10G SFP+ AOC Cables
Active optical cable assembly for 10G switch and server links. Choose length, form factor and host compatibility.
25G SFP28 AOC Cables
Active optical cable assembly for 25G switch and server links. Choose length, form factor and host compatibility.
40G QSFP+ AOC Cables
Active optical cable assembly for 40G switch and server links. Choose length, form factor and host compatibility.
56G QSFP+ AOC Cables
Active optical cable assembly for 56G switch and server links. Choose length, form factor and host compatibility.
100G QSFP28 AOC Cables
100G QSFP28 AOC for QSFP28 switch and server ports. Choose cable length, breakout needs and host compatibility.
100G SFP-DD AOC Cables
100G SFP-DD AOC for compact SFP-DD port designs. Choose cable length, port density and platform compatibility.
200G QSFP56 AOC Cables
200G QSFP56 AOC for 4x50G-class switch and server links. Choose length, reach needs and host compatibility.
200G QSFP-DD AOC Cables
200G QSFP-DD AOC for high-density QSFP-DD ports. Choose length, thermal budget and switch compatibility.
400G QSFP-DD AOC Cables
Active optical cable assembly for 400G switch and server links. Choose length, form factor and host compatibility.
AOC Cable Selection Guide
An AOC cable, or active optical cable, combines optical modules and fiber cable into a factory-terminated high-speed assembly. PHILISUN supplies 10G to 400G AOC cables for data center, AI/HPC, storage and enterprise links where low latency, lower weight, longer reach and predictable platform compatibility are important.
For network physical connectivity planning, choose an AOC cable when copper DAC length, cable bulk or signal margin becomes a constraint but a simple factory-terminated cable is still preferred over separate optical transceivers and patch cords.
| AOC speed family | Common ports | Typical use | Browse series |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10G and 25G AOC | SFP+, SFP28 | Server access, storage, top-of-rack links and short switch interconnects. | 10G SFP+ AOC |
| 40G and 56G AOC | QSFP+, QSFP FDR | Legacy high-speed switch links, storage fabric and InfiniBand-style deployments. | 40G QSFP+ AOC |
| 100G AOC | QSFP28, SFP-DD | Leaf-spine, server aggregation and short high-density data center links. | 100G QSFP28 AOC |
| 200G AOC | QSFP56, QSFP-DD | High-bandwidth switch, storage and AI/HPC interconnects. | 200G QSFP56 AOC |
| 400G AOC | QSFP-DD | High-density data center, AI/HPC and aggregation links where fiber reach is preferred. | 400G QSFP-DD AOC |
How to choose AOC cables
- Start with the port: confirm speed, form factor, host equipment model and whether the link needs breakout or straight-through cabling.
- Compare cable families: use AOC when lower weight, longer reach or easier routing is needed; compare with DAC cables, ACC and AEC when the route is short.
- Confirm length and routing: define cable length, bend radius, tray path, airflow, port density and installation handling requirements.
- Check compatibility: coding, DOM/DDM behavior, host validation and mixed-vendor switch environments should be reviewed before bulk ordering.
- Document acceptance: request serial labels, compatibility records, performance test data, packaging groups and link-level BOM notes.
| Project scenario | Recommended focus | Related PHILISUN page |
|---|---|---|
| Data center switch and server links | AOC cables for lighter routing and predictable short-reach optical performance. | Data Center Fiber Solutions |
| AI/HPC cluster cabling | Low-latency high-speed AOC links with clear compatibility and spare strategy. | AI & HPC Network Fiber Solutions |
| AOC vs DAC/ACC/AEC decision | Compare reach, power, airflow, bend radius, port density and cost by link length. | AOC, DAC, ACC & AEC Cables |
| Optics and structured fiber alternative | Use transceivers plus fiber when the link must pass through patch panels or longer routes. | Optical Transceivers |
| Complete high-speed cable BOM | Coordinate AOC cables with DAC, ACC, AEC, MPO trunks, patch cords and spares. | Fiber Optic Products |
For a custom AOC cable recommendation, send the speed, form factor, host equipment model, length, quantity, compatibility target, route constraints, label format and required test records. PHILISUN can help compare AOC with DAC, ACC, AEC and optical transceiver options for the same link. For project support, contact PHILISUN.
AOC Cables FAQ
What is an AOC cable?
An AOC cable is an active optical cable with optical transceiver electronics and fiber cable integrated into one factory-terminated assembly. It is used for short high-speed links between switches, servers, storage and network equipment.
When should I choose AOC instead of DAC?
Choose AOC when the link needs longer reach, lower cable weight, easier routing or better airflow than copper DAC can provide. DAC is often preferred for very short links where cost and power are the main priorities.
Which AOC speeds does PHILISUN support?
PHILISUN supports common AOC cable families from 10G and 25G to 40G, 56G, 100G, 200G and 400G, including SFP+, SFP28, QSFP+, QSFP28, QSFP56 and QSFP-DD form factors.
Do AOC cables need compatibility coding?
Yes. The host switch, server, NIC or storage platform may require compatible EEPROM coding and validation. Provide the equipment model and operating environment before ordering project quantities.
What information is needed for a custom AOC cable quote?
Provide speed, form factor, host equipment model, length, quantity, compatibility requirement, route constraints, label format, packaging group and test report requirements.
Selecting the Right AOC Cables for Your Network
Contact the Philisun team for expert guidance in selecting the right AOC cable solutions for your data center, ensuring reliable performance and seamless compatibility.
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AOC cables specification checklist for serious buyers
AOC cables should be selected as part of a complete optical channel, not as an isolated SKU. For PHILISUN customers, the practical goal is to convert the network requirement into a repeatable specification that production, testing, packing and field installation can all follow. That means the buyer should define the link role, equipment interface, cable route, operating environment and acceptance records before comparing unit prices.
This checklist also helps teams compare alternatives consistently across repeated purchasing cycles.
In most projects, AOC cables serve as short-reach optical interconnects for high-density racks, AI clusters and data center switch-to-server links. The correct choice depends on the port type, required speed, route distance, density target, maintenance process and future migration plan. A product that looks suitable on a data sheet can still create field issues if the bend radius, label format, polarity, coding, packing group or test report does not match the real deployment.
Confirm the link role before requesting a quote
Start by naming where the assembly will be used: switch-to-server, rack-to-rack, panel-to-panel, equipment breakout, backbone, access link, AI cluster link or maintenance spare. This small step makes the rest of the selection much easier. A short high-density rack link may prioritize handling, airflow and connector density, while a backbone or pre-terminated route may prioritize length accuracy, pulling protection, loss budget and labeling discipline.
Also decide whether the order is for a one-time replacement, a pilot build, a repeat production batch or a multi-site deployment. Replacement orders need exact compatibility with existing stock. Pilot orders need enough detail to validate the architecture. Multi-site orders need stable naming, packing and test documentation so every site receives the same interpretation of the specification.
Lock down the technical options
The most common ordering mistakes happen when one important option is assumed instead of written down. Use the checklist below before finalizing a bill of materials:
- speed and form factor
- length group
- host compatibility
- bend radius
- airflow impact
- temperature range
- required speed or application
- equipment brand and port type
- route length and service-loop allowance
- connector, polish, gender or polarity details
- fiber mode or cable construction
- jacket color, rating and diameter
- label format and packing group
- insertion loss, return loss or compatibility test requirement
When these details are known, PHILISUN can recommend whether the project should use standard stock, a custom length, a low-loss option, a different cable family or a different migration path. This is especially important for 100G, 400G and 800G environments, where a small mismatch in reach, connector type, polarity or host support can delay deployment.
Plan testing, labels and spares at the same time
Testing and documentation are part of the product, not an afterthought. For fiber assemblies, request the records that match the risk of the link: insertion loss, return loss, polarity or continuity verification, end-face inspection, DOM/DDM compatibility where relevant, and any serial or packing identifiers needed by the installation team. For repeated orders, keep the same naming rule across labels, packing lists and test files.
Spare planning should follow the same logic. Keep spares grouped by form factor, fiber type, length, polarity, coding and equipment platform. If two assemblies look similar but serve different routes or hosts, use labels and packing groups to prevent accidental mixing. This reduces troubleshooting time and makes future expansion easier.
When to request a custom review
Request a custom review when the project includes non-standard lengths, mixed equipment brands, high-density racks, special jacket requirements, strict loss limits, phased deployment, or a migration from 100G to 400G or 800G. These situations benefit from checking the full channel instead of approving the product line one item at a time. A short review can confirm whether the current specification is complete, whether a related product family would reduce risk, and whether the order needs special labels, packing groups or compatibility testing before shipment.
Related PHILISUN planning pages
For adjacent product families and solution planning, review AOC and DAC cable hub, DAC cables, optical transceivers, AI and HPC network solutions and contact PHILISUN.