What is Active Optical (AOC) Cable?

If you’re looking for a high-performance, cost-effective solution for short-range, high-speed data transmission, Active Optical Cables (AOCs) might be exactly what you need. More than just a connection medium, AOCs are a key enabler for modern data centers, high-performance computing (HPC), and storage networking systems. In this article, we’ll dive into what AOCs are, how they work, where they’re used, and why they might be the perfect choice for your fiber optic infrastructure.

Understanding Active Optical Cable

An Active Optical Cable is a type of cable that uses optical fiber between the connectors but integrates active electrical components at both ends to convert electrical signals into optical signals and vice versa. Unlike passive optical cables, AOCs have built-in electronics that boost signal quality and extend transmission distance while maintaining low latency and high bandwidth.

Key Features of AOC:

High Data Rates: Supports up to 400Gbps or more.

Low Power Consumption: Typically lower than comparable transceiver + fiber solutions.

Lightweight and Flexible: Easier to route in dense environments.

Plug-and-Play: No need for separate transceivers; reduces installation complexity.

How Do AOCs Work?

At each end of an AOC cable , you’ll find an electrical-to-optical converter and an optical-to-electrical converter. These integrated circuits allow electrical signals from devices like switches, servers, or routers to be transmitted as light through the optical fiber and then converted back into electrical signals at the receiving end.

This built-in signal conversion ensures better performance and longer distances than traditional copper cables while being more cost-effective and simpler to deploy than separate optical transceivers with patch cords.

AOC vs. DAC vs. Transceivers: What’s the Difference?

For buyers in the fiber communication industry, understanding the difference between AOC, DAC (Direct Attach Cable), and traditional optical transceiver solutions is essential for making the right choice:

Applications of AOC Cables

AOCs are widely used in:

Data Centers: Connecting switches, servers, and storage systems.

High-Performance Computing (HPC): Ensuring fast interconnections with minimal latency.

AI/ML Infrastructure: Supporting high-throughput workloads.

Enterprise Networks: Efficient cabling in core and edge systems.

Because AOC cables are lightweight and have small bend radius, they’re ideal for dense environments and cable management.

Final Thoughts

Whether you're upgrading your data center or scaling your enterprise network, Active Optical Cables offer a practical, high-performance alternative to traditional solutions. Their ease of use, reliability, and bandwidth capacity make them a preferred option in the fiber optic communication industry.

Looking to source high-quality AOC cables at good prices? Visit AFOPLUS online shop now to browse our full selection today!