Cisco SFP-25G-AOC7M
25GBASE Active Optical SFP28 Cable, 7M, Original Cisco
Product Highlights
As data center fabrics migrate from 10G to 25G Ethernet, the cabling infrastructure connecting top-of-rack switches, servers, and storage must keep pace — without ballooning power budgets or complicating cable management.
The Cisco SFP-25G-AOC7M is a 25GBASE Active Optical Cable that pairs an SFP28 connector on each end with integrated multimode fiber optics, delivering 25 Gbps connectivity over a 7-meter reach. Because the transceivers are permanently bonded to the fiber, there are no separate optics to source, inventory, or clean — just plug in and link up. The active optical design uses 850 nm VCSEL transmitters and PIN photo-detector receivers to maintain signal integrity while consuming less than 1 W of power.
Ideal for intra-rack and adjacent-rack connections in enterprise data centers, high-performance computing clusters, and storage-area networks, the SFP-25G-AOC7M offers a lighter, more flexible alternative to 25G copper direct-attach cables (DACs) at distances where passive copper can struggle. As an original Cisco optic, it is natively recognized by Cisco Nexus and Catalyst platforms with SFP28 ports — no service unsupported-transceiver command required.
Features & Benefits
25 Gbps Active Optical Connectivity
The SFP-25G-AOC7M supports data rates up to 25 Gbps over its integrated multimode fiber, enabling high-bandwidth server-to-switch and switch-to-switch links. Active optical technology maintains clean signal integrity across the full 7-meter distance, delivering low bit-error rates and consistent throughput for latency-sensitive workloads.
Integrated SFP28 Design
Each end of the cable is factory-terminated with a hot-pluggable SFP28 connector, eliminating the need to purchase and manage separate transceivers and patch cords. This integrated approach reduces potential points of failure, simplifies sparing, and speeds up deployment — just connect and go.
Low Power & Lightweight Construction
With a maximum power consumption of just 1 W, the AOC draws significantly less energy than many discrete transceiver solutions. Its fiber-based construction is thinner and lighter than copper DAC cables, improving airflow in dense rack environments and making cable routing easier in confined spaces.
Original Cisco Compatibility
As a genuine Cisco product, the SFP-25G-AOC7M is natively recognized by Cisco platforms with SFP28 ports. There is no need for CLI workarounds to enable the port, and full digital diagnostics monitoring is available for proactive link health management.
Deployment Scenarios
Data Center Top-of-Rack Interconnects
Connect 25G-capable servers and storage nodes to top-of-rack Cisco Nexus or Catalyst switches. The 7-meter reach covers typical intra-rack and adjacent-rack distances, while the lightweight fiber construction keeps cable trays manageable in high-density environments.
High-Performance Computing (HPC) Clusters
Link compute nodes at 25 Gbps with low latency and minimal power overhead. The AOC's active optical design ensures clean signal delivery across the full cable length, supporting the demanding throughput requirements of parallel processing workloads.
Storage Area Network (SAN) Connectivity
Establish reliable 25G links between storage arrays and SAN switches within the same row or adjacent racks. The integrated design reduces connector contamination risks compared to discrete optics, improving link reliability in mission-critical storage environments.
10G-to-25G Migration
Upgrade existing 10G server uplinks to 25G by swapping cables on SFP28-equipped switches. The SFP-25G-AOC7M provides a cost-effective, plug-and-play path to 2.5× more bandwidth per port without re-cabling the structured fiber plant.
General
Optical
Performance
Physical
Environmental
Compliance
Compatibility Notes
The SFP-25G-AOC7M is designed for use in Cisco platforms equipped with SFP28 ports. Compatible platforms include but may not be limited to:
- Cisco Nexus 9000 Series — N9K-C93180YC-EX, N9K-C93180YC-FX, N9K-X97160YC-EX, C36180YC-R
- Cisco Catalyst 9500 Series — C9500-24Y4C
- Cisco Catalyst 9200 Series — 25G Network Module, 9200L 25G Fixed Uplink Models
Always verify transceiver support against the Cisco Transceiver Compatibility Matrix and your platform's running software release notes before deployment. AOC cables require BASE-R FEC on the host port.
Downloads & Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
| Part Number | Product | Key Difference |
|---|---|---|
| SFP-25G-AOC10M | Cisco 25G SFP28 AOC 10M | Longer 10-meter reach for connections spanning farther rack distances |
| SFP-25G-AOC5M | Cisco 25G SFP28 AOC 5M | Shorter 5-meter length — ideal when 7 meters is more cable than you need |
| SFP-25G-AOC3M | Cisco 25G SFP28 AOC 3M | Compact 3-meter option for same-rack or very short inter-rack links |
| SFP-25G-SR-S | Cisco 25GBASE-SR SFP28 Transceiver | Discrete SFP28 transceiver supporting up to 100 m on OM4 — use when you need longer reach or existing fiber plant |
