746966-001 HPE 40GBE BLC QSFP+ 7 Meter C-Class Active Optical Cable

HPE 746966-001 40GbE BladeSystem BLC QSFP+ 7 Meter C-Class Active Optical Cable Overview

The HPE 746966-001 40GbE BladeSystem BLC QSFP+ 7 Meter C-Class Active Optical Cable is a high-performance interconnect solution engineered to support modern data centers, enterprise networks, and high-performance computing environments. Featuring QSFP+ connectors on both ends, this active optical cable (AOC) delivers 40 Gigabit Ethernet (40GbE) connectivity over a 7-meter optical link. Designed specifically for HPE BladeSystem C-Class architectures, it offers the scalability, low latency, and bandwidth necessary for today’s data-driven workloads.

Key Features of the HPE 746966-001

40GbE High-Bandwidth Connectivity

Delivering 40 Gigabit Ethernet speeds, the cable is optimized for environments where bandwidth-intensive applications such as big data analytics, cloud computing, and virtualization dominate. This ensures smooth communication between servers, storage, and networking devices.

Active Optical Technology

Unlike passive copper cables, the HPE 746966-001 uses active optical technology to extend connectivity while maintaining signal integrity. It reduces electromagnetic interference (EMI) and supports longer distances than standard copper DAC cables.

7-Meter Reach for Flexible Deployments

The 7-meter length offers versatility for in-rack and between-rack connectivity in data centers. It allows efficient cabling layouts, reducing clutter while enabling connectivity across multiple racks within the same row.

Optimized for HPE BladeSystem C-Class

Tailored for HPE BladeSystem C-Class enclosures, this AOC integrates seamlessly into HPE’s modular data center ecosystem. It ensures that bandwidth-hungry applications can run without bottlenecks.

Performance Advantages

Superior Signal Integrity

Active optical cables minimize signal loss and maintain stable data transmission, ensuring low bit-error rates even in demanding data center environments.

Reduced Latency

By eliminating the need for signal conversion over long copper traces, AOCs like the HPE 746966-001 ensure low-latency communication, critical for real-time applications and HPC clusters.

Use Cases for HPE 746966-001

High-Performance Computing (HPC)

HPC clusters demand high bandwidth and low latency. This cable supports inter-node communication, enabling efficient scaling of compute resources.

Cloud and Virtualization Workloads

Cloud service providers and virtualized environments require seamless connectivity between servers, switches, and storage systems. The HPE 746966-001 delivers reliable bandwidth for workload mobility and storage replication.

Enterprise Data Centers

Enterprises use this cable to support data-intensive workloads, from big data analytics to mission-critical applications, ensuring smooth network operations with high-speed interconnects.

Storage Networking

By connecting storage arrays to core networking fabrics, the cable enables rapid data access and backup operations, minimizing bottlenecks in enterprise storage environments.

Comparison with Other Interconnect Solutions

AOC vs DAC (Direct Attach Copper)

While DAC cables are ideal for short-distance interconnects, AOCs like the HPE 746966-001 provide extended reach and better EMI resistance, making them suitable for between-rack deployments.

AOC vs Optical Transceivers with Fiber

Unlike modular transceiver and fiber solutions, AOCs are pre-terminated and pre-tested, simplifying deployment and reducing cost. They offer a plug-and-play solution without additional hardware.

Benefits of Choosing HPE 746966-001

Seamless HPE Integration

Certified for HPE BladeSystem C-Class, the cable integrates smoothly into existing HPE infrastructures, ensuring compatibility and optimal performance.

Cost-Effective High-Speed Networking

By providing 40Gbps performance without requiring separate transceivers, the AOC reduces total cost of ownership compared to modular optical networking solutions.

Future-Ready Scalability

Supporting current 40GbE standards, the cable also helps enterprises prepare for scalable networking architectures as workloads continue to grow.

Industry Applications

Telecommunications

Telecom operators deploy QSFP+ AOCs for high-speed backbone networking, ensuring rapid data transport between switching platforms.

Financial Services

Trading platforms and banking institutions rely on the low-latency features of the HPE 746966-001 to support real-time transaction processing.

Healthcare and Research

Medical facilities and research centers require high-throughput data transfer for applications like medical imaging, genomic sequencing, and AI-driven analytics.

Media and Entertainment

Studios and broadcasters use the cable for video rendering, post-production, and live content delivery, where consistent bandwidth is critical.

Reliability and Security

Enterprise-Grade Durability

Constructed for data center environments, the HPE 746966-001 ensures reliable operation with minimal downtime and strong resistance to environmental interference.

Stable High-Speed Transmission

Offering consistent 40Gbps throughput, this AOC is ideal for mission-critical applications where network reliability is non-negotiable.

Physical Security

With its physical medium, the cable provides a secure transmission layer less prone to interception compared to wireless alternatives.