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StarTech.com 40Gbps QSFP+ Active Optical Cable 15M Cisco Compatible QSFPH40GAO15
StarTech.com·MPN: QSFPH40GAO15

StarTech.com 40Gbps QSFP+ Active Optical Cable 15M Cisco Compatible QSFPH40GAO15

The StarTech.com QSFPH40GAO15 is a 15-meter active optical cable engineered to deliver reliable 40 Gbps data transfer, ensuring critical network links operate at peak performance within Cisco-compatible environments.

  • 40 Gbps Performance: Provides high-bandwidth connectivity, eliminating network bottlenecks for data-intensive applications and ensuring rapid data processing.
  • 15-Meter Active Optical: Extends high-speed network links over longer distances than copper, maintaining signal integrity without requiring additional transceivers.
  • Cisco Compatibility: Guarantees seamless integration and reliable operation with existing Cisco brand switches and routers, simplifying network expansion.
  • Hot-Swappable Design: Enables quick, on-the-fly replacements or upgrades without interrupting network services, minimizing downtime for critical operations.
$465.04
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Manufacturer Warranty Included

Product Overview

The StarTech.com QSFPH40GAO15 is a purpose-built 15-meter active optical cable, delivering a consistent 40 Gbps data transfer rate for demanding network environments. This solution ensures high-speed connectivity between QSFP+ ports, critical for data centers and enterprise infrastructure.

Engineered for Cisco compatibility and adhering to MSA industry standards, this cable provides frictionless integration into existing network topologies. Its active optical design offers superior signal integrity over longer runs compared to passive copper, reducing electromagnetic interference and enhancing network reliability.

  • High-Speed Data Transfer: Supports 40 Gigabit Ethernet applications, accelerating data throughput for mission-critical systems and reducing latency across the network.
  • Extended Reach: The 15-meter active optical design facilitates flexible equipment placement within data centers or server rooms, optimizing infrastructure layout.
  • Reliable Connectivity: Built to MSA industry standards and tested for Cisco compatibility, this cable ensures stable and consistent connections, preventing costly network disruptions.
  • Enhanced Durability: Features a robust Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) jacket, protecting the cable from physical wear and tear in demanding IT environments, extending its service life.
  • Operational Value: Backed by a lifetime warranty, this cable offers long-term reliability and reduces total cost of ownership by minimizing replacement needs and maintenance efforts.

For businesses requiring dependable, high-performance 40Gbps connectivity within Cisco-centric or MSA-compliant networks, the QSFPH40GAO15 cable is an essential infrastructure component.

Technical Specifications

1Performance & Business Impact
Data Transfer Rate40 Gbit/s
Cable Length15 m / 49.2 ft
InfiniBand Protocol SupportYes
Hot-SwappableYes
2Connectivity & I/O
Connector 1QSFP+ (Male)
Connector 2QSFP+ (Male)
CompatibilityCisco Compatible, MSA Industry Standards
3Physical & Environmental
Dimensions (Package W x D x H)250 mm x 270 mm x 25 mm / 9.84 in x 10.63 in x 0.98 in
Weight229 g / 0.50 lbs
ColorBlack
Jacket MaterialPolyvinyl chloride (PVC)
Operating Temperature0 - 70 °C / 32 - 158 °F
4Lifecycle, Warranty & Compliance
WarrantyLifetime Warranty
Compliance CertificationsREACH, RoHS, CE, FCC
In-Box Contents1 pc(s)
Shipping Weight235 g / 0.52 lbs (Package)

Full Specifications

Manufacturer Data
Features9
Cable length15 m
InfiniBand protocolYes
Connector 1QSFP+
Connector 2QSFP+
Connector 1 genderMale
Connector 2 genderMale
Product colourBlack
Data transfer rate40 Gbit/s
Jacket materialPolyvinyl chloride (PVC)
Weight & dimensions1
Weight229 g
Certificates2
Compliance certificatesREACH, RoHS
CertificationCE, FCC
Packaging content1
Quantity per pack1 pc(s)
Operational conditions1
Operating temperature (T-T)0 - 70 °C
Packaging data1
Package width250 mm
Logistics data1
Master (outer) case width255 mm
Downloads1
Product Datasheet72 KB
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What This Solves

High-Speed Data Center Interconnects

Modern data centers require robust, high-bandwidth links between servers, storage arrays, and network switches to handle massive data volumes. This 40Gbps active optical cable provides the necessary throughput and reliability for these critical interconnects, preventing performance bottlenecks.

Data center operators, enterprise infrastructure teams, co-location facilities

Extending Network Reach

When network devices need to be connected over distances greater than passive copper cables can reliably support, active optical solutions are essential. This 15-meter cable extends 40 Gigabit Ethernet links, maintaining signal integrity and performance across racks or between equipment rooms.

Large campus networks, distributed office environments, manufacturing plants

Cisco Network Expansion

Organizations with existing Cisco networking infrastructure need compatible components for seamless expansion and upgrades. This cable is specifically designed and tested for Cisco compatibility, ensuring frictionless integration and reliable operation within established network ecosystems.

Businesses with Cisco-centric IT infrastructure, network operations centers, IT departments

Key Features

40 Gbps Data Transfer Rate

Ensures rapid data processing and eliminates network bottlenecks for high-bandwidth applications, improving overall system responsiveness.

15-Meter Active Optical Cable

Extends high-speed network connections over longer distances than passive copper, providing flexible equipment placement without signal degradation.

QSFP+ Connectors (Male)

Provides standardized, high-density connectivity for 40 Gigabit Ethernet applications, ensuring broad compatibility with QSFP+ enabled hardware.

Cisco Compatible & MSA Compliant

Guarantees seamless integration and reliable performance within Cisco network environments and adherence to industry-wide standards for interoperability.

Hot-Swappable Design

Enables network administrators to install or replace cables without powering down equipment, minimizing downtime and maintaining continuous operations.

Industry Applications

Finance & Insurance

Supports high-frequency trading platforms and large data transfers between financial systems, where low-latency 40Gbps connectivity is critical.

Healthcare & Life Sciences

Facilitates rapid transfer of large medical imaging files and research data within hospital networks and laboratory environments.

Manufacturing & Industrial

Enables high-speed data exchange for industrial automation, real-time sensor networks, and large-scale operational technology deployments.

Government & Public Sector

Provides secure, high-bandwidth interconnects for data centers managing sensitive information and mission-critical public services.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between an active optical cable (AOC) and a direct attach copper (DAC) cable?

An AOC, like the QSFPH40GAO15, uses fiber optics for data transmission, allowing for longer distances (up to 100m) and better signal integrity compared to DACs. DACs use copper and are typically limited to shorter distances (up to 7m) due to signal attenuation and EMI.

Is this cable compatible with non-Cisco QSFP+ equipment?

Yes, while designed for Cisco compatibility, this cable also complies with MSA (Multi-Source Agreement) industry standards. This ensures it will work reliably with other brands of QSFP+ switches and routers that adhere to these standards.

Does this cable require external power?

No, active optical cables like the QSFPH40GAO15 draw minimal power directly from the QSFP+ port on the connected network device. No external power supply is needed for its operation.

What is the maximum operating temperature for this cable?

The StarTech.com QSFPH40GAO15 is designed to operate reliably in temperatures ranging from 0 to 70 °C (32 to 158 °F), making it suitable for typical data center and server room environments.

Warranty & Returns

Manufacturer Warranty

Lifetime

Warranty is provided directly by the manufacturer and covers defects in materials and workmanship under normal use.

Return Policy

Returns subject to manufacturer approval

Hardware returns are governed by the manufacturer's return policy. Some products are non-returnable or subject to restocking fees. Defective items are handled under the manufacturer warranty. Contact Zent Networks before initiating any return.

$465.04