40G QSFP+ to 4x SFP+ Breakout AOC Specifications
| Link role | A QSFP+ uplink to 4x SFP+ fan-out link for port consolidation, staged speed migration, and high-density server or accelerator attachment. |
|---|---|
| Endpoint form factor | QSFP+ to 4x SFP+; lane breakout must be enabled on the host port |
| Aggregate data rate | 40G |
| Lane / channel detail | Four independent 10G full-duplex channels (40G aggregate) |
| Length guidance | Up to 30 m listed |
| Power approach | Low power consumption |
| Standards / management | Electrical interface compliant to QSFP+ (SFF-8436) & SFP+ (SFF-8431) |
| Cable construction | Integrated multimode optical cable assembly |
| Operating temperature | 0 to 70°C |
| Configuration status | Standard and custom options must be confirmed in the quotation and approved BOM |
Search terminology for this configuration includes 40G to 10G AOC, optical fanout AOC, 40G breakout AOC, QSFP+ to SFP+ active optical. These phrases describe the same purchase task only when the endpoint form factor, breakout ratio and lane map, and ordered length match this page.
Standards context: SNIA SFF technology affiliates · Ethernet Alliance technology overview.
When to Use This 40G AOC
- Use it for QSFP+ to 4x SFP+ links where up to 30 m listed and an integrated optical assembly fit the route plan.
- Choose AOC for inter-rack routing, tighter cable-management paths, or environments where copper EMI exposure is undesirable.
- Validate each optical leg, host breakout mode, and downstream port speed before labeling and installation.
Compatibility and Acceptance Checklist
- Confirm the connector at each end: QSFP+ to 4x SFP+.
- Confirm the required aggregate rate and host lane mode: Four independent 10G full-duplex channels (40G aggregate).
- Measure the routed path, not the straight-line rack distance; the current datasheet states up to 30 m listed.
- Send switch/NIC part numbers and firmware versions for coding review; no platform-specific compatibility is assumed without validation.
- Provide the lane-to-leg map, leg labels, and branch length before production approval.
- Enable and validate host breakout mode before acceptance testing each downstream leg independently.
- Specify commercial or industrial temperature requirements and the requested jacket/label/packaging details.
- At receipt, verify labels and part numbers, inspect latches and cable jackets, then test the complete link at the intended data rate.
Cable Specifications & Operating Conditions
| Parameter | Value | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Cable Diameter | 3.0 (typical) | mm |
| Length < 1 m Tolerance | +5 / –0 | cm |
| 1–4.5 m Tolerance | +15 / –0 | cm |
| 5–14.5 m Tolerance | +30 / –0 | cm |
| Length ≥ 15 m Tolerance | +2% / –0 | – |
| Breakout (≤1.5 m total) | 0.5 m from SFP end | – |
| Breakout (>1.5 m total) | 1.0 m from SFP end | – |
Ordering Options
| Part Number | Description | Length |
|---|---|---|
| BWN-AOC-QSFP-4SFP+-40G-01M | 40G QSFP+ to 4×SFP+ Breakout AOC | 1 m |
| BWN-AOC-QSFP-4SFP+-40G-03M | 40G QSFP+ to 4×SFP+ Breakout AOC | 3 m |
| BWN-AOC-QSFP-4SFP+-40G-05M | 40G QSFP+ to 4×SFP+ Breakout AOC | 5 m |
| BWN-AOC-QSFP-4SFP+-40G-10M | 40G QSFP+ to 4×SFP+ Breakout AOC | 10 m |
| BWN-AOC-QSFP-4SFP+-40G-15M | 40G QSFP+ to 4×SFP+ Breakout AOC | 15 m |
| BWN-AOC-QSFP-4SFP+-40G-20M | 40G QSFP+ to 4×SFP+ Breakout AOC | 20 m |
| BWN-AOC-QSFP-4SFP+-40G-30M | 40G QSFP+ to 4×SFP+ Breakout AOC | 30 m |
| BWN-AOC-QSFP-4SFP+-40G-xxM | 40G QSFP+ to 4×SFP+ Breakout AOC | Custom |
Common Procurement Objections
Will it work in my switch or NIC?
Form factor and standards alignment are necessary but not sufficient. Send the exact host model, firmware, port mode, length, and coding requirement for a compatibility review.
Which length should I order?
The current datasheet lists up to 30 m listed. Measure the routed path, include a controlled service loop, and avoid ordering unnecessary slack.
Should I use DAC instead?
Use passive DAC for shorter in-rack runs where minimum cable power is the priority. Use separate transceivers and fiber when a field-replaceable or patch-panel-based optical channel is required.
Can BWNFiber customize the assembly?
Datasheet ordering tables include standard and/or custom entries. Submit the endpoint, length, label, jacket, coding, temperature, packaging, and quantity requirements for feasibility confirmation.
Related High-Speed Cable Options
Request a Configuration Review
Send endpoint models, firmware, port mode, length, quantity, temperature, labeling, packaging, and acceptance requirements. BWNFiber can return a proposed cable code and BOM for review.
