An Active Optical Cable (AOC) is a cabling technology that uses optical fiber between the connectors. This format enables the transmission of data over longer distances – and at higher bandwidths – than traditional copper cables.
AOC cables are an increasingly popular choice for data centers, HPC and telecommunications thanks to their light weight, flexibility, and superior performance in dense network environments.
Here are some of the best reasons to make the transition to AOCs for your network.
- Higher Data Transmission Speeds
The ever-increasing demand for higher transmission speeds makes AOCs an attractive option for HPC applications and data centers. They are designed to support extremely high data rates, ranging from 10 Gbps to 400 Gbps and beyond. This is essential for backbone communications in large data centers, telecommunications, and enterprise networks. - Dual-Range Efficiency & Long-Distance Performance
In addition to higher speeds, AOCs offer exceptional versatility in terms of range. AOCs provide a solution for short-range (up to 100 meters) applications, often outperforming other cabling options. This cost efficiency stems from the integrated design of AOCs, which includes pre-terminated by optical transceivers. These make for a more straightforward installation process, and lower costs for setup and maintenance.
On the other hand, AOCs also excel at transmitting data over distances with significantly less signal degradation. Light signals are not affected by electrical interference and have much lower attenuation (signal loss) compared to electrical signals in copper wires. This allows optical signals in single mode AOCs to maintain high data integrity over kilometers, compared to copper that typically becomes unreliable beyond (only a few meters at 800G/s) 100 meters. - Better Airflow, Less Heat: Thermal Management Benefits
AOCs also offer important advantages for heat management in data centers and other network environments when compared to DAC.
Firstly, these cables generate less heat than traditional copper cables, because optical fibers transmit data via light rather than electrical currents. Copper cables become warm as they transmit electrical signals. If data is being transmitted over long distances, or at high data rates, this heat increases, creating thermal management challenges.
AOCs are able to sidestep these challenges because of their physical properties. They are generally thinner and more flexible than copper cables. Their slim profile and smaller bend radius allow for more compact cable assembly, improving airflow in densely packed racks and enclosures. - Superior EMI Resistance
Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) is a common issue in densely populated electronic settings. AOCs are not susceptible to EMI because of their light-based mode of transmission. This lack of EMI sensitivity makes it possible to route AOCs alongside other cables or electrical devices without the risk of crosstalk or data corruption. As a result, AOCs provide a more reliable and stable communication link in environments where electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) is a critical factor, enhancing overall network performance and reducing the need for complex shielding requirements. - AOCs: Plug and Play Deployment
Unlike other setups, AOCs make it possible to integrate optical transceivers within the cable assembly. This means that optical modules are pre-installed at both ends of the cable, eliminating the need to purchase separate transceivers and install them manually. These efficiency gains can make a significant difference in fast-paced IT environments. AOCs can also be used to set up or expand existing network infrastructures without major downtime. This is particularly useful in long-distance applications where gradual scaling might be necessary, such as inter-building connections in campus settings or between different floors of large buildings.
Top Applications for Active Optical Cables
AOCs have a large and growing range of applications. Here are some of the most prominent.
- Server-to-Server Communication
High-speed data transfer between servers within the same data center, enabling efficient data synchronization and resource sharing essential for load balancing and redundancy. - Storage Area Networks (SANs)
AOCs are used to connect storage devices and servers, providing a fast and reliable data transfer pathway that is critical for high-performance access to stored data. - Data Center Interconnects
Connect switches and routers within or across data centers, supporting high-throughput and low-latency communications. - High-Performance Computing (HPC) Clusters
In HPC environments, AOCs link various computational nodes and storage units, ensuring rapid data flow between components to process complex computations efficiently. - Video Transmission
AOCs support live event broadcasting and production environments to transport high-definition video signals over long distances. - Cloud Infrastructure
Cloud service providers use AOCs to interconnect various data storage and processing services in massive data centers. - Telecommunications
Telecom companies reply on AOCs in network infrastructure to ensure high-speed data transmission capabilities over long distances.
Future-Proof Your Network with American-Made Active Optical Cables by Fast Photonics
Whether you’re looking to upgrade your data center, optimize your high-performance
computing cluster, or simply ensure that your critical operations are supported by the most
advanced and efficient technology available, AOCs from Fast Photonics offer the quality and
performance you need. We encourage you to visit our Active Optical Cables page to learn
more about our range of AOC products, designed to meet the specific needs of your
applications.
