What is the difference between this 7m AOC and a 7m DAC?

A 7m Passive DAC (copper) for 100Gb/s generally does not exist or is highly unreliable due to signal loss. For 7m distances at 100Gb/s, an Active Optical Cable (AOC) like the 835041-001 is the standard required engineering solution.

Is the 835041-001 backward compatible with FDR (56G)?

Yes, InfiniBand EDR cables and transceivers generally support backward compatibility with FDR (56Gb/s) and QDR (40Gb/s) speeds, provided the switch and adapter port auto-negotiation settings are correctly configured.

Can I use this cable for Ethernet?

This cable is coded for InfiniBand. While the physical connector is the same as Ethernet, it may not link up on a standard Ethernet-only switch. It works best with VPI (Virtual Protocol Interconnect) adapters that can toggle between InfiniBand and Ethernet modes.

HPE Mellanox® 835041-001 InfiniBand EDR 100Gb/s Active Optical Cable (AOC): This is a high-performance active optical interconnect solution designed to extend 100Gb/s InfiniBand EDR connectivity beyond the reach of passive copper. It utilizes embedded VCSEL technology within QSFP28 housings to drive signals over 7 meters of multi-mode fiber. This is a fixed-length integrated cable assembly, not a transceiver with a detachable patch cord, providing a sealed, robust, and low-latency link for critical high-performance computing (HPC) fabrics.

🔧 Technical Specifications

OEM: HPE
P/N: 835041-001 (Equivalent to MFA1A00-E007 / 980-9I13J-00E007)
Data Rate: EDR (100Gb/s InfiniBand)
Length: 7m (Active Optical)
Connector Type: QSFP28 to QSFP28
Power Consumption: < 2.5W per end

🌐 Engineering Context: At 7 meters, passive copper cables are technically inviable due to high insertion loss. This AOC offers the necessary reach for "End-of-Row" connectivity or inter-rack linking without signal degradation. Compared to equivalent copper solutions, AOC offers lower weight, tighter bend radius, and superior long-term signal stability. It provides complete "EMI Immunity," ensuring data integrity even when routed near high-voltage power lines or within dense cable trays.

🧠 Typical Use Cases

Linking HPE Apollo Clusters across adjacent racks (Inter-rack).
High-Speed Storage to Server connectivity (RDMA/RoCE).
Financial trading platforms requiring Deterministic Latency over medium distances.
Data center environments prioritizing airflow (thinner cable profile than copper).

✅ Compatible With: HPE ProLiant Gen9/Gen10 Servers, HPE Apollo Systems, and Mellanox Switch-IB™ 2 Series InfiniBand Switches (e.g., SB7800). (Requires ports configured for native InfiniBand EDR operation).

❌ NOT Compatible With: Standard 10G/40G Ethernet ports (unless auto-negotiation is supported by the switch), or environments requiring breakout capabilities. This cable is specifically keyed and coded for InfiniBand protocols, though some VPI hardware may allow Ethernet mode depending on firmware.

⚠️ Cable Routing: The 7m length allows for routing through overhead trays or under-floor systems. Ensure a bend radius of at least 30mm is maintained to protect the internal glass fibers. Use Velcro straps rather than plastic zip ties to prevent crushing the fiber cladding.

⚠️ Heat Dissipation: As an active device, the connectors generate heat (<2.5W). Ensure the switch ports have adequate cooling airflow. Do not block the vents on the QSFP28 connector pull-tab mechanism.

🤝 Why Choose T.E.S IT-SOLUTIONS? We specialize in enterprise-grade HPE and NVIDIA networking solutions. Every unit is strictly validated for InfiniBand EDR performance in our lab. We offer expert consultation, fast worldwide shipping, and a comprehensive warranty to ensure your data center infrastructure runs without compromise.

HPE Mellanox® 835041-001 Active Optical Cable EDR up to 100Gb/s 7m

Name: HPE Mellanox® 835041-001 Active Optical Cable EDR up to 100Gb/s 7m
SKU: 835041-001_Refurbished

SKU: 835041-001_Refurbished

€260.00

Quantity