Cisco SFP-10G-AOC5M
10GBASE Active Optical SFP+ Cable. 5M, Original Cisco
Product Highlights
Managing high-density 10 Gigabit Ethernet interconnects in data centers and enterprise environments demands cabling that is lightweight, reliable, and easy to deploy — without the bulk and bend-radius limitations of traditional copper direct-attach cables.
The Cisco SFP-10G-AOC5M is an original Cisco 10GBASE Active Optical SFP+ Cable assembly with a 5-meter reach. This AOC features factory-terminated SFP+ connectors at each end connected by multimode fiber, delivering 10 Gbps throughput in a single, integrated unit. Because the optics are fully contained within the cable assembly, there are no exposed LC connectors to clean, scratch, or break — dramatically improving reliability and reducing maintenance overhead compared to discrete transceiver-plus-patch-cord solutions.
Designed for short-distance, point-to-point links such as switch-to-switch, switch-to-server, and top-of-rack interconnects, the SFP-10G-AOC5M is lighter and more flexible than SFP+ copper DAC cables, making it ideal for high-density cable management in tight spaces. It is hot-swappable, MSA-compliant (SFF-8431), and operates at commercial temperature ranges, making it a cost-effective and operationally efficient choice for data center, enterprise wiring closet, and service provider transport applications.
Features & Benefits
Integrated Active Optical Design
The SFP-10G-AOC5M integrates optical transceivers directly into the cable assembly, eliminating the need for separate SFP+ modules and fiber patch cords. This reduces component count, simplifies inventory management, and removes exposed optical connectors — a common source of contamination and signal degradation in dense deployments.
Lightweight & Flexible Cabling
Active optical cables are significantly lighter and more flexible than copper direct-attach cables (DAC), offering a smaller bend radius that simplifies routing through cable trays and tight rack spaces. This advantage is especially valuable in high-density data center environments where airflow and cable management are critical.
Hot-Swappable Operation
The SFP-10G-AOC5M is fully hot-swappable, allowing network engineers to install or replace cables without powering down connected equipment. This minimizes network disruptions during maintenance windows and accelerates deployment timelines.
Low Power Consumption
With power consumption of approximately 1W per cable, the SFP-10G-AOC5M keeps per-port energy costs low. In large-scale deployments with hundreds of 10G links, this efficiency translates to meaningful savings on power and cooling budgets.
MSA Standards Compliance
Compliant with the SFF-8431 Multi-Source Agreement (MSA), this AOC ensures interoperability with Cisco platforms that accept standard SFP+ modules. As an original Cisco product, it carries Cisco quality identification for seamless plug-and-play recognition without compatibility concerns.
Deployment Scenarios
Data Center Top-of-Rack Interconnects
Connect top-of-rack switches to servers, storage arrays, or aggregation switches within the same rack or across adjacent racks. The 5-meter length and lightweight fiber construction make it ideal for dense server environments where cable management and airflow are priorities.
Enterprise Wiring Closet Uplinks
Provide 10GbE uplinks between access-layer and distribution-layer switches in enterprise campus wiring closets. The AOC's integrated design simplifies deployment and reduces the number of components to stock and maintain compared to separate transceivers and patch cords.
High-Performance Computing (HPC) Clusters
Interconnect compute nodes in HPC clusters where low latency and high throughput are essential. The active optical cable delivers reliable 10 Gbps performance with minimal signal degradation over the 5-meter distance, supporting demanding parallel workloads.
Service Provider Transport Links
Deploy short-reach 10G links within service provider points of presence (PoPs) or central offices. The SFP-10G-AOC5M provides a cost-effective, low-maintenance interconnect for aggregation and transport equipment in space-constrained telecom environments.
General
Performance
Physical
Power
Environmental
Compliance
Compatibility Notes
The Cisco SFP-10G-AOC5M is an original Cisco active optical cable designed for use in Cisco platforms equipped with SFP+ ports. It is compatible with a broad range of Cisco switching, routing, and wireless controller platforms that support 10GBASE SFP+ modules. Consult the Cisco 10GBASE SFP+ Modules Data Sheet and the Cisco Transceiver Module Group (TMG) Compatibility Matrix for your specific platform and software version to confirm support.
Downloads & Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
| Part Number | Product | Key Difference |
|---|---|---|
| SFP-10G-AOC1M | Cisco 10GBASE AOC SFP+ Cable, 1M | Shorter 1-meter reach — best for intra-rack connections where minimal cable length is needed. |
| SFP-10G-AOC3M | Cisco 10GBASE AOC SFP+ Cable, 3M | 3-meter reach — a mid-range option for within-rack or short cross-rack links. |
| SFP-10G-AOC7M | Cisco 10GBASE AOC SFP+ Cable, 7M | Longer 7-meter reach — extends cross-rack connectivity for wider row spacing. |
| SFP-10G-AOC10M | Cisco 10GBASE AOC SFP+ Cable, 10M | 10-meter reach — maximum length in the AOC family for longer inter-rack runs. |
