AVPro Edge 40G QSFP+ 2 Meter Active Optical Cable

AVPro Edge 40G QSFP+ 2-Meter Active Optical Cable (AOC)

The AVPro Edge 40G QSFP+ 2-Meter Active Optical Cable is a fiber-based interconnect solution that provides 40 Gbps full-duplex bandwidth between QSFP+ ports over a 2-meter span. Unlike passive copper DAC cables, active optical cables incorporate integrated laser transceivers at each end, enabling longer reach, complete electrical isolation between connected devices, and immunity to electromagnetic interference — properties that are particularly valuable in AV environments where power-hungry amplifiers and RF sources can introduce copper cable noise. At 2 meters, this cable is suited for cross-rack runs, intra-rack connections between non-adjacent switches, and short fiber spans where DAC cables fall short.

Description

In SDVoE and AV-over-IP infrastructure, 40G switch interconnects are the backbone that carries aggregated encoder and decoder traffic between leaf and spine switches. Copper DAC cables are limited in reach — typically 3 to 7 meters depending on gauge — and are subject to EMI in dense electrical environments. This active optical cable extends the usable interconnect distance to 2 meters with a lightweight, flexible fiber cable that imposes minimal stress on QSFP+ port cages. The active optical transceiver elements are factory-terminated and pre-qualified, meaning no field splicing or separate optical transceivers are required. Simply insert both ends and the link is established.

Key Features

• 40 Gbps full-duplex bandwidth via multimode optical fiber
• 2-meter length extends reach beyond copper DAC cable limits
• Integrated active optical transceivers — no separate SFP modules required
• Full electrical isolation eliminates ground loop and EMI susceptibility
• Lightweight, flexible fiber cable reduces stress on QSFP+ port cages
• Plug-and-play installation — no field termination or fiber splicing
• Compatible with any standard IEEE 802.3ba QSFP+ port

Typical Applications

• Spine-to-leaf switch interconnects in SDVoE and AV-over-IP fabric networks
• Cross-rack 40G connections where copper DAC cables are too short
• AV head-end rooms with EMI-sensitive environments (near amplifier racks or RF equipment)
• Broadcast control rooms requiring deterministic, low-jitter 40G inter-switch links
• University and corporate campuses connecting co-located 40G switches across adjacent rack bays

Technical Specifications

Competitor Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between this AOC and the AVPro Edge 1M passive breakout cable?

The passive breakout cable is a copper DAC that splits 40G into four 10G SFP+ channels. This 2-meter AOC connects two QSFP+ ports at full 40G and uses fiber optics for immunity to EMI and extended reach. They serve different functions: the breakout cable fans out bandwidth, while the AOC maintains a single 40G link between two QSFP+ devices.

Does an active optical cable require separate SFP+ transceivers?

No. The active transceivers are factory-integrated into the cable assembly at both ends. The cable plugs directly into standard QSFP+ port cages on each switch or device with no additional hardware required.

Why choose an AOC at 2 meters instead of a passive copper DAC?

At 2 meters, both passive DAC and AOC cables are electrically viable, but AOC is the better choice in environments with significant electromagnetic interference — such as racks near power amplifiers, unshielded power cabling, or RF equipment. AOC also weighs significantly less, reducing mechanical stress on switch port cages.

Is this cable compatible with non-AVPro Edge switches?

Yes. The cable is compliant with IEEE 802.3ba and is compatible with any QSFP+ (40G) port from Cisco, Aruba, Juniper, Mellanox, and other mainstream switch vendors.