QSFP-H40G-AOC3M – 40G QSFP+ AOC – 3m Length – Active Optical Cable
0/mo Solds
Stable Global Supply Chain for Thriving Businesses.
- $3,000,000 Inventory
- Certified Cisco Partner ships
- Collaborating with FedEx, UPS, DHL
Established Global IT Distributor
With over a decade of industry experience, we are a certified Cisco Partner delivering genuine enterprise networking hardware and trusted services to system integrators, ISPs, and enterprises worldwide.
QSFP-H40G-AOC3M Description
QSFP-H40G-AOC3M is the Cisco 3-meter 40G QSFP active optical cable for direct QSFP-to-QSFP Ethernet links.
This length is useful when a 2-meter cable is too short but the rack layout still needs a tidy short optical run. It is not a breakout cable, and it should be checked against the target Cisco platform and software release before the purchase order is approved.
For buying review, confirm the 3-meter route, QSFP host ports, compatibility matrix result, and whether nearby 2-meter or 5-meter cable lengths would fit better. Layer23-Switch can help check price, stock, warranty support, and shipping timing for the exact AOC SKU.
Quick Specs
|
Parameter |
Specification |
|---|---|
|
Product ID |
QSFP-H40G-AOC3M |
|
Brand |
Cisco |
|
Product family |
Cisco 40GBASE QSFP modules |
|
Product type |
40GBASE QSFP direct-attach active optical cable |
|
Cable assembly type |
Active optical cable assembly |
|
Interface role |
QSFP direct-attach 40G cable |
|
Ethernet rate |
40 Gigabit Ethernet |
|
Cable length |
3 meters |
|
Pull tab color |
Orange |
|
QSFP connector module dimensions |
13.5 x 18.4 x 72.4 mm maximum outer dimensions |
|
QSFP connector module weight |
100 grams or less |
|
QSFP-end cable diameter |
3.5 mm |
|
QSFP-end bend radius |
60 mm |
|
QSFP-end face plate distance |
115 mm |
|
Jacket material |
PVC |
|
Jacket color |
Orange |
Application Scenarios
Use QSFP-H40G-AOC3M when two compatible Cisco QSFP interfaces sit close enough for a 3-meter run and the design calls for an active optical cable instead of a passive copper cable. The short fixed length helps reduce spare cable buildup in dense top-of-rack or aggregation racks.
This SKU is useful when a bill of materials must stay inside Cisco-listed 40G QSFP cable options. Engineers should still match the target switch or line card against Cisco’s compatibility matrix, because the supported software release depends on the platform.
QSFP-H40G-AOC3M can be considered when a short 40G connection needs a lighter optical cable form than comparable copper direct-attach cables. Before purchase, confirm the physical cable path, bend radius, and face plate clearance in the rack.
Product Comparison
|
Parameter |
QSFP-H40G-AOC3M |
QSFP-H40G-AOC5M | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Product family |
Cisco 40GBASE QSFP modules |
Cisco 40GBASE QSFP modules |
Cisco 40GBASE QSFP modules |
|
Product type |
QSFP direct-attach active optical cable |
QSFP direct-attach active optical cable |
QSFP direct-attach active optical cable |
|
Ethernet rate |
40 Gigabit Ethernet |
40 Gigabit Ethernet |
40 Gigabit Ethernet |
|
Cable length |
3 meters |
2 meters |
5 meters |
|
Pull tab color |
Orange |
Brown |
Gray |
|
QSFP-end cable diameter |
3.5 mm |
3.5 mm |
3.5 mm |
|
QSFP-end bend radius |
60 mm |
60 mm |
60 mm |
|
QSFP-end face plate distance |
115 mm |
115 mm |
115 mm |
|
Jacket material |
PVC |
PVC |
PVC |
|
Jacket color |
Orange |
Orange |
Orange |
- Choose the 3-meter SKU when the cable path is longer than a 2-meter run but does not need the extra slack of the 5-meter version.
- The 2-meter, 3-meter, and 5-meter AOC options keep the same QSFP-end cable diameter and bend-radius values in Cisco’s cable-dimension table.
- Pull tab color is useful for warehouse receiving and rack-side identification, but compatibility should still be checked by platform and software release.
- Ask for price and stock by exact SKU, because the same Cisco 40G AOC family includes multiple lengths that are easy to mix in a purchase request.
Selection Guide
1. Match the cable length to the actual rack path
Select QSFP-H40G-AOC3M when the measured route between the two QSFP ports fits a 3-meter cable with service slack. Avoid using a longer cable only because it is available, since excess fiber routing can complicate cable management in high-density racks.
2. Validate the Cisco platform before ordering
Check the Cisco compatibility matrix for the exact switch, supervisor, line card, and software release. Cisco lists QSFP-H40G-AOC3M across multiple Catalyst and Nexus entries, but the release requirement is platform-specific.
3. Separate direct-attach AOC needs from breakout needs
Use this SKU for QSFP direct-attach 40G connections. If the design needs one QSFP port to split into four SFP+ links, evaluate Cisco’s QSFP-to-4xSFP+ breakout AOC SKUs instead of this cable.
4. Confirm commercial requirements with the exact SKU
For quote, warranty, and shipping checks, use QSFP-H40G-AOC3M exactly in the request. Similar 40G AOC SKUs differ mainly by length, so the wrong line item can create receiving and installation delays.
Ordering Checklist
|
Check Item |
What to Confirm |
Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
|
Exact SKU |
QSFP-H40G-AOC3M |
Prevents accidental substitution with 2-meter, 5-meter, or breakout AOC variants |
|
Cable length |
3-meter rack path with service slack |
Keeps the installed link tidy without forcing tight bends |
|
Platform compatibility |
Target Cisco device, line card, and software release |
Cisco compatibility support is device and release dependent |
|
Interface role |
QSFP direct-attach 40G connection |
Avoids ordering this cable for a 4xSFP+ breakout requirement |
|
Physical routing |
3.5 mm cable diameter and 60 mm bend radius |
Helps validate rack clearance before shipment |
|
Procurement support |
Price, stock, warranty, and shipping timing |
Aligns the purchase with deployment schedule and receiving needs |
Specifications
| Parameter | Specification | Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|---|---|
| Product ID | QSFP-H40G-AOC3M | Brand | Cisco |
| Product family | Cisco 40GBASE QSFP modules | Product type | 40GBASE QSFP direct-attach active optical cable |
| Cable assembly type | Active optical cable assembly | Interface role | QSFP direct-attach 40G cable |
| Ethernet rate | 40 Gigabit Ethernet | Cable length | 3 meters |
| Pull tab color | Orange | QSFP connector module dimensions | 13.5 x 18.4 x 72.4 mm maximum outer dimensions |
| QSFP connector module weight | 100 grams or less | QSFP-end cable diameter | 3.5 mm |
| QSFP-end bend radius | 60 mm | QSFP-end face plate distance | 115 mm |
| Jacket material | PVC | Jacket color | Orange |
| Standards reference | QSFP+ MSA SFF-8436 | Compliance reference | RoHS 6 |
Get More Information
Need pricing, stock, or shipping details for the QSFP-H40G-AOC3M ? Layer23-Switch can help you check current availability, lead time, and delivery options for this. Send us the part number, quantity, and destination country via live chat or email sales@layer23-switch.com for a fast quotation.
Quality Certifications
Customer Reviews
Questions & Answers
Warranty
Layer23-Switch.com offers genuine, high-quality ICT products at competitive wholesale prices—ensuring exceptional value without compromising quality.
All items are brand new, original, and factory-sealed.
Upon request, each unit can be fully tested and verified by a Cisco CCIE-certified engineer to ensure perfect working condition before shipment.
Our Cisco CCIE-certified experts provide free professional support via phone, email, online chat, or remote login—helping you deploy and troubleshoot with confidence.
If you are not satisfied with your purchase, you may request an exchange or full refund. Our customer service team will guide you through the return process quickly and smoothly. Visit Return Policy page for more information.
We support multiple secure payment and logistics options, backed by industry-leading verification:












Visit How to Pay page for more information
Extended, Worry-Free Warranty Coverage Factory New Sealed Enterprise Hardware:
· 3 Years Factory New Sealed
Visit Warranty Policy page for more information
Device Authenticity & Lifecycle Verification
Verify Cisco hardware by serial number and check lifecycle status before deployment.
Standard Services
Personalized Service, Superior Product Maintenance for Ultimate Satisfaction.
- Projects and Technical Support
- Easy Purchasing Supply
- Product Lifecycle Protection
- Exclusive F3 Team Support
Customized Support for Your Needs with CCIE, HCIE, HPE ASE, etc.

Our internal vendor satisfaction survey gave Layer23 high marks. Would have liked a tracking update sooner, but the product is great.
Asked about a future order — they remembered our previous purchase and made the new quote easy.
Asked our reseller contact to confirm — fully legit. Layer23 sources genuine gear. Minor delay in delivery, but everything was in order.