Cisco SFP-25G-AOC3M
25GBASE Active Optical SFP28 Cable, 3M, Original Cisco
Product Highlights
As data centers scale to meet the demands of virtualization, high-performance computing, and storage-intensive workloads, the cabling infrastructure connecting top-of-rack switches, servers, and storage arrays must keep pace — without adding complexity or cost.
The Cisco SFP-25G-AOC3M is an original Cisco 25GBASE Active Optical SFP28 Cable that delivers 25 Gbps connectivity over a 3-meter multimode fiber assembly. Featuring SFP28 connectors on both ends, this AOC plugs directly into any Cisco SFP28 port and provides a lightweight, low-latency, low-EMI alternative to traditional copper direct-attach cables. With power consumption of 1W or less, it is purpose-built for high-density environments where thermal budgets are tight.
Operating at 850nm over multimode fiber, the SFP-25G-AOC3M is compliant with IEEE 802.3by and the SFF-8402 SFP28 specification. It requires BASE-R FEC or RS-FEC on the host port for full-performance operation. Factory-programmed and uniquely serialized by Cisco, this cable ensures plug-and-play compatibility across supported Cisco Nexus and Catalyst platforms — eliminating the guesswork and interoperability risk that can accompany third-party optics.
Features & Benefits
25G High-Speed Connectivity
The SFP-25G-AOC3M supports data rates up to 25 Gbps, enabling 25 Gigabit Ethernet links that deliver 2.5× the bandwidth of 10GbE over the same SFP form factor. This makes it an ideal building block for modern leaf-spine architectures and server-to-switch uplinks where every gigabit counts.
Active Optical Cable Advantages
Unlike copper DAC cables, this active optical cable uses multimode fiber with integrated 850nm VCSEL transmitters and PIN photo-detector receivers. The result is significantly lower weight, tighter bend radius, and near-zero electromagnetic interference — critical advantages in densely cabled data center environments where airflow and signal integrity matter.
Ultra-Low Power Consumption
With maximum power consumption of just 1W, the SFP-25G-AOC3M minimizes the thermal footprint per link. In deployments with hundreds or thousands of 25G connections, this efficiency translates directly into reduced cooling costs and extended switch power budgets.
Plug-and-Play Cisco Compatibility
As an original Cisco optic, the SFP-25G-AOC3M is factory-programmed with Cisco-specific EEPROM coding and a unique serial number. It is recognized natively by Cisco NX-OS and IOS-XE without requiring the service unsupported-transceiver command, ensuring clean syslog output and full digital diagnostics support.
Standards-Based Interoperability
Compliant with IEEE 802.3by for 25GBASE Ethernet and the SFF-8402 SFP28 MSA specification, this cable interoperates with other IEEE-compliant 25G interfaces. It also supports Fibre Channel over Ethernet (FCoE) with appropriate host software support, adding deployment flexibility.
Deployment Scenarios
Data Center Top-of-Rack to Spine/Aggregation Links
Connect top-of-rack switches to spine or aggregation switches over 25GbE within the same row or adjacent racks. The 3-meter reach and lightweight fiber construction simplify cable management in high-density cabinets while delivering low-latency, high-bandwidth connectivity.
Server and Storage Interconnects
Establish 25 Gbps links between servers equipped with 25G SFP28 NICs and SFP28-equipped switches or storage arrays. Ideal for virtualized environments, HPC clusters, and SAN fabrics where throughput and latency are critical to application performance.
High-Performance Computing (HPC) Clusters
Deploy within HPC environments where nodes require short-reach, high-bandwidth interconnects. The AOC's low EMI profile and minimal power draw make it well-suited for dense compute clusters where hundreds of links share the same rack space.
10G-to-25G Migration
Leverage the SFP28 form factor to upgrade existing 10G SFP+ infrastructure to 25G without replacing switch hardware. The SFP-25G-AOC3M provides a cost-effective migration path that reuses existing rack layouts and cable pathways.
General
Performance
Physical
Power
Environmental
Compliance
Compatibility Notes
Supported Cisco Platforms (verified from compatibility sources):
- Cisco Catalyst 9200 Series (25G Network Module)
- Cisco Catalyst 9200L (25G Fixed Uplink Models)
- Cisco Catalyst C9500-24Y4C
- Cisco Catalyst C9500-48Y4C
- Cisco Nexus C36180YC-R
- Cisco Nexus N9K-C93180YC-EX
- Cisco Nexus N9K-C93180YC-FX
- Cisco Nexus N9K-C93180YC-FX3
- Cisco Nexus N9K-X97160YC-EX
FEC Requirement: AOC cables require BASE-R FEC or RS-FEC on the host ports for proper operation.
Note: Always verify compatibility with the Cisco Transceiver Compatibility Matrix for your specific platform and software version.
Downloads & Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
| Part Number | Product | Key Difference |
|---|---|---|
| SFP-25G-AOC1M | Cisco 25GBASE AOC SFP28, 1M | Shorter 1-meter reach for within-rack connections where minimal cable length is preferred. |
| SFP-25G-AOC5M | Cisco 25GBASE AOC SFP28, 5M | Extended 5-meter reach for cross-rack or row-to-row links requiring additional distance. |
| SFP-25G-AOC7M | Cisco 25GBASE AOC SFP28, 7M | 7-meter reach for longer row-to-row data center interconnects while retaining AOC benefits. |
| SFP-H25G-CU3M | Cisco 25GBASE-CR1 SFP28 DAC, 3M | Passive copper DAC alternative at the same 3M length — lower cost but heavier, with higher EMI. |
