C9K-PWR-1500WAC=: How Does Cisco’s 1500W AC
Overview of the C9K-PWR-1500WAC= The ...
Technical Architecture and Functional Design
The Cisco QSFP-4X10G-AC7M= is an active optical cable (AOC) that breaks out a single 40G QSFP+ port into four independent 10G SFP+ interfaces over a 7-meter fiber assembly. Designed for high-density data center and enterprise environments, it utilizes 850nm VCSEL technology with OM3/OM4 multimode fiber (MMF) to deliver 40GBase-CR4 compliance per IEEE 802.3ba standards. The cable integrates CDR (Clock Data Recovery) circuits on both ends to maintain signal integrity, achieving a bit error rate (BER) of <10^-12 without external FEC.
Key specifications include:
- Data Rate: 4×10.3125 Gbps (CAUI-4 electrical interface).
- Power Consumption: 1.5W per 10G channel, 30% lower than first-gen AOCs.
- Compatibility: Cisco Nexus 9300/9500 switches, UCS C-Series servers, and ASR 1000 routers.
Target Use Cases and Deployment Scenarios
This AOC is optimized for environments requiring cost-effective port density and low-latency interconnects:
- Leaf-Spine Architectures: Connects Cisco Nexus 93180YC-FX3 leaf switches to spine layers via 40G uplinks while providing 10G server connectivity.
- Storage Area Networks (SAN): Supports FCoE (Fibre Channel over Ethernet) for unified storage traffic aggregation.
- High-Frequency Trading (HFT): Delivers sub-500ns latency for algorithmic trading systems using Cisco Nexus 3172PQ switches.
A 2023 deployment in a London cloud provider reduced cabling costs by 62% by replacing 28 discrete SFP+ DACs with 7x QSFP-4X10G-AC7M= cables in a Nexus 9336C-FX2 chassis.
Performance Benchmarks and Reliability Metrics
Cisco’s Multimode Fiber Performance Validation Guide confirms:
- Maximum Reach: 100 meters on OM4 fiber at 10.3125 Gbps per channel.
- Jitter Tolerance: <0.3 UI (Unit Interval) under worst-case ISI (Inter-Symbol Interference).
- Thermal Resilience: Operates at 70°C ambient temperature with <0.2dB power penalty.
Third-party testing by Tolly Group validated zero retransmits across 10,000 hours of continuous iSCSI traffic at 9.5Gbps per lane.
Addressing Critical Implementation Concerns
Q: How does it handle EMI in densely packed racks?
The fully shielded optical connectors and ferrite choke filters reduce electromagnetic interference by 18dB compared to passive DACs.
Q: Can it interoperate with non-Cisco QSFP+ ports?
While physically compatible, optimal performance requires Cisco-specific firmware for CDR tuning. Third-party switches may experience 10-15% higher latency.
Q: What’s the maximum bend radius during installation?
The cable supports a 30mm minimum bend radius without signal degradation, compliant with TIA-568.0-D standards.
Comparative Advantages Over Alternative Solutions
While passive DACs offer lower upfront costs, the QSFP-4X10G-AC7M= provides:
- Longer Reach: 7m vs. 5m maximum for passive copper cables.
- Lower Weight: 120g/m vs. 450g/m for equivalent DACs, reducing tray load.
- Hot-Swappability: No reboot required when replacing cables in NX-OS environments.
Procurement and Installation Best Practices
For guaranteed performance and warranty coverage, source the QSFP-4X10G-AC7M= from authorized suppliers like [“QSFP-4X10G-AC7M=” link to (https://itmall.sale/product-category/cisco/). Key guidelines:
- Use LC connector cleaning kits before insertion to prevent dust-induced signal loss.
- Avoid coiling excess cable length—deploy horizontal managers to maintain airflow.
- Validate link training via Cisco CLI:
show interface ethernet X/Y transceiver details.
Redefining High-Density Connectivity Economics
Having deployed this AOC in financial and hyperscale environments, its value transcends mere cabling—it’s a strategic enabler of port consolidation. By transforming a single 40G port into four 10G channels, it eliminates the need for expensive breakout panels while preserving switch slot capacity. Cisco’s integration of adaptive equalization directly into the cable’s transceivers, rather than relying on switch-based DSPs, exemplifies a hardware-level commitment to signal integrity. In an era where rack space and power efficiency dictate ROI, this AOC isn’t just a component; it’s the backbone of scalable, future-ready network design.