HPE Networking 40GBase-AOC Direct Attach Cable
Best high-speed connectivity for data center rack and stack configurations.
This HPE Networking 40GBase-AOC direct attach cable offers a high-speed, cost-effective solution for short-reach connections within data centers and networking environments. It features QSFP+ connectors on both ends, ensuring compatibility with compatible HPE Aruba and CX series switches. The 15-meter (49.21 ft) length provides flexibility for rack and stack configurations. Designed for active optical cable applications, it delivers reliable 40Gbps data transfer rates for demanding network infrastructures.
$1159.99
Owner Satisfaction
4.5
/ 5
Category Rank
3894
/ 6564
#3894 in Network Cables
Price vs Category Average
+210%
Above average
Type
40
/ GBase-AOC direct attach cable
Who it's for
- Enterprise admins requiring guaranteed hardware compatibility
- Network architects building efficient, short-range server clusters
- IT managers needing high-speed data center performance
Who should skip it
- Engineers connecting hardware across different rooms or buildings
- Teams needing flexible cable lengths for evolving network layouts
- Budget-conscious buyers prioritizing lowest cost for in-rack connections
Performance breakdown
Data throughput stability
Maintains consistent 40Gbps speeds without signal degradation over the full length.
Deployment flexibility
Fifteen-meter reach offers significant freedom for complex rack-to-rack cabling layouts.
Connector build quality
QSFP+ ends feel robust and secure during repeated insertion and removal cycles.
System compatibility
Seamless integration with HPE Aruba and CX series hardware right out-of-the-box.
Signal latency performance
Active optical technology ensures minimal latency for high-demand data center environments.
Cable management ease
Fiber optic construction is lightweight and easy to route through tight spaces.
Key Specs
Type
40GBase-AOC direct attach cable
Length
15 m
Cable Type
Fiber optic
Connectors
QSFP+ to QSFP+
Compatibility
HPE Aruba 8325-32C, 8325-48Y8C; CX 8360-12C V2, 8360-16Y2C V2
Data Rate
40 Gbps
Cable Length
15 m (49.21 ft)
Know before you buy
Active Optical Cables are lighter, thinner, and more flexible than copper cables, making them easier to manage in high-density rack environments. Because they use fiber optics, they also offer better signal integrity over longer distances without the weight or bulk of traditional copper cabling.
This cable is specifically engineered and tested for compatibility with HPE Aruba and CX series switches, such as the 8325 and 8360 models. While it uses standard QSFP+ connectors, we recommend sticking to the manufacturer's validated hardware to ensure optimal performance and avoid potential link errors.
Yes, the 15-meter length is ideal for connecting equipment across adjacent racks or within the same row. Its active optical design ensures reliable data transmission at 40Gbps across this distance, which is often beyond the reliable range of passive copper cables.
No, this is a plug-and-play solution. Once connected to the QSFP+ ports on your compatible HPE switches, the hardware should automatically recognize the cable and establish the 40Gbps link without requiring manual port configuration.
AOC stands for Active Optical Cable, meaning the cable has active components built into the connector ends to convert electrical signals to optical signals and back. This allows the cable to maintain high-speed 40Gbps performance over longer distances compared to passive direct attach copper cables.
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