Axiom QSFP28 AOC cable SFP28 15m 845424-B21-AX

QSFP28-to-SFP28 active optical cable

This Axiom cable links a QSFP28 port to an SFP28 port using active optical technology. It is built for data-centre and enterprise racks where 15-metre reach is required between dissimilar transceiver form factors. The 845424-B21-AX part targets HP-compatible environments needing a single-cable interconnect. No separate transceivers are needed because the optics are integrated into the cable ends.

Practical limits of the active optical interface

Active optical construction removes the length ceiling of passive copper while keeping latency low. The 15-metre span covers typical top-of-rack to middle-of-rack runs without repeaters. Bending radius and temperature ratings are defined by the cable jacket, not by copper gauge, so cable management stays simple. Power draw comes from the host ports, so no external supply is required.

Replaces discrete transceiver pairs and patch cords

This assembly substitutes two pluggable modules and a separate fibre patch cord, cutting insertion-loss points and rack clutter. The upgrade is worthwhile when port density matters or when mixed QSFP28 and SFP28 gear must talk directly. It is not for links shorter than a few metres where passive copper is cheaper, nor for single-form-factor links that can use a straight QSFP28 or SFP28 cable.