Cisco QSFP-100G-AOC3M
100GBASE QSFP Active Optical Cable, 3m, Original Cisco
Product Highlights
As data center traffic scales and rack densities climb, every interconnect must deliver maximum bandwidth without adding bulk, heat, or complexity. The Cisco QSFP-100G-AOC3M is a 100GBASE QSFP28 Active Optical Cable that provides a point-to-point 100 Gigabit Ethernet link over 3 meters of multimode fiber — all in a single, pre-terminated assembly with QSFP28 connectors on both ends.
Unlike traditional setups that require two discrete transceivers plus a fiber patch cord, this AOC integrates optics and fiber into one sealed, lightweight cable. Operating at 850nm with VCSEL transmitters and PIN photodiode receivers across four independent 25G channels, the QSFP-100G-AOC3M delivers the full 100 Gbps line rate while consuming less power and occupying less space than copper DAC alternatives at comparable distances.
Designed for Cisco switches and routers with QSFP-100G ports, this original Cisco AOC is hot-pluggable and supports Digital Diagnostic Monitoring (DDM/DOM) for real-time visibility into link health. Whether you're connecting leaf-to-spine in a data center fabric, linking servers to top-of-rack switches, or building out high-performance computing clusters, the QSFP-100G-AOC3M delivers the density, reliability, and simplicity that modern 100G deployments demand.
Features & Benefits
100G Active Optical Connectivity
The QSFP-100G-AOC3M uses four independent 25 Gbps optical lanes to deliver an aggregate 100 Gbps data rate. By integrating VCSEL transmitters and PIN photodiode receivers at 850nm directly into the QSFP28 housing, the cable eliminates the need for separate transceiver modules and patch cords — reducing component count, cost, and potential points of failure.
Lightweight, Airflow-Friendly Design
Active optical cables are significantly thinner and lighter than copper direct-attach cables, especially at 3-meter lengths. This slim profile simplifies cable routing in dense rack environments and promotes efficient system airflow — a critical factor in high-density data center deployments where thermal management directly impacts equipment longevity.
Digital Diagnostic Monitoring (DDM/DOM)
Built-in DDM/DOM functionality reports real-time optical power levels, module temperature, laser bias current, and supply voltage through the standard QSFP28 MSA management interface (SFF-8636). This gives network operators proactive visibility into link health, enabling faster troubleshooting and predictive maintenance.
Hot-Pluggable & Standards-Compliant
The QSFP-100G-AOC3M is fully hot-pluggable, allowing installation and replacement without powering down the host device. It complies with the QSFP28 Multi-Source Agreement (MSA), SFF-8665, SFF-8636, and IEEE 802.3bm standards, ensuring broad interoperability across Cisco 100G platforms.
Original Cisco Quality & Certification
As an original Cisco product, the QSFP-100G-AOC3M is certified and tested on Cisco QSFP-100G ports for superior performance, quality, and reliability. It is recognized natively by Cisco platforms without requiring any unsupported-transceiver commands, ensuring seamless deployment and full TAC support eligibility.
Deployment Scenarios
Data Center Top-of-Rack to Leaf/Spine
Connect top-of-rack switches to leaf or spine switches within the same row or adjacent racks. The 3-meter reach and lightweight fiber construction make the QSFP-100G-AOC3M ideal for structured cabling in modern leaf-spine data center fabrics where 100G links are standard.
Server-to-Switch High-Speed Interconnect
Directly attach 100G-capable servers or network interface cards to access-layer switches. The pre-terminated AOC design eliminates transceiver procurement and fiber patching, simplifying deployment and reducing per-link cost in compute-dense environments.
High-Performance Computing (HPC) Clusters
Establish low-latency, high-bandwidth interconnects between compute nodes, storage arrays, and network switches in HPC environments. The QSFP-100G-AOC3M's low power consumption and compact form factor support the dense cabling requirements typical of HPC rack layouts.
Storage Area Network (SAN) Connectivity
Link storage controllers and directors within short-range SAN fabrics. The sealed optical assembly provides reliable, EMI-immune 100G connectivity that is well-suited for environments where signal integrity is paramount.
General
Performance
Cable & Connector
Environmental
Compliance
Compatibility Notes
The Cisco QSFP-100G-AOC3M is supported on Cisco switches and routers equipped with QSFP-100G (QSFP28) ports. For a complete list of supported platforms and port-level compatibility, refer to the Cisco 100 Gigabit Ethernet Transceiver Modules Compatibility Matrix on cisco.com. Always verify compatibility for your specific switch model, line card, and software version before ordering.
Downloads & Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
| Part Number | Product | Key Difference |
|---|---|---|
| QSFP-100G-AOC1M | Cisco 100GBASE QSFP AOC, 1m | Shorter 1-meter reach — best for within-rack connections where minimal cable length is needed. |
| QSFP-100G-AOC5M | Cisco 100GBASE QSFP AOC, 5m | Longer 5-meter reach — extends connectivity to adjacent rows while retaining AOC weight and airflow benefits. |
| QSFP-100G-AOC10M | Cisco 100GBASE QSFP AOC, 10m | 10-meter reach for mid-range data center runs where copper DAC cables cannot reach. |
| QSFP-100G-CU3M | Cisco 100GBASE-CR4 QSFP DAC, 3m | Passive copper direct-attach cable at the same 3m length — lower cost but heavier and less flexible than AOC. |
