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Cisco Active Optical Cables - Refurbished, Used
Cisco active optical cables (AOCs) are fiber jumpers with the transceivers permanently built into each end, so a single part replaces two optics plus a patch cord. They link switch ports, server NICs and fabric extenders across a row of racks at 10G, 25G, 40G and 100G, in lengths from 1 m to 30 m, which is further than passive copper DAC reaches and without the weight. This collection holds the straight SFP-10G-AOC, SFP-25G-AOC, QSFP-H40G-AOC and QSFP-100G-AOC cables, plus the QSFP-4X10G-AOC breakout cables that split one 40G port into four 10G links. NetworkTigers sells Cisco AOCs refurbished, used and new, alongside NetworkTigers Cisco-compatible cables, and every cable is tested end to end before it ships.
Cisco AOC cables by speed and length
| Part family | Speed, ends and lengths | Shop |
|---|---|---|
| SFP-10G-AOCxM | 10G, SFP+ to SFP+; 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 10 and 15 m | SFP-10G-AOC | SFP-10G-AOC3M | SFP-10G-AOC10M |
| SFP-25G-AOCxM | 25G, SFP28 to SFP28; 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7 and 10 m | SFP-25G-AOC | SFP-25G-AOC3M | SFP-25G-AOC5M |
| QSFP-H40G-AOCxM | 40G, QSFP+ to QSFP+; 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 10, 15, 25 and 30 m | QSFP-H40G-AOC | QSFP-H40G-AOC3M | QSFP-H40G-AOC7M |
| QSFP-100G-AOCxM | 100G, QSFP28 to QSFP28; 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30 m | QSFP-100G-AOC | QSFP-100G-AOC5M | QSFP-100G-AOC7M |
| QSFP-4X10G-AOCxM breakout | One 40G QSFP+ to four 10G SFP+; 1, 2, 3, 5, 7 and 10 m | QSFP-4X10G-AOC | QSFP-4X10G-AOC2M |
| Related Cisco optics | Transceivers for runs beyond 30 m or through patch panels | All Cisco optics | QSFP transceivers | SFP+ transceivers |
AOC, DAC or transceiver plus fiber?
- Distance: passive copper DAC is the cheapest link but runs out at about 5 m at 10G and 3 m at 25G and above. An AOC covers 1 m to 30 m. Beyond 30 m, or wherever the path goes through a patch panel, use two transceivers and structured fiber.
- Weight and bend radius: an AOC is a thin fiber pair, far lighter and more flexible than a 100G copper DAC. In a dense top-of-rack or spine bundle, that means less strain on the cage and a cleaner cable manager.
- Power and heat: an AOC draws about a watt per end, less than most pluggable optics and more than a passive DAC. Across 32 or 48 ports it adds up, so count it in the rack power budget.
- Serviceability: the ends are fixed. If one end fails, the whole cable is replaced, and you cannot swap in a longer fiber later. For links you expect to re-route, transceivers and patch cords stay more flexible.
- Breakouts: QSFP-4X10G-AOC needs the 40G port configured for breakout mode on the switch, so confirm the platform supports it on that port before ordering.
Frequently asked questions
Will a Cisco AOC work between a Cisco switch and a server NIC from another vendor?
Often, because the SFP+ or SFP28 end in the NIC reads the same Cisco-coded EEPROM, and most NIC drivers accept it. Where a NIC insists on its own vendor code, the fix is usually a driver setting. Tell us both ends and we will advise before you buy.
Can I plug a QSFP-100G-AOC into a 40G port?
No. A 100G AOC is built for QSFP28 ports and runs at 100G only. For 40G ports use QSFP-H40G-AOC, and for a 100G port that must talk to a 40G port use a QSFP28 optic that supports a 40G rate instead of an AOC.
What is the difference between a Cisco-branded and a NetworkTigers Cisco-compatible AOC?
Both are coded to be recognized by Cisco switches and both ship tested in a live port. The Cisco-branded cable carries Cisco's label and programming; the compatible cable is our own stock, coded for Cisco platforms, for buyers who want the lower cost with the same warranty.
NetworkTigers has sold enterprise network equipment since 1996. Every cable carries the NetworkTigers 365-day warranty. Need a length or quantity that is not listed? Ask us for a quote.
NEW Cisco QSFP-H40G-AOC5M 5m 40GB QSFP+ Active Optical Cable
$ 562.99
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NEW Cisco QSFP-100G-AOC5M 5m 100GB QSFP28 Active Optical Cable
$ 207.99
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NEW Cisco QSFP-100G-AOC2M 2m 100GB QSFP28 Active Optical Cable
$ 375.99
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Cisco SFP-25G-AOC10M 10m 25GB SFP28 BASE-AOC Active Optical Cable
$ 489.99
$ 527.99
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Cisco SFP-25G-AOC3M 3m 25GB SFP28 BASE-AOC Active Optical Cable
$ 202.99
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Cisco SFP-25G-AOC1M 1m 25GB SFP28 BASE-AOC Active Optical Cable
$ 184.99
$ 245.99
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Cisco QSFP-100G-AOC2M 2m 100GB QSFP28 Active Optical Cable
$ 112.99
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Cisco QSFP-100G-AOC1M 1m 100GB QSFP-100G Active Optical Cable
$ 166.99
$ 233.99
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Cisco QSFP-100G-AOC30M 30m 100GB QSFP28 Active Optical Cable
$ 337.99
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Cisco QSFP-100G-AOC10M 10m 100GB QSFP28 Active Optical Cable
$ 521.99
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Cisco SFP-10G-AOC10M 10m 10GB SFP+ Active Optical Cable
$ 184.99
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Cisco QSFP-H40G-AOC15M 15m 40GB QSFP+ Active Optical Cable
$ 587.99
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Cisco QSFP-H40G-AOC10M 10m 40GB QSFP+ Active Optical Cable
$ 91.99
$ 306.99
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Cisco QSFP-H40G-AOC2M 2m 40GB QSFP+ Active Optical Cable
$ 184.99
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Cisco QSFP-H40G-AOC5M 5m 40GB QSFP+ Active Optical Cable
$ 48.99
$ 56.99
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Cisco SFP-10G-AOC1M 1m 10GB SFP+ Active Optical Cable
$ 132.99
$ 142.99
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Cisco SFP-10G-AOC3M 3m 10GB SFP+ Active Optical Cable
$ 132.99
$ 133.99
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NEW Cisco SFP-10G-AOC7M 7m 10GB SFP+ Active Optical Cable
$ 75.99
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Cisco SFP-10G-AOC7M 7m 10GB SFP+ Active Optical Cable
$ 72.99
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NEW Cisco QSFP-4X10G-AOC5M 5m 1x 40GB QSFP+ to 4x 10GB SFP+ Breakout Cable
$ 344.99
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NEW Cisco QSFP-4X10G-AOC1M 1m 1x 40GB QSFP+ to 4x 10GB SFP+ Breakout Cable
$ 82.99
$ 103.99
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NEW Cisco QSFP-4X10G-AOC7M 7m 1x 40GB QSFP+ to 4x 10GB SFP+ Breakout Cable
$ 562.99
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NEW Cisco QSFP-4X10G-AOC10M 10m 1x 40GB QSFP+ to 4x 10GB SFP+ Breakout Cable
Cisco QSFP-4X10G-AOC3M 3m 1x 40GB QSFP+ to 4x 10GB SFP+ Breakout Cable
$ 132.99
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