JNP-100G-AOC-7M Juniper QSFP28 100G Active Optical Cable

JNP-100G-AOC-7M — Juniper 7m 100G QSFP28 to QSFP Active Optical Cable

The JNP-100G-AOC-7M active optical cable (AOC) from Juniper delivers a high-performance, low-latency 100 Gigabit link between QSFP ports. Engineered for data centers, enterprise switching, and high-density networking, this 7-meter (22.97 ft) QSFP28-to-QSFP AOC combines fiber-optic transmission with active electronics to provide a plug-and-play, energy-efficient solution for short-reach 100G interconnects.

Key specifications and technical data

• Manufacturer Part Number: JNP-100G-AOC-7M
• Brand: Juniper
• Product type: Network cable / Active Optical Cable (AOC)
• Cable category: Fiber optic active cable
• Length: 7 meters (22.97 ft)
• Connectors: QSFP (QSFP28 compatible) on both ends
• Supported devices: Network devices with QSFP/QSFP28 ports (switches, routers, NICs)
• Maximum data throughput: 100 Gbps (12.50 GB/s effective transfer)
• Feature set: Active transceiver electronics for improved signal integrity and extended reach

What “active optical cable” (AOC) means

An active optical cable integrates optical fiber with active electronic components in the QSFP housings. Unlike passive copper cables, AOCs convert electrical signals to optical signals at the cable ends, yielding higher bandwidth, longer reach, and superior electromagnetic immunity. The JNP-100G-AOC-7M uses QSFP28 form-factor optics to support 100G Ethernet and similar high-speed protocols.

Performance benefits

• High throughput: Native 100G performance for bandwidth-intensive workloads.
• Low latency: Minimal serialization delay compared with longer transceiver + fiber assemblies.
• Signal reliability: Active electronics reduce bit errors and maintain link quality across the 7m span.
• EMI resistance: Optical medium avoids electrical interference—ideal for dense racks and noisy environments.
• Power efficiency: Lower host port power draw compared to some optical module + patch cable combinations.

Typical use cases

• Top-of-rack (ToR) and end-of-row (EoR) switch-to-switch connections.
• Interconnects between line cards, aggregation switches, and spine routers in leaf-spine architectures.
• High-performance computing (HPC) clusters requiring predictable 100G links.
• Direct attach inside equipment racks where 7 meters of reach is optimal.

Common error indicators

• Link flapping — may indicate loose seating, firmware mismatch, or intermittent cable defect.
• High CRC/packet errors — check for compatibility and verify transceiver telemetry.
• Port disabled by firmware policy — some vendors block non-validated optics; review vendor compliance settings.

The Juniper JNP-100G-AOC-7M

This AOC is an excellent option when you need a reliable, vendor-validated 100G QSFP28 link without the overhead of separate transceivers and patch fibers. Benefits include:

• Compact, integrated design reduces rack clutter and simplifies cabling.
• Optimized for short-reach high-speed interconnects typical in modern data centers.
• Cost- and power-efficient compared to some module plus patch-cable combinations.

Ordering and procurement tips

When purchasing, consider these points to ensure the JNP-100G-AOC-7M is the right fit:

• Confirm the exact length requirement—7 meters suits mid-row/top-of-rack distances; shorter lengths may reduce cost.
• Validate vendor warranty and RMA policies for optics and cables.
• Buy spare units for critical paths to reduce repair time during failures.

Category-defining Attributes

• QSFP28 to QSFP28 Interface: Compatible with QSFP28 ports supporting 100G Ethernet (4x25G lanes / 25G NRZ or 4x25G PAM4 where applicable).
• 7-Meter Optimal Reach: Designed for medium-distance topologies inside data centers — ideal for cross-rack, top-of-rack to aggregation, or cabinet-to-cabinet links.
• Active Optical Design: Integrated optical transceivers and DSPs inside the cable to extend reach and provide robust signal integrity compared to passive DACs.
• Vendor Compatibility: Marketed as Juniper-compatible (JNP designation), ensuring plug-and-play operation with Juniper switches while often interoperable with other vendors when supporting generic QSFP28 modules.
• Low Power and Low Latency: Engineered for minimal power consumption and deterministic latency, critical for high-frequency trading, database clusters, and storage fabrics.
• Durability and Bend Radius: Reinforced jacket and strain relief to survive rack installations; recommended minimum bend radius guidance included by manufacturers.
• Hot-Swappable: No need to power down equipment to install or remove—supports maintenance and dynamic reconfiguration.

Technical Specifications Common to This Category

Optical and Electrical Characteristics

• Data Rate: 100 Gigabit/s (aggregate).
• Lane Configuration: 4 × 25 Gbps lanes (QSFP28 standard).
• Transceiver Type: Integrated optical engines — often compliant to QSFP28 MSA electrical/optical specifications.
• Encoding: NRZ / PAM4 dependent on end equipment compatibility; AOC typically supports the encoding used by host ports.
• Wavelength: Multi-mode/fiber wavelengths compliant with industry optics (vendor-specific).
• Power Consumption: Low per-cable power draw compared to independent pluggable modules + fiber transceiver pairs.

Mechanical and Environmental

• Cable Length: 7 meters (approx. 22.97 feet), pre-terminated.
• Connector: QSFP28 male connectors on both ends with latch and release mechanisms.
• Operating Temperature: Typical range for data centers (e.g., 0°C to 70°C), verify vendor datasheet for exact values.
• Storage Temperature: Manufacturer-specified safe storage range (commonly -40°C to +85°C).
• Bend Radius: Minimum static and dynamic bend radius recommendations to avoid signal degradation.
• MTBF & Reliability: High mean time between failures, consistent with active optical assemblies.

Advantages of Choosing 7-Meter Active Optical Cables

Cost-effectiveness

• Lower total cost compared to separate pluggable transceivers plus fiber patching when accounting for installation time and parts.
• Reduced need for additional inventory SKUs (single cable assembly versus transceiver + fiber patch + patch panel management).

Operational Simplicity

• Factory-terminated assemblies reduce field-termination errors and eliminate complex fiber routing inside racks.
• Hot-pluggable ease of replacement during maintenance windows.

Performance & Reliability

• Active equalization and signal conditioning embedded in the AOC help maintain link integrity at 100G speeds over the 7m span.
• Robust design reduces susceptibility to electromagnetic interference compared to copper DACs and provides galvanic isolation for sensitive equipment.

Comparing 7m AOCs to Alternatives

7m AOC vs Passive Copper DAC

• Signal Integrity: AOCs provide optical transmission and are immune to EMI, while DACs are susceptible to electromagnetic interference.
• Distance: DACs typically limited to ~3 meters for reliable 100G passive copper implementations, making 7m AOCs favorable for medium reach.
• Power: AOCs consume modest additional power for active electronics; DACs are nearly passive and often draw less power.

7m AOC vs Pluggable QSFP28 + Fiber Patch

• Flexibility: Pluggable optics with separate fiber offer more flexibility in the field and easier component-level swaps, but increase cable management complexity.
• Cost & Complexity: AOCs reduce immediate BOM complexity and installation time, whereas pluggable approaches increase parts but may offer longer-term serviceability.

Cost Considerations and Total Cost of Ownership (TCO)

Calculating the TCO for 7m JNP AOCs requires factoring in initial purchase price, installation labor savings, cable management simplification, expected lifespan, power consumption, and spare inventory costs. While the unit cost may be higher than passive DACs, the operational savings and reduced failure modes often justify the investment, especially in mission-critical environments.

Security and Physical Layer Considerations

• Optical Isolation: AOCs eliminate electrical continuity between connected devices, which can reduce risk during lightning or ground loop events inside large data centers.
• Physical Access Control: Secure QSFP ports with physical port locks or chassis-level controls in high-security deployments to avoid unauthorized tampering.
• Firmware and Diagnostics: Keep host device firmware updated to ensure compatibility and security of diagnostic telemetry exposed by AOCs.

Use-case Examples and Real-world Scenarios

Hyperconverged Infrastructure (HCI) Clusters

In HCI racks where compute and storage nodes interconnect at 100G speeds, 7m AOCs simplify server-to-top-of-rack connections, reduce clutter, and help maintain predictable latency for distributed storage operations.

High-Performance Computing (HPC)

HPC clusters with GPU-dense nodes often rely on high-bandwidth, low-latency links. AOCs provide a tidy physical layer that minimizes signal loss and supports dense cabling in GPU-heavy racks.

Financial Trading Platforms

For algorithmic trading where microseconds matter, the deterministic performance and low latency of 100G AOCs make them attractive for intra-data-center connectivity between matching engines and market data feeds.

Recommended Content Blocks for Category Page

• Quick Specs: Table summarizing data rate, connectors, length, operating temperature, and power.
• Compatibility Notice: Short note advising customers to verify firmware compatibility with Juniper devices and include vendor part numbers where possible.
• Installation Tips: Visual diagrams for bend radius, connector orientation, and cable management best practices.
• Related Products: Crosslinks to 1m/3m/5m AOCs, QSFP28 transceivers, and MPO fiber patch panels.
• Support & Warranty: Clear summary of warranty terms, RMA procedures, and contact points for technical assistance.