two switches. It can also link 10G top-of-rack switches to rack servers equipped with 10G NICs, enabling 10G network transmission. For details, refer to the figure below:
Figure 2: Schematic Diagram of Switch-to-Switch Connection, Schematic Diagram of Switch-to-Server Connection
Customizable AOC Lengths: to meet the diverse needs of customers, we offer AOC customization services. Scientific layout design and optimal cable lengths help optimize cabling space and reduce deployment costs.
Moduletek supplies the products mentioned in this application guide. Welcome to place your orders!
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