Both 100G QSFP28 SR4 optical module and 100G QSFP28 AOC active optical cable are widely used in short distance interconnection of 100G data center. Since both of them can realize short distance interconnection, what is the difference between them and what are their advantages and disadvantages?

Before understanding the differences between them, let's first know their common points. First of all, they all use a 4-channel 850nm VCSEL laser array and a PIN photodetector array, all of which comply with the QSFP28 MSA and IEEE 802.3bm 100GBASE-SR4 standards. As for their differences, ETU-LINK will show the answer to you.

Different structure. The 100G QSFP28 AOC active optical cable is composed of two optical transceivers and a fiber patch cord, while the 100G QSFP28 SR4 optical module is only a module, which needs to be equipped with OM3/OM4 patch cord.

The 100G QSFP28 SR4 optical module has the function of DDM digital diagnosis and monitoring, while the 100G AOC active optical cable has no DDM digital diagnosis and monitoring function, so SR4 is superior to AOC in receiving sensitivity.

Different cost. The price of 100G QSFP28 SR4 optical module plus patch cord is higher than that of 100G AOC active optical cable.

Different Consumption. The power consumption of 100G QSFP28 SR4 optical module is higher than that of 100G AOC active optical cable.

The 100G QSFP28 SR4 optical module and 100G AOC active optical cable of yitianguang communication are mainly used in data center, high performance computing and storage area network, and can be compatible with servers and switches of various brands. Although the price of 100G QSFP28 SR4 optical module is high, its performance is better, and it can be applied to the interconnection between server and access layer switch, while the price of 100G AOC active optical cable will be relatively cheaper and can be applied to the interconnection between servers.