40G QSFP+ SR4 optical module and 40G QSFP+ AOC active optical cable are widely used in short distance interconnection of 40G data center. Since both of them can realize short distance interconnection, what is the difference between them and what are their advantages and disadvantages? ETU-LINK will tell you the answer.

40G QSFP+ SR4 optical module VS 40G QSFP+ AOC active optical cable

1. Different power consumption. The maximum power consumption of 40G QSFP+ SR4 optical module is less than 3.5W, while that of 40G AOC active optical cable is less than 1.5W. Obviously, the power consumption of 40G QSFP+ SR4 optical module is greater than that of 40G AOC active optical cable.

2. The 40G QSFP+ SR4 optical module has the DDM function, while the 40G AOC active optical cable has no DDM function, so SR4 is superior to AOC in receiving sensitivity.

3. The 40G QSFP+ SR4 optical module needs to be connected with MPO multi-mode patch cord, while the 40G AOC active optical cable has its own cable, which can be directly inserted into the equipment.

4. Different transmission distance. The transmission distance of 40G QSFP+ SR4 optical module is 100m/300m, while the 40G AOC active optical cable is 70m.

5. Insertion loss and return loss are different. If an optical fiber is inserted into a 40G QSFP+ SR4 optical module, different insertion loss and return loss will occur after repeated plugging and unplugging, while 40G AOC is less affected by repeated plugging and unplugging during use. Therefore, the repeatability and interchangeability of 40G AOC active optical cable is stronger than that of 40G QSFP+ SR4.

6. The quality of 40G QSFP+ SR4 optical module is determined by optical eye diagram, while the quality of 40G AOC active optical cable is determined by electroeye diagram.

7. 40G AOC active optical cables need to be tested in four quadrants. The four quadrants in a wide temperature range ensure that the MPO interface and optical cables of AOC will not melt at high temperatures. The 40G QSFP+ SR4 optical module needs to be connected with an uncertain performance MPO jumper, so the integrated 40G AOC active optical cable ensures the performance of the product.

8. The cost of the two is different. At present, the price of 40G AOC active optical cable is lower than that of 40G QSFP+ SR4 optical module, and 40G QSFP+ SR4 optical module also needs to be used with MPO multi-mode patch cord, so the cost of 40G QSFP+ SR4 optical module is higher than that of 40G AOC active optical cable.

9. The difficulty of installation and maintenance is different. Using 40G AOC active optical cable can not only avoid the cleaning problem of optical module, but also reduce the installation steps and save time for users.

Based on the above comparison, 40G QSFP+ AOC is more stable and reliable than 40G QSFP+ SR4 optical module, it is also easy to install and maintain, and the interconnection cost is also lower. The above products can be provided by ETU-LINK. Thanks for the support!