NVIDIA Mellanox MFA1A00-C100 100GbE QSFP28 Active Optical Cable, 100m LSZH: This is a 100-meter active optical cable (AOC) engineered for 100Gb/s Ethernet (100GbE) point-to-point interconnects across long spans within a data center. The cable uses VCSEL-based optics over multi-mode fiber with a Low Smoke Zero Halogen (LSZH) jacket. This is a fixed-length factory-terminated assembly, not a transceiver with a detachable patch cord. This is a refurbished unit.
Engineering Context
The MFA1A00-C100 enables 100m reach where passive copper DAC cannot operate (passive copper is typically capped at 5m at 100GbE). Active optics inside the QSFP28 housing convert electrical signals to 850nm VCSEL light transmitted over multi-mode fiber. The integrated assembly removes connector cleanliness as a failure mode versus separate transceivers and MPO patch cords. The LSZH jacket emits minimal smoke and no halogenated compounds when exposed to flame, satisfying strict data center fire safety codes. BER performance is rated at less than 1E-15.
Deployment & Use Cases
Long-reach 100GbE Ethernet between rows or between data halls within a single campus. Spine-leaf interconnects exceeding 70m where transceiver-plus-patch-cord cabling becomes operationally complex. Connections from compute racks to centralized core switches in large data centers. Deployments where cable weight and EMI immunity rule out copper bundles, and where LSZH jacketing is mandated by site fire policy.
Technical Specifications
OEM: NVIDIA Mellanox
Part Number: MFA1A00-C100
Form Factor: QSFP28 to QSFP28 (Point-to-Point)
Data Rate: 100GbE (4x 25Gb/s NRZ)
Cable Type: Active Optical Cable (AOC)
Length: 100m
Jacket: LSZH (Low Smoke Zero Halogen)
Protocol: 100GbE Ethernet
BER: <1E-15
Condition: Refurbished — Tested by T.E.S IT-SOLUTIONS
Compatibility & Hard Constraints
Compatible with NVIDIA Spectrum Ethernet switches (SN2000, SN3000, SN4000) and ConnectX-4, ConnectX-5, ConnectX-6 Dx EN adapters configured for 100GbE. Not compatible with InfiniBand EDR ports unless the switch supports VPI Ethernet mode reconfiguration. Does not support 4x25G breakout — this is a direct QSFP28-to-QSFP28 cable only. Fixed 100m length; cannot be shortened or extended. Bend radius and pull strength limits must be respected during installation.
Why Choose T.E.S IT-SOLUTIONS
T.E.S IT-SOLUTIONS tests every AOC for optical power output, lane integrity, and connector condition before shipment. Visit tes-itsolutions.com for full catalog access. Handling time 1–3 business days, global shipping, and expert consultation on high-speed Ethernet fabric cabling.