QSFP-H40G-AOC3M – 40G QSFP+ AOC – 3m Length – Active Optical Cable
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QSFP-H40G-AOC3M Description
QSFP-H40G-AOC3M is a Cisco 40GBase-AOC QSFP direct-attach active optical cable for short 40G QSFP-to-QSFP Ethernet links between compatible Cisco switch or router ports. This 3-meter cable belongs to the Cisco 40GBASE QSFP module portfolio, uses an active optical cable assembly instead of a copper DAC, and is listed by Cisco among QSFP-H40G-AOC lengths for rack and adjacent-rack connectivity. Cisco also identifies the QSFP end with 3.5 mm cable diameter, 60 mm bend radius, 115 mm face plate distance, PVC jacket material, and orange jacket color, making the SKU a BOM-specific choice when the design needs a fixed 3 m 40G AOC rather than a breakout cable.
Quick Specs
|
Parameter |
Specification |
|---|---|
|
Product ID |
QSFP-H40G-AOC3M |
|
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 |
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 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 |
- QSFP-H40G-AOC3M: 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 technical fit and order by exact SKU, because the same Cisco 40G AOC family includes multiple lengths that are easy to mix in a purchase request. Related SKU checks: QSFP-H40G-AOC5M. Related comparison SKUs: QSFP-H40G-AOC2M.
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 |
Specifications
| Parameter | Specification | Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|---|---|
| Product ID | QSFP-H40G-AOC3M | 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.
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