Cisco QDD-400-AOC2M
400G QSFP-DD Active Optical Cable, 2M, Original Cisco
Product Highlights
High-density 400G deployments demand interconnects that keep pace with port density without choking airflow or complicating cable management. The Cisco QDD-400-AOC2M is an original Cisco 400G QSFP-DD active optical cable that delivers 400 Gigabit Ethernet connectivity over a 2-meter multi-mode fiber link, purpose-built for intra-rack and adjacent-rack connections in modern data center fabrics.
Equipped with a QSFP-DD transceiver assembly at each end operating at 850nm over OM4 MMF, the QDD-400-AOC2M provides the full 400Gbps aggregate data rate across eight optical lanes, each running at up to 53 Gb/s. Active optical cables are significantly thinner and lighter than their copper DAC counterparts, enabling efficient system airflow — a critical advantage in high-density racks where every millimeter of clearance matters.
As a genuine Cisco product, the QDD-400-AOC2M is natively recognized by Cisco platforms with QSFP-DD ports, eliminating the need for unsupported-transceiver CLI workarounds. Forward Error Correction (FEC) is handled by the host platform ASIC, keeping the cable assembly simple and power-efficient. Whether you are building leaf-spine fabrics, interconnecting compute nodes, or scaling out storage clusters, this AOC delivers the bandwidth, reliability, and manageability that 400G infrastructure requires.
Features & Benefits
400G Full-Rate Performance
The QDD-400-AOC2M supports 400 Gigabit Ethernet at full line rate across eight optical lanes, each operating at up to 53 Gb/s. This ensures your spine-leaf fabric or compute cluster interconnect runs at maximum throughput without bottlenecks.
Lightweight Active Optical Design
Active optical cables are much thinner and lighter than copper direct-attach cables, which simplifies cable management in dense environments. AOCs also enable efficient system airflow, which is critical in high-density racks where thermal performance directly impacts equipment reliability.
Simplified Cable Management
At just 2 meters and weighing only 180 g, the QDD-400-AOC2M is easy to route through cable trays and tight spaces. The reduced bend radius compared to copper DACs gives network installers more flexibility during deployment and moves/adds/changes.
Native Cisco Platform Recognition
As an original Cisco transceiver product, this AOC is automatically recognized by Cisco switches and routers equipped with QSFP-DD ports. There is no need for service unsupported-transceiver commands, reducing operational risk and simplifying compliance.
Host-Based FEC
Forward Error Correction is performed on the host platform ASIC rather than inside the cable assembly. This keeps the AOC's power consumption low while still ensuring robust, error-free data transmission across the link.
Deployment Scenarios
Data Center Leaf-Spine Fabric Interconnects
Connect top-of-rack leaf switches to spine switches within the same or adjacent racks at 400GbE. The 2-meter reach and slim profile make the QDD-400-AOC2M ideal for structured cabling in high-density spine-leaf architectures.
High-Performance Compute Cluster Interconnects
Link GPU or CPU compute nodes to 400G-capable ToR switches in HPC and AI/ML training environments. The low-latency, full-rate 400G connection maximizes data throughput between nodes and the network fabric.
Storage Network Connectivity
Provide 400G links between storage arrays and network switches within the same row. The lightweight AOC design reduces cable bulk in storage racks where density and airflow are at a premium.
Lab and Proof-of-Concept Environments
Quickly stand up 400G test beds with a short, manageable cable. The 2-meter length is well-suited for bench-top lab setups where equipment sits side by side on a single rack or adjacent benches.
General
Performance
Optical
Physical
Environmental
Compliance
Compatibility Notes
The Cisco QDD-400-AOC2M is supported on Cisco switches and routers equipped with QSFP-DD 400G ports. Always verify specific platform and minimum software release compatibility using the Cisco Transceiver Module Compatibility Matrix at tmgmatrix.cisco.com. FEC is performed on the host platform — consult your platform's configuration guide for FEC settings applicable to 400G AOC links.
Downloads & Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
| Part Number | Product | Key Difference |
|---|---|---|
| QDD-400-AOC3M | Cisco 400G QSFP-DD AOC, 3M | Same 400G AOC in a 3-meter length for slightly longer intra-row or cross-rack runs. |
| QDD-400-AOC5M | Cisco 400G QSFP-DD AOC, 5M | 5-meter reach for mid-row or end-of-row connections where 2M is too short. |
| QDD-400-CU2M | Cisco 400G QSFP-DD DAC, 2M | Passive copper DAC at the same 2M length — lower cost but thicker cable and no EMI immunity. |
| QDD-400G-SR8-S | Cisco 400G QSFP-DD SR8 Transceiver | Pluggable transceiver with MPO-16 connector for up to 100m over OM4 — use when you need longer reach or patch-panel flexibility. |