844483-B21 HPE 25GbE SFP28 to SFP28 7m Active Optical Cable

Overview: High-performance optical Interconnect

The HPE 844483-B21 Active Optical Cable (AOC) is a premium, factory-terminated fiber link engineered for high-throughput environments. Delivering a native 25 Gigabit per second data rate over a 7-meter (22.97 ft) span, this SFP28-to-SFP28 optical jump cable provides a lightweight, low-power, and compact alternative to traditional copper direct-attach options. Ideal for cloud, telco, e-commerce and high-performance computing clusters, the AOC helps data centers scale bandwidth while reducing space and power consumption.

Key advantages

• Cost-effective substitute for discrete transceivers on short-range fiber connections
• Reduced weight and decreased electrical power draw versus copper counterparts
• Smaller bend radius for denser cabling runs and improved rack management
• Plug-and-play compatibility with SFP28 ports for simplified deployment

Network architects, system integrators and data center operators seeking a reliable, short-reach fiber link will benefit from the HPE 844483-B21. Use cases include:

• Top-of-rack and middle-of-row switch interconnects
• Server-to-switch connectivity in hyper-scale environments
• High-density computing clusters where weight, power and airflow matter

Technical specifications

Product identity

• Manufacturer: Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE)
• Part number: 844483-B21
• Brand: HPE
• Product family: Active Optical Cable (AOC)

Electrical and physical attributes

• Cable type: Fiber optic (active)
• Cable length: 7 m / 22.97 ft
• Connector A: 1 × SFP28
• Connector B: 1 × SFP28
• Supported devices: Network devices with SFP28 ports
• Nominal data rate: 25 Gbit/s
• Feature set: Active electronics for improved signal integrity

Performance highlights

Engineered for short-range, high-bandwidth links, the HPE AOC provides consistent 25Gb performance with lower thermal profile and superior signal fidelity compared to passive copper assemblies. Active optics eliminate many distance-related impairments while offering excellent electromagnetic immunity.

Benefits and differentiators

Space and airflow efficiency

The slim, lightweight design reduces bundle bulk and improves airflow within dense rack deployments — a crucial advantage for facilities focused on cooling efficiency and rack density optimization.

Operational cost savings

Compared to discrete transceiver plus fiber patching, AOCs can lower overall cost and complexity for short links. Expect savings in:

• CapEx by reducing the need for separate transceivers and patch panels
• OpEx via simplified cable management and easier installation

Reliability and reduced failure points

Factory-terminated and tested at the point of manufacture, the HPE 844483-B21 reduces field-termination errors and helps ensure predictable link performance out of the box.

Compatibility and deployment guidance

Port and platform compatibility

This AOC is designed for SFP28-capable network ports. Confirm firmware and hardware compatibility on your HPE switches and network adapters before deployment. When integrating into mixed-vendor environments, verify interoperability with vendor documentation to ensure full feature support.

Quick installation tips

• Inspect connectors for debris prior to insertion.
• Handle the cable by the connector housings; avoid pulling on the optical assembly.
• Observe bend radius recommendations when routing to preserve optical performance.
• Use appropriate ESD precautions when handling the transceiver ends.

Use cases and deployment scenarios

Data center aggregation and leaf-spine fabrics

Use the 7-meter AOC to link leaf switches to spine switches where short, high-throughput connections are required. The plug-and-play nature simplifies fabric expansion and reconfiguration.

Server interconnects in compute clusters

For densely populated compute nodes, the cable’s reduced weight and smaller profile make it an excellent choice for server-to-switch connections, minimizing cable congestion and improving serviceability.

Related resources

• Manufacturer: Hewlett Packard Enterprise
• Manufacturer part number: 844483-B21

Primary use cases and where this category fits in the network

The primary use cases for the HPE 844483-B21 25GbE SFP28 AOC category are:

• Top-of-rack (ToR) switch uplinks: Short, reliable connections between ToR switches and adjacent aggregation or spine switches.
• Server to switch connections: Direct links from 25GbE NICs in servers to SFP28 ports on nearby switches, especially within the same rack or adjacent racks.
• Switch-to-switch clustering: High-density switch stacking and clustering where consistent latency and signal integrity are required.
• High-performance computing (HPC): Low-latency links for compute nodes and storage nodes where synchronized data transfer is critical.

SFP28 Active Optical Cables (AOC) in 7m length

Choosing a 7-meter Active Optical Cable from this category offers a balance of flexibility and performance for dense rack deployments:

• Length flexibility: 7 meters is long enough to cross between adjacent rows or reach aggregation switches while avoiding bulky copper cable tangles.
• Reduced power consumption: AOCs use optical transceivers integrated into the cable ends, offering energy benefits over electrical DACs (Direct Attach Copper) at similar distances.
• Electromagnetic immunity: Optical transmission eliminates susceptibility to EMI/RFI, improving stability in densely cabled environments.
• Lightweight and compact: AOCs are thinner and lighter than equivalent copper assemblies, simplifying cable management in high-density racks.

Performance and signaling

The category supports 25 Gigabit Ethernet signaling using the SFP28 electrical interface and 25GBASE-CR/25GBASE-SR equivalents over optics. Expected performance attributes:

• Line rate: 25.78 Gbps per lane (single-lane 25GbE).
• Latency: Extremely low — AOCs minimize media latency and are suitable for latency-sensitive applications like trading, HPC, and real-time analytics.
• Error tolerance: Built to meet relevant IEEE and industry standards for BER (bit error rate), typically ≤1E-12 or better under normal operating conditions.

Electrical and optical considerations

Because AOCs integrate optical transceivers, they convert electrical to optical signals at the cable ends. Important considerations:

• Power draw: Each transceiver end consumes some power—usually modest but higher than a passive copper DAC. Check switch port power budgets when deploying at scale.
• Link negotiation: Auto-negotiation and SFP28 / 25G compatibility are supported when used with compatible HPE gear, but verify firmware compatibility on switches and NICs.
• Compatibility matrix: While many SFP28 AOCs are cross-vendor interoperable, enterprise deployments often demand HPE-branded or certified cables to ensure full management and diagnostic compatibility.

Compatibility and vendor interoperability

HPE certification and supported hardware

The HPE 844483-B21 is commonly positioned as a match for HPE switches, servers, and HPE-certified network interface cards. When evaluating compatibility:

• Confirm that the target device supports SFP28 modules and 25GbE operation.
• Check the specific switch or server model’s HPE QuickSpecs or interoperability matrix for the 844483-B21 listing to ensure plug-and-play behavior and proper port diagnostics.
• Consider firmware level — some platforms require a minimum firmware revision to support specific transceiver features or to display vendor-specific diagnostic information.

Using third-party SFP28 AOCs

Many third-party SFP28 AOCs are functionally equivalent and can be more cost-effective. However, exercise caution:

• Vendor locking: Some HPE systems may display warnings or disable features when non-HPE optics are used; a certified or validated alternative avoids surprises.
• Diagnostics and monitoring: Vendor-branded optics often provide richer SFF-8472 diagnostics (temperature, voltage, bias current) accessible in the switch CLI or management UI.
• Warranty and support: Using non-HPE optics can affect vendor support in certain environments—document the choice and maintain spares for rapid replacement.

Installation guidance and best practices

Pre-installation checklist

Proper planning reduces downtime and ensures optimal link behavior. Before installing a 7m SFP28 AOC:

• Validate port compatibility and firmware revision on all connected devices.
• Confirm that port power budgets and thermal profiles are acceptable for additional active transceivers.
• Inspect cable ends and SFP28 cages for dust, debris, or physical damage — clean with approved tools if necessary.
• Plan cable routing to minimize bends and avoid proximity to high-heat components.

Step-by-step installation

1. Power down is not always required; hot-plug is supported on most SFP28 ports. Check device documentation if uncertain.
2. Grasp the module by the pull tab, align the SFP28 end with the port, and insert gently until it clicks into place.
3. Route the cable with gentle curves; maintain the manufacturer’s specified minimum bend radius to prevent microbends that degrade signal.
4. Verify link up and speed via the switch/web UI/CLI; confirm 25G link status and that both ends report expected diagnostics.

Troubleshooting common issues

If a link does not come up or displays errors:

• Check the port LEDs and CLI status for errors or thermal warnings.
• Swap the AOC into a known working port to isolate whether the cable or the port is at fault.
• Review firmware or driver logs on both ends for transceiver recognition issues or vendor mismatch messages.
• Test with a shorter AOC or a passive DAC if supported, to rule out transceiver power budget or optical conversion failures.

Performance tuning and monitoring

Maximizing throughput and reliability

To get predictable, high-throughput performance from your HPE 844483-B21 style 25GbE AOCs:

• Quality of Service (QoS): Configure QoS on aggregation and spine switches to prioritize latency-sensitive flows over bulk transfers.
• Link aggregation: Use LACP or other trunking mechanisms where appropriate to increase resiliency and effective bandwidth.
• Flow control and buffer tuning: Examine switch buffer settings and NIC offload capabilities—modern NICs and switches provide advanced offload features that reduce CPU load and increase sustained throughput.

Monitoring transceiver health

Regular monitoring prevents surprises. Key health metrics for SFP28 AOCs include:

• Optical transmit power and receive power levels (dBm).
• Temperature and supply voltage.
• Error counters (CRC, FEC if applicable) and packet drops.
• Link up/down events and negotiated link speed.

Integrating with NMS and telemetry

Many enterprise NMS platforms (SNMP-based) can poll SFP diagnostics; the HPE ecosystem integrates these telemetry points into Aruba/HPE management suites. When designing a monitoring plan:

• Enable SNMP for transceiver OIDs and map them into dashboards for trending.
• Use threshold alerts to catch degrading optical power or temperature rises before failure.
• Consider using streaming telemetry for high-frequency monitoring in latency-sensitive environments.

Inventory and spares strategy

For enterprise reliability, maintain a small inventory of spares:

• Stock common lengths (e.g., 1m, 3m, 7m) of SFP28 AOCs that match your typical deployment patterns.
• Keep both HPE-branded and validated third-party spares if procurement policies allow, noting any vendor support implications.
• Label and track deployment locations in your asset management or CMDB to speed replacement and troubleshooting.

Ordering, SKU details, and part numbers

Understanding the HPE 844483-B21 SKU

The HPE 844483-B21 part number is the canonical identifier for the HPE 25GbE SFP28 to SFP28 7m Active Optical Cable. When ordering:

• Confirm the exact SKU (844483-B21) and packaging to match your procurement and asset tagging systems.
• Check the datasheet for variant codes—sometimes SKUs differ by region or packaging (bulk vs. single unit retail packaging).
• Ask for a certificate of authenticity if purchasing from secondary markets to avoid counterfeit parts.

Comparing price-to-value across vendors

Key considerations when evaluating pricing:

• Manufacturer warranty and return policies—HPE-branded cables often carry clear RMA paths.
• Operational costs—factor in potential power consumption differences between active optical and passive copper solutions.
• Bulk discounts and long-term supplier relationships—volume buys can lower price-per-link and simplify lifecycle support.

Security and compliance considerations

Supply chain assurance

For regulated environments, verify supply chain provenance. HPE and authorized resellers provide traceability and documentation that can be essential for audits or compliance standards. Recommendations:

• Buy from authorized HPE channels or trusted distributors.
• Request spare parts certificates and serial number tracking for critical deployments.

Physical security and tamper considerations

Optical cabling is inherently non-conductive, which reduces certain physical tamper risks compared to copper. That said:

• Secure cable paths and patch panels to prevent unauthorized removal or tapping of fiber assemblies.
• Label cables clearly and maintain access control to data center racks to deter unauthorized tampering.

Category variants and related subcategories

Length variants and their typical uses

While the 7m length is the focus, the category often includes multiple length variants and related subcategories:

• Shorter AOCs (0.5m–3m): Ideal for adjacent ports or within a single rack.
• Medium AOCs (5m–10m): Common for ToR-to-aggregation connections within a row or between adjacent rows.
• Longer optical transceivers + fiber: For distances beyond the AOC reach, separate SFP28 transceivers with single-mode or multimode fiber assemblies (LC-LC) become the recommended approach.

Alternative connector and speed options

Related subcategories include:

• QSFP28 to QSFP28 AOCs: For 100GbE links using QSFP form factor.
• SFP+ 10GbE AOCs: For legacy 10GbE deployments; not compatible with SFP28 without specific hardware support.
• Breakout AOCs: QSFP28-to-4xSFP28 or QSFP+ breakout assemblies for varied port aggregation needs.