BlueOptics Q28-AOC-25M-NA-BO InfiniBand fibre optic cable 25m OM3

The BlueOptics Q28-AOC-25M-NA-BO InfiniBand fibre optic cable 25m OM3 is an active optical cable (AOC) with QSFP28 connectors on both ends designed for short-range 100G connections inside and between racks. It uses OM3 multimode fibre with a 50 µm core and integrates I/O and O/E conversion within the QSFP28 modules to carry 100GBASE-SR4 Ethernet and InfiniBand signals over a 25 metre distance. The cable features an LSZH (low smoke zero halogen) outer sheath and is intended for high-density data centre and high-performance computing environments where weight, flexibility and compact routing are required.

Advantages

This QSFP28 to QSFP28 25m AOC delivers the optical performance of multimode OM3 fibre with the convenience of hot‑pluggable QSFP28 transceiver-style connectors. Compared with passive twinax DAC solutions it offers reduced weight, greater flexibility and a smaller bend radius. Built-in electrical-to-optical and optical-to-electrical conversion inside the connector modules ensures signal integrity across the full 25 m length. The cable is manufactured to SFF/MSA and IEEE considerations and is produced with LSZH sheathing for lower smoke and halogen-free characteristics in case of fire.

Suitable for

• 100GBASE-SR4 Ethernet links in short-reach rack or adjacent-rack connections
• InfiniBand high-performance computing interconnects over short distances
• Data centre top-of-rack and leaf-spine connections where flexibility and reduced weight are required
• Environments requiring LSZH (low smoke, zero halogen) cabling

Key specifications

• Fibre type: OM3 multimode fibre
• Core diameter: 50 µm multimode
• Connector type: QSFP28 to QSFP28 (integrated active transceiver modules)
• Length: 25 metres
• Supported data rates: 100 G (100GBASE-SR4 and compatible InfiniBand rates)
• Sheath material: LSZH (low smoke, zero halogen)
• Bend radius and flexibility: reduced diameter and smaller bend radius compared with passive twinax
• Hot-pluggable: yes (QSFP28 compliant)

How to use

Install the BlueOptics QSFP28 to QSFP28 AOC by aligning each QSFP28 connector with the corresponding port and gently inserting until the connector latches. The active modules perform automatic electrical-to-optical and optical-to-electrical conversion; no separate transceivers or fibre termination is required. Use the cable for short-range 100G links inside racks or between adjacent racks. When routing, avoid sharp bends and maintain a bend radius consistent with multimode AOC recommendations. The LSZH sheath allows installation in spaces where low smoke, halogen-free materials are specified.

Usage recommendations

Check compatibility of QSFP28 port firmware and host hardware with active optical cable modules and confirm that the connected equipment supports 100GBASE-SR4 or the intended InfiniBand speed. When installing, secure the cable to avoid strain on the connector modules and keep bend radius above the manufacturer’s recommended minimum to preserve optical performance.