Introduction to the Ruijie 10G SFP+ AOC — 5m (XG-SFP-AOC5M)
The Ruijie XG-SFP-AOC5M is a 5-metre Active Optical Cable (AOC) that delivers a 10 Gbps SFP+ connection for short-reach interconnects in racks and data-centre environments. Designed as an SFP+ to SFP+ assembly with integrated transceiver modules and thin multimode optical fibre, this cable is aimed at IT teams, systems integrators and enterprises that need reliable, low-power, high-density connections for switch stacking, server uplinks and high-performance rack-to-rack links.
Key features at a glance:
- 10 Gbps line rate (10.3125 Gbps) for standard 10 Gigabit Ethernet links.
- SFP+ form factor at both ends for hot-pluggable, plug-and-play installation.
- 5 m active multimode fibre cable — thin profile for improved airflow and cable management versus copper DACs.
- Digital Diagnostics Monitoring (DDM/DOM) supported for link diagnostics and health monitoring.
- Typical low power consumption (~1 W typical for 10G AOCs).
Detailed specifications and benefits
The XG-SFP-AOC5M is built around the SFP+ form factor and is configured to provide a standardized 10.3125 Gbps physical interface. Below is a concise breakdown of the most relevant technical specifications and the benefits they bring to network deployments.
- Model:XG-SFP-AOC5M
- Data rate:10.3125 Gbps (10 Gbps class)
- Form factor:SFP+ (both ends)
- Connector type:SFP+ to SFP+
- Length:5 m
- Module type:Active Optical Cable (AOC)
- Diagnostics:DDM/DOM supported
- Typical wavelength:850 nm (VCSEL, multimode)
- Typical power consumption:~1 W (typical for 10G AOC implementations)
- Datasheet / product page:https://www.ruijie.com/en-global/products/switches/accessories/xg-sfp-aoc5m
Note: some environmental and certification fields are listed as "insufficient data" in the manufacturer information; for regulated or extreme-environment deployments consult the official Ruijie datasheet and your vendor for confirmation of operating and storage temperature ranges, and certification status (CE/UKCA, RoHS, etc.).
- Reduced rack congestion and improved airflow:Compared with thick copper Direct Attach Copper (DAC) twinax cables, the thin multimode fibre used in AOCs occupies less space and allows better air circulation. This helps cooling efficiency and can lower data-centre cooling costs over time.
- Lower power consumption:Typical AOC implementations consume far less power than equivalent active copper solutions or separate optics plus patch cable assemblies. Ruijie lists a typical power consumption around ~1 W for this cable, which is beneficial in high-density deployments.
- Plug-and-play, hot-swappable:The SFP+ modules at each end present a standard interface to network equipment. No external optics or separate fibre patching is required — install the AOC directly into SFP+ ports for immediate link establishment.
- Built-in diagnostics:DDM/DOM support enables monitoring of key optical parameters (such as transmit/receive power and temperature), which simplifies troubleshooting and proactive maintenance.
- Cost-effective for short reach:For links up to a few meters inside racks or between adjacent racks, AOCs like the XG-SFP-AOC5M are typically more cost-effective and simpler to manage than transceiver + external patch cable combinations.
Use cases and scenarios where the product excels
The Ruijie 5 m 10G SFP+ AOC is optimized for short-reach, high-density network environments. Typical scenarios where it shines include:
- Switch stacking and leaf-spine aggregation:When multiple top-of-rack or aggregation switches are stacked or interconnected within a single rack or adjacent racks, 5 m AOCs provide neat, low-power links without the cable bulk of DACs.
- Server uplinks in dense compute racks:High-density server deployments with multiple 10G NICs per server benefit from thin AOCs that free up space and reduce interference with airflow.
- Hyperconverged and blade server enclosures:Environments with limited physical space and tight thermal budgets prefer AOCs for their small bend radius and low heat output.
- Data‑centre refresh or consolidation projects:When replacing older 1G/10G copper cabling with higher-density solutions, AOCs simplify migration by reducing the number of separate patch cables and optics to manage.
- Temporary or staged deployments:Because the AOC is plug-and-play and robust, it is a good choice for staging areas, labs, or temporary racks where quick reconfiguration is required.
Comparisons with similar products in the market
Understanding where the XG-SFP-AOC5M fits relative to alternative cabling and optics options helps in selecting the right solution for your requirements. Below are common comparisons and considerations.
- Cable thickness and airflow:AOCs use thin multimode fibre, typically much slimmer than copper DAC assemblies, improving airflow and allowing higher port density per rack unit.
- Power and heat:Active optical links generally consume less power and generate less heat than copper DAC solutions that rely on copper PHY signalling over short distances.
- Reach:For very short connections (<3 m) DACs are common and often cheaper; however, beyond very short lengths and in high-density scenarios AOCs provide practical advantages.
- Flexibility:AOCs eliminate separate transceivers and patch cables, simplifying moves/adds/changes compared to discrete optics + patch fibre assemblies.
- Cost and complexity:Buying two SFP+ transceivers and a patch cable tends to be more expensive and more complex to install and manage than a single integrated AOC for short runs.
- Vendor compatibility:Some networks prefer vendor-branded transceivers for interoperability guarantees. While AOCs from reputable vendors such as Ruijie are designed for broad compatibility, always verify compatibility with your switch or server vendor.
- Repairability:Discrete transceivers and patch cables can be replaced independently if one component fails. AOCs are integrated assemblies; if one end fails you typically replace the whole cable.
Many major networking vendors and third-party optics suppliers offer 10G AOCs in similar lengths and specifications. Differences tend to be in certification/compatibility with specific switch platforms, warranty/support terms, and price. The Ruijie XG-SFP-AOC5M is positioned competitively as a cost-effective, low-power 10G AOC for Ruijie environments and standard SFP+ ports. For mixed-vendor environments, check interoperability notes on the Ruijie product page and with your hardware vendor.
Customer testimonials and typical feedback
Official customer reviews for specific part numbers may not always be widely published. Below are representative, anonymised themes based on typical feedback for similar 10G AOC products in data-centre environments:
- "Simplified cable management"— IT teams consistently report that thin AOCs dramatically reduce cable bulk, making it easier to service and cool dense racks.
- "Plug-and-play reliability"— Customers often praise the hot-swappable nature and immediate link establishment without additional configuration, saving deployment time.
- "Better airflow and lower temperatures"— Facilities teams notice modest improvements in rack inlet temperatures where AOCs replace thicker copper cables.
- "Compatibility checks recommended"— A common caution from users is to validate compatibility with network switches and NICs, particularly in mixed-vendor environments, to avoid link negotiation issues.
If you require verified customer reviews for procurement decisions, consult reseller platforms, independent review sites, or request reference deployments from Ruijie or your reseller.
Conclusion — why the Ruijie XG-SFP-AOC5M is a strong choice
The Ruijie 10G SFP+ AOC (XG-SFP-AOC5M) is a practical, cost-effective solution for short-reach 10 Gigabit interconnects in modern, high-density rack and data-centre environments. Its combination of an industry-standard SFP+ interface, low power consumption, DDM diagnostics, and a thin multimode fibre construction makes it especially attractive where airflow, cable management and operational simplicity matter.
At a suggested price of 129.00 (cost price 106.08), it represents a good balance of performance and value for deployments that do not require the separate flexibility of discrete transceivers and patch cables. For network administrators planning switch stacking, server uplinks, or dense aggregation fabrics, the XG-SFP-AOC5M is worth considering as part of a cohesive cabling and optics strategy — provided you verify vendor compatibility and any environmental or certification requirements for your site.
For full technical details, installation guidance and compatibility notes consult the Ruijie product page and datasheet: https://www.ruijie.com/en-global/products/switches/accessories/xg-sfp-aoc5m
