100G DSFP AOC: The Ideal Choice for Short-Distance Interconnects
Nov 03, 20251 min read
In the era of evolving data centers and high-performance computing networks, network interconnect devices face higher transmission rates, more compact space constraints, and stricter energy efficiency requirements. While traditional 100G QSFP28 modules offer mature bandwidth performance, their larger form factor makes them less suitable for high-density deployment scenarios. On the other hand, the SFP series, although compact, is limited in bandwidth and cannot support 100G transmission.
Against this backdrop, the 100G DSFP AOC stands out with the innovative concept of "smaller size, higher bandwidth." It inherits the compact form factor of the SFP series while achieving 100G high-speed transmission through dual-channel 53Gbps PAM4 technology, offering a short-distance interconnect solution that balances performance, energy efficiency, and flexibility for data centers, communication devices, and industrial interconnect systems.
Overview of FS 100G DSFP AOC Module
The 100G DSFP AOC is an active optical cable that integrates the optical transceiver with the fiber, using a hot-pluggable DSFP form factor. Its key features include:
Compact form factor: Similar in size to traditional SFP, significantly smaller than QSFP28 modules, greatly increasing port density.
High-bandwidth transmission: Supports 2×53Gbps PAM4 signaling for 100G full-duplex communication.
Low-power operation: Consumes less than 3.5W, meeting energy efficiency requirements for high-density racks.
Flexible cabling: Minimum bend radius of 30mm, adaptable to complex cabinet routing.
Plug-and-play design: Supports hot-swapping, simplifying deployment and maintenance.
Overall, the 100G DSFP AOC is designed to provide a reliable, energy-efficient, and high-density solution for short-distance rack-to-rack high-speed connections, particularly suitable for Top-of-Rack (TOR) switch-to-server interconnects.
Value of FS 100G DSFP AOC in Short-Distance Deployment
The 100G DSFP AOC provides tangible and measurable improvements in performance and efficiency through high-density design, low-power operation, stable high-speed transmission, and reliable materials and standards. Its core values can be summarized in six aspects:
High-Density Design: Maximizing Rack Space
The compact SFP-like form factor of the 100G DSFP module achieves higher port density in limited space, providing an ideal solution for high-density data centers and TOR switch deployments. This design improves rack utilization and simplifies operations.
Increased port density and rack utilization: Compared to traditional QSFP28 modules, the DSFP module allows up to four times the port density of SFP modules on the same switch panel. This enables more 100G ports in a 1U switch, reducing the number of switches required, lowering equipment investment, and improving rack space utilization.
Flexible cabling and easier maintenance: The module supports a minimum 30mm bend radius for fiber cabling, suitable for high-density racks or confined spaces, reducing signal loss risk due to bending. Flexible cabling facilitates installation and ongoing maintenance, enhancing overall data center management efficiency.
High-Speed, Stable Transmission for Short-Distance High-Bandwidth Needs
High-speed and stable transmission is crucial for short-distance interconnects. The 100G DSFP AOC employs advanced PAM4 architecture and high-performance chip design, ensuring stability under heavy load and providing reliable support for virtualization, big data analytics, and AI training applications.
Dual-channel 53Gbps PAM4 architecture for high-speed transmission: Achieves 100G full-duplex bandwidth—four times the bandwidth of traditional SFP modules. The built-in Semtech chip ensures signal integrity and low power consumption, maintaining a low bit error rate (<2.4E-5) even during peak traffic.
Standard compliance ensures stable interconnects: Compatible with 100GBASE-SR2 standard, designed for short-distance, high-bandwidth interconnects between TOR switches and servers. Supports 1–30 meter connections, ensuring stability in multi-vendor environments.
Low-Power Design for Energy Efficiency
Power consumption directly impacts rack cooling and overall data center energy efficiency. The 100G DSFP AOC consumes less than 3.5W, and its compact design and energy efficiency offer tangible benefits for deployment.
Reduced rack heat load: Low-power design reduces heat accumulation, optimizing rack cooling and data center thermal management, lowering temperature-related risks.
Improved energy efficiency: In large-scale deployments, low-power modules help optimize overall energy efficiency (PUE), support green operational strategies, and enhance device stability and lifespan.
Plug-and-Play Design Simplifies Deployment and Maintenance
High-density and high-speed networks demand greater efficiency in deployment and operations. The 100G DSFP AOC supports hot-swappable and standardized interfaces for quick installation and replacement, while its digital monitoring function enables proactive link management by IT teams.
Hot-Swappable for Rapid Short-Reach Deployment
Compliant with the DSFP MSA standard, the module supports hot-swappable operation, allowing fast deployment or replacement without interrupting network services. Its lightweight design is ideal for short-reach connections between racks or adjacent servers, significantly reducing expansion time and simplifying maintenance workflows.
Proactive Monitoring and Maintenance Optimization
Equipped with an integrated I²C management interface and DDM (Digital Diagnostic Monitoring), the module provides real-time monitoring of temperature, voltage, and optical power, helping operation teams identify potential issues early and ensure network stability and reliability in short-distance data center environments.
Stable Materials and Design Ensure Safe and Reliable Operation
Beyond performance, material selection and safety design directly impact data center reliability. The 100G DSFP AOC is rigorously validated in chip design, cable jacket quality, and safety compliance, delivering a stable and dependable short-reach interconnect solution.
High-Performance Chip Ensures Short-Reach Signal Integrity
Built with a high-performance Semtech chip, the module maintains signal integrity and low power transmission. It ensures high-speed, low-error connectivity even in high-density short-reach deployments such as rack-to-rack or server-to-switch links.
Flame-Retardant Jacket Enhances Cabling Safety
The cable uses an OFNP-rated flame-retardant jacket that meets UL910 standards, enabling safe installation in conduits, ventilation ducts, or confined spaces. This design minimizes fire risks and ensures safety in compact cabling environments.
Compliant with International Safety and Environmental Standards
Certified to FDA Class 1 laser safety and RoHS environmental standards, the module guarantees safe operation in short-distance network environments while supporting energy-efficient and eco-friendly data center practices.
High Compatibility and Flexible Scalability for Diverse Short-Reach Scenarios
Network flexibility depends on standardized compatibility and multi-vendor interoperability. The 100G DSFP AOC adheres to global protocol standards, enabling seamless connectivity across different brands and simplifying network expansion and upgrades.
Protocol Compliance Ensures Short-Reach Interoperability
Compliant with IEEE 802.3cd standards, the module supports high-speed short-reach interconnection between switches, servers, and storage devices from various vendors. This reduces vendor lock-in and enhances network flexibility.
Standardized Interface Enables Agile Expansion
Supporting the DSFP MSA hot-swappable standard, the module allows rapid replacement and scalable deployment. It meets the agility and flexibility demands of high-density short-reach connections, making it an ideal choice for modern data center interconnects.
Typical Application Scenarios
Communications: Preferred Choice for High-Density Bandwidth Upgrades
In communication networks, the 100G DSFP AOC enables high-speed interconnects between switches, network interface cards (NICs), and servers. Its compact form factor allows manufacturers to deploy more 100G ports in limited panel space, increasing system port density.
High-density connectivity: Maximizes panel utilization
Low-power operation: Reduces device heat load
High compatibility and stability: Ensures long-term network reliability
In scenarios such as 5G front haul, edge computing, or operator aggregation nodes, the 100G DSFP AOC serves as a lightweight alternative to QSFP28, enabling more flexible device designs.
Data: Efficient Interconnection for Data Centers and HPC
In data centers and high-performance computing clusters, short-distance connections between servers and TOR switches are critical. The 100G DSFP AOC offers:
100GBASE-SR2 support: Stable high-bandwidth connections
High port density: More connections in the same space, improving rack utilization
Hot-swappable design: Simplifies maintenance and expansion
In HPC, AI clusters, and cloud data center deployments, the DSFP AOC delivers high throughput and low latency, providing a cost-effective option for interconnecting high-performance nodes.
Industrial & Instrumentation: Reliable and Safe Communication Assurance
In industrial automation and monitoring systems, communication stability and safety are crucial.
OFNP flame-retardant jacket: Provides additional safety in complex industrial environments
Fiber immunity to interference: Ensures stable signals even under strong electromagnetic conditions
Standardized interfaces: Facilitates system integration and long-term maintenance
The 100G DSFP AOC can be applied in industrial Ethernet, smart instrumentation communication, and control system data acquisition, delivering high-bandwidth, low-latency short-distance industrial interconnects.
Conclusion
FS 100G DSFP AOC is an ideal solution for short-distance high-speed interconnects. With its compact form factor, high-bandwidth transmission, low-power design, and plug-and-play convenience, it provides stable, efficient, and scalable interconnects for data centers, communication networks, and industrial systems. The module supports 1–30 meter lengths to accommodate rack-to-rack connections, has undergone rigorous compatibility and performance testing, and is backed by FS’s professional technical support, fast delivery, and comprehensive after-sales service. It enables customers to deploy high-performance, cost-efficient, and sustainable short-distance networks with confidence.
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- Hardware
- Optics and Transceivers
- Data Center