844485-001 HPE 25GbE SFP28 to SFP28 7m Active Optical Cable

HPE 844485-001 25GbE SFP28 to SFP28 Active Optical Cable

The HPE 844485-001 25GbE SFP28 to SFP28 Active Optical Cable (AOC) category covers a family of high-performance, factory-terminated optical interconnects designed to link SFP28 ports at 25 Gigabit Ethernet speeds. This category description focuses on product attributes, performance benefits, deployment scenarios, and the practical considerations buyers, network engineers, and procurement teams need to know when selecting AOCs for data center and enterprise networks. Rather than a single-item spec sheet, the category addresses variations, application niches, compatibility considerations, and value propositions that help purchasers compare options, plan cabling architectures, and optimize link performance across top-of-rack, end-of-row, and server-to-switch topologies.

Core advantages and category value proposition

AOCs in the HPE 844485-001 25GbE SFP28 to SFP28 class deliver an attractive combination of performance, ease of use, and operational cost savings for short- to medium-reach links inside racks and across adjacent racks. They are engineered to reduce manual fiber termination and connector handling by bundling the transceivers, fiber, and electronics inside a single factory-tested assembly. The result is a plug-and-play optical solution that reduces installation time and risk of contamination while delivering consistent signal integrity.

The choose SFP28 AOCs in this category

• Guaranteed 25GbE throughput per lane for single-lane 25G ports.
• Factory-terminated assemblies minimize connector loss and contamination risk.
• Lower per-link power consumption compared to some active electrical alternatives over comparable distances.
• Improved electromagnetic performance because AOCs use optical transmission rather than copper for the link—useful in electrically noisy environments.
• Flexible lengths tailored for rack-to-rack or intra-rack cabling (common lengths: 1m, 3m, 5m, 7m, etc.).

Typical form factors and physical characteristics

Items in this category conform to the SFP28 mechanical and electrical form factor at each end, with an integrated duplex fiber assembly in between. The AOC assembly typically uses an MPO or bundled LC-style duplex arrangement internally and terminates in SFP28 compliant connectors. The cable jacket is usually a flame-retardant, flexible polymer rated for data center environments; bend-insensitive fiber and strain relief features are common to protect the internal fibers and electronics. Because AOCs are active devices, the transceiver electronics at each SFP28 end are pre-attached and typically recognized by the host switch as standard SFP28 ports, which makes them functionally identical to pluggable transceivers from the host OS perspective.

Common physical attributes

• Connector: SFP28 male at both ends (push-pull latch).
• Cable: factory-integrated optical fiber with protective jacket and strain relief.
• Length options: typically from 0.5m up to 10m or more depending on manufacturer; 7m is a commonly requested length for short, cross-rack links.
• Weight: lightweight compared to copper twinax alternatives, simplifying cable management.

Performance characteristics and technical considerations

Performance is defined by guaranteed 25Gbps throughput, low bit error rates (BER), and latency characteristics appropriate for loss-sensitive workloads. Since the AOC optics and electronics are factory-matched and tuned, customers benefit from deterministic loss budgets and link margins that simplify capacity planning. Important metrics in the category include supported data rate (25.78125 Gbps line-rate for 25G Ethernet), insertion loss, return loss, supported temperature range, and power dissipation per transceiver end. Buyers should evaluate the listed insertion loss and minimum link margin to validate that the chosen AOC meets the deployment’s resilience targets.

Compatibility and vendor ecosystem

The HPE 844485-001 staged category often references HPE-validated AOCs and HPE-compatible assemblies. When selecting from this category, compatibility with switches, routers, and network interface cards (NICs) is essential. Native HPE-labeled cables provide the highest compatibility assurance with HPE switches and NICs, including firmware-level management, asset tagging, and accurate diagnostic reporting. Third-party compliant AOCs can offer cost savings but may require validation for switch compatibility, link power negotiation, and telemetry.

Compatibility checklist

• Verify SFP28 support on both endpoints (switches, servers, NICs).
• Confirm firmware compatibility if the host enforces vendor checks.
• Confirm the AOC length suits rack elevations and cable pathways.
• Check that the transceiver pins and EEPROM are recognized by your platform for diagnostic telemetry.

Deployment scenarios and use cases

This category is especially relevant for high-density data center fabrics where many 25GbE links are required for server-to-top-of-rack switch connectivity, spine-leaf architectures, and leaf-to-leaf paths. The low weight, small form factor, and tidy routing of optical fiber make AOCs attractive in hyperconverged environments and cloud-scale operations that demand high port density and minimal airflow disruption. Common use cases include:

Common deployment patterns

• Top-of-rack (ToR): short, structured links from rack servers to the ToR switch—AOCs eliminate the need for individual fiber patching and save space.
• Leaf-spine fabric: aggregated 25GbE uplinks between leaf switches or server NICs and leaf switches for east-west traffic patterns.
• High-density compute clusters: distributed storage or compute nodes that need predictable 25GbE connectivity for low-latency communication.
• Edge and telco installations: where small form factor and low electromagnetic interference are useful in constrained racks.

Installation and cable management best practices

Installing AOCs requires careful cable routing to preserve bend radius, protect strain reliefs, and avoid mechanical stress on SFP28 latches. Because the AOC ends are active transceivers, they should be handled like any hot-pluggable optics: keep dust caps in place until insertion, avoid repeated connector insertion cycles that may wear the latch, and allow the optics to reach ambient temperature if moved from cold storage into an operational environment.

Step-by-step installation pointers

• Plan cable path considering rack elevations to avoid tight bends; observe the manufacturer’s minimum bend radius.
• Label both ends of each AOC during installation to simplify traceability and change management.
• Insert gently into SFP28 cages until the latch clicks; avoid forcing the module to prevent latch or board damage.
• Use cable ties and horizontal managers to maintain a clean airflow and easy service access—do not overtighten ties around the cable jacket.
• Record length and port mapping in configuration management or documentation tools for future troubleshooting.

Testing, diagnostics and monitoring

AOCs often present diagnostic telemetry via the SFP28 EEPROM so monitoring tools can report optical power, temperature, vendor ID, and link status. When procuring cables in this category, check the level of diagnostic detail offered—HPE-labeled AOCs typically provide vendor-specific telemetry elements and may integrate into HPE’s management platforms for centralized monitoring and alerts.

Useful diagnostic checks

• Verify link status and speed negotiation on both endpoints after insertion.
• Check optical receive (Rx) and transmit (Tx) levels in the host’s transceiver diagnostics.
• Monitor error counters and CRC/frame errors during initial burn-in traffic tests.
• Periodically inspect physical cable routing and strain reliefs for mechanical wear or compression.

Reliability, warranty and lifecycle considerations

Reliability expectations for the HPE 844485-001 25GbE SFP28-to-SFP28 AOC family include long MTBF (Mean Time Between Failures), robust bending tolerance, and consistent optical performance across diverse environmental conditions. Warranties and RMA processes vary by vendor, and HPE-branded or HPE-validated AOCs frequently come with enterprise-grade support terms. For large deployments, standardizing on a vendor with a clear lifecycle and long-term availability policy reduces the risk of obsolescence and simplifies spare parts management.

Comparing AOCs to alternatives: DAC, pluggable optics, and fiber patching

Selecting the right interconnect requires understanding tradeoffs between active optical cables (AOCs), direct attach copper (DAC) twinax cables, and discrete pluggable transceivers plus patch fiber. AOCs sit between DACs and pluggable transceivers in terms of cost, distance capability, and thermal properties:

Elements that drive TCO

• Unit price per link and available volume discounts.
• Installation labor savings versus discrete transceivers and fiber patching labor.
• Maintenance and replacement frequency relative to guaranteed MTBF and warranty support.
• Cooling efficiency impacts due to less dense copper cable runs versus optical alternatives.
• Compatibility risk and potential costs of vendor lock-in versus generic third-party alternatives.

Environmental, safety and regulatory factors

AOCs are typically designed to meet data center safety and flammability requirements such as CMP (plenum), CMG, or LSZH ratings depending on the jacket material. Buyers should verify the jacket rating against the installation environment (plenum spaces, cable trays, underfloor plenums). Additionally, AOCs do not radiate RF and therefore are favorable where electromagnetic emissions are a concern. Environmental operating temperature ranges and humidity tolerances are also important to confirm for edge or non-climate-controlled environments.

Checklist for environmental compliance

• Verify jacket flame rating (CMP, CM, LSZH) matches local building codes and data center standards.
• Check operating temperature and storage temperature ranges for compatibility with your environment.
• Confirm RoHS and REACH regulatory compliance if required by procurement policy.
• Consider humidity and particulate exposure levels—optical connections are sensitive to contamination.

Security implications and physical access controls

Network cabling is often overlooked as a security vector. AOCs mitigate certain risks because they are fully factory-terminated and do not expose exposed patch points within a patch panel. However, they are still physical links and should be included in access control and change management processes. Labeling, tamper-evident seals in high-security applications, and controlled access to racks are recommended best practices.

Security best practices

• Implement strict access control to data center racks and patching areas.
• Use physical labeling and port-mapping documentation to prevent unauthorized re-patching.
• Monitor link behavior for anomalous changes that could indicate tampering or misconfiguration.

Evaluate vendors and specification sheets

When comparing products in the HPE 844485-001 25GbE SFP28-to-SFP28 AOC category, review vendor specification sheets carefully for electrical/optical performance, guaranteed link distances at 25GbE, breakout or reverse-compatibility details, and the list of validated platforms. Look for clear support policies, part-number cross-references, and test reports that demonstrate compliance with Ethernet standards. For enterprise deployments, HPE-endorsed or HPE-validated parts may justify a premium for the reduced integration risk and vendor support alignment.

Vendor evaluation checklist

• Ask for test reports or validation matrices that show compatibility with your specific switch and NIC models.
• Confirm warranty and RMA turnaround times and any on-site swap options.
• Check for available firmware or EEPROM information that supports management and diagnostics.
• Request end-of-life (EOL) and long-term availability commitments for large-scale rollouts.

Inventory management and naming conventions

Effective inventory naming and lifecycle tagging are essential for managing large fleets of AOCs. Use consistent part-number mapping that combines the vendor SKU, length, and destination rack/port mapping. If your configuration management database (CMDB) tracks physical assets, include the cable serial, length, and purchase batch to simplify troubleshooting when issues appear across multiple similar links.

Checklist for purchasing teams

To simplify procurement decisions, purchasing teams should collect and verify a standard set of information before issuing purchase orders. This reduces returns, compatibility issues, and unexpected project delays.

Optimization strategies for large-scale rollouts

For data center operators implementing thousands of 25GbE links, standardizing on a validated AOC SKU and length matrix streamlines installation and reduces troubleshooting complexity. Batch testing, serialized labeling, and staging inventory in advance of rack moves enable predictable cutovers. Consider performing burn-in testing and continuous monitoring in the first weeks after install to detect early failures and defective batches.

Rollout best practices

• Standardize on 2–3 cable lengths per rack layout to reduce SKU sprawl.
• Use vendor-validated AOCs for critical spine and leaf deployments to ensure rapid support.
• Execute staged burn-in with representative traffic profiles to reveal early failures.
• Maintain a small on-site spare pool sized to cover worst-case replacement needs during outages.