AOC & Data Centre Product Overview Combined

Fibre Optic Assembly Specialists ctive ptical ables

In an increasingly tech-driven world, data centres are under pressure to enhance their network capabilities. From bandwidth consumption to connectivity demands, networks are under strain to meet and exceed user expectations. This reality is fuelling the adoption of Active Optical Cables, but what exactly are they? and why should you consider them? Here is everything you need to know... Active Optical Cables (often referred to as AOCs) are a high-performance, cost-effective, interconnect solution for fibre cable installations. Active Optical Cables are designed to simplify the conventional installation process of terminating an optical cable with two compatible modules. AOCs come with pre- attached optical transceivers at each end, designed to deliver superior perfomance (speed and distance) in any environment. When connected to a switch, the optical transceiver at one end of the AOC converts the data from electronic signals into laser light pulses, which then pass through the optical cable. Once the laser light pulses reach the optical transceiver at the other end, they are converted back into data/ electronic signals before entering the switch. In scenarios where the installation does not connect switch to switch, there are various breakout options and hybrid AOC assemblies (e.g., transceiver to fibre connector) to suit your needs, based on application and environment. The versatility of AOCs (Active Optical Cables) makes it easier to create communication systems that are still compatible with common electrical connections whilst delivering a greater range of operation than DACs (Direct Attach Copper cables).

The key benefit of AOCs is the superior performance they deliver in terms of both speed and distance compared to legacy infrastructure. The ability to transmit vast amounts of data makes AOCs an essential product for data centres and environments with large computing clusters. AOCs offer a lightweight and compact design that is easy to manage and store, making it efficient in any environment. AOCs require no optical termination, saving fibre engineers time on installation. Contaminated (dirty) connectors ELIMINATES THE NO.1 CAUSE are renowned in the industry as OF NETWORK FAULTS the leading cause of fibre network problems and test failure. Common contaminated Pristine connector However, the risk of dirt getting into AOCs is eliminated thanks to connector inside AOC the innovative, enclosed design and pre-attached transceivers. Are AOCs more expensive than traditional installation methods? No, on the contrary. AOCs typically cost 40% less when compared to the cost of a traditional optical fibre cable and two compatible modules. This makes AOCs a cost-effective solution, particularly in high-demand environments. What type of AOC cable do I need? The type of AOC cable that you require depends on a number of factor's: Application Environment Transmission rate Transmission distance AOCs are available in a variety of lengths dependent on where the cables will be used and the transmission rate and distance that is required. For shorter range transmission, our standard AOC assemblies are built using Multimode OM3 cable for transmission up to 300m. OM4 cable is available upon request. In instances where the transmission distance extends over a longer range (beyond 300m) Single mode fibre is required. If your AOC assembly is not being used for a switch-to-switch installation, we offer a range of breakout options to suit your specific needs.

What are the different AOC Options? Our portfolio of AOC's currently contains the following four options: Option 1: 10G SFP+ Our standard 10G SFP+ AOC assembly is crafted using OM3 cable and two SFP+ transceivers. These transceivers consist of four internal fibres; two to transmit and two to receive. This type of AOC can achieve a data transmission rate of up to 10G. Option 2: 25G SFP28 Our standard 25G SFP28 AOC assembly is crafted using OM3 cable and two SFP28 transceivers. These transceivers contain the same components as the SFP+ (four internal fibres; two to transmit and two to receive) but offer a higher rate of data transmission; up to 25G. Option 3: 40G QSFP+ Our standard 40G QSFP+ AOC assembly is crafted using OM3 cable and two QSFP+ transceivers. These transceivers use quad channel technology to deliver four channels with eight internal fibres. This AOC assembly has a transmission rate of 40G. There are various customised AOC breakout options available, such as QSFP+ to 4x 10GSFP+. Option 4: 100G QSFP28 Our standard 10G QSFP28 AOC assembly is crafted using OM3 cable and two QSFP28 transceivers. These transceivers also use quad channel technology to deliver four channels with eight internal fibres but can deliver a transmission rate of up to 100G. There are various customised AOC breakout options available, such as 100G QSFP28 to 4x 25G SFP28 and 100G QSFP28 to 2x 50G QSFP28.

Frequently Asked Questions: Can these standard AOC assemblies be customised? Yes. Whilst OM3 cable is our standard option for AOC assemblies, OM4 cable is available upon request. For environments that require a transmission distance of over 300m, Singlemode assemblies are available along with a range of breakout options to suit your application needs. Can I purchase transceivers separately? Yes, you do not need to purchase the transceivers as part of an AOC Speak to a member of our team to find out what transceivers we can provide. Is there a Copper alternative to AOCs? Yes. If you are looking for a copper-based interconnect solution, then Direct Attached Copper cables (DACs) may be a more appropriate product for your environment. Please speak to our team about your specific requirements and we can advise you about our range of DAC assemblies. How do I find out more? How do I find out more? Get in touch with our knowledgeable team who will be happy to talk you through our AOC options, prices and lead times. Call Us Email Us 01745 586600 [email protected] Follow our Socials Visit our website @Leaderoptecltd www.leaderoptec.com

Leader Optec is currently in its 30th year of business as a Fibre Optic Assembly Specialist. Over the years we have established a wide and varied portfolio of products to meet all of your needs: Pre-Terminated Cables Tight buffered - effective, efficient & time saving Loose tube & armoured versions available 2-96 core variants in all modes MTP® Pro/ MPO Solutions Range of containment solutions Assemblies from 8-144 Fibres Highest density product on the market Patchlead assemblies UK manufactured, high-performance Mode conditioned leads All connector types (PC, UPC, APC) Fibre Optic Cable Multicore & connectivity OM1, OM2, OM3, OM4, OM5, OS2, G657A Loose tube, tight buffered, armoured Fibre Panels Single mode & multimode panels All connector types Hybrid versions available Testing / Splicing Single & triple fibre launch boxes Viavi testing equipment Sumitomo splicers and cleavers Copper Connectivity UK manufactured patch leads Cat5e, Cat6a & Cat7 capability Patch panels, cable and modules Tool Kits Jonard Tools/tool kits Splice/tool preparation kit Cold cure termination & fibre cleaning kit

Fibre Optic Assembly Specialists ABOUT US Leader Optec is an established and trusted fibre optic assembly specialist. From our dedicated facility in the heart of North Wales, we pride ourselves on our extensive UK manufacturing capabilities, high-quality products, and fast turnaround. For almost 30 years, we have used our knowledge and expertise to craft bespoke products to meet the individual needs of our customers. BRANDS To complement our internal capabilities, we work closely with our network of trusted industry partners. We are an Authorised Velocity Solutions Partner of Viavi and an Official Distributor of Sumitomo and Jonard Tools. In addition to these well renowned brands, Leader Optec developed the Lite Linke brand, for MTP® Elite Solutions.

Fibre Optic Assembly Specialists OUR PRODUCTS PRE-TERMINATED CABLES Tight buffered - effective, efficient & time saving Loose tube & armoured versions available 2-96 core variants in all modes MTP® PRO/ MPO SOLUTIONS Range of containment solutions Assemblies from 8-144 Fibres Highest density product on the market PATCHLEAD ASSEMBLIES UK manufactured, high-performance Mode conditioned leads All connector types (PC, UPC, APC) FIBRE OPTIC CABLE Multicore & connectivity OM1, OM2, OM3, OM4, OM5, OS2, G657A Loose tube, tight buffered, armoured, rodent resistant FIBRE PANELS Single mode & multimode panels All connector types Hybrid versions available TESTING / SPLICING Single & triple fibre launch boxes Viavi testing equipment Sumitomo splicers and cleavers COPPER CONNECTIVITY UK manufactured patch leads Cat5e, Cat6a & Cat7 capability Patch panels, cable and modules TOOL KITS Jonard Tools/tool kits Splice/tool preparation kit Cold cure termination & fibre cleaning kit

A Leader Optec Brand OUR DATA CENTRE SOLUTIONS Leader Optec's Lite Linke brand, for MTP® Elite Solutions satisfies the demand for more fibre, faster. Mindful of complications that high-density design can cause, we’ve developed an effective no-nonsense solution with excellent cable management. Our data centre solutions incorporate industry leading products, including MTP® PRO, an innovative MTP® connector, enabling quick and effective polarity and pin reconfiguration in the field. SPACE SPEED SAVE UNDER 1 MINUTE OVER FOR MTP® 80% UP TO 40 MINUTES OF FOR CONVENTIONAL SPACE WITH OVER 60 MINUTES MTP® FOR SPLICING CONVENTIONAL MTP® Achieve 24 connections in less than a minute with a Lite Linke Our hyper-high density MTP® solution. design allows for up to 5 times more fibre per cabinet. PUSH. CLICK. CONNECT. REPEAT. Our Push. Click. Connect. Repeat. system is one of the fastest multi- fibre installation processes from enquiry to operation, requiring no tools and no dedicated training. A futureproof solution for now and the next generation.

A Leader Optec Brand LITE LINKE PRODUCT RANGE MTP® ADAPTER PANEL MTP® TUFF TRUNK MTP® 3U CHASSIS MTP® MTP® 1U MODULAR CHASSIS CASSETTE MTP® LITE TRUNK

TEST & MEASUREMENT EQUIPMENT To complement our data centre solutions, we recommend industry leading test and measurement equipment from Viavi: MTP® MTP® SmartOTDR® MULTI LITE MULTI TUFF Test Kit TRUNK TRUNK SmartClass Fibre MTP® MPOLx HARNESS FiberChek™ LINK Probe Microscope P5000i Digital Analysis Microscope LC-HDS FiberChek™ UNI-BOOT Sidewinder CONNECTOR

OUR MARKETS Here at Leader Optec, we supply a large range of products to a variety of markets. We believe that with our expertise in the fibre optic industry, we can find a solution to suit your application. FTTA FTTH (ANTENNA) (HOME) TELECOMMS DATA CENTRES PRIVATE ENTERPRISE BROADCAST & LIVE EVENTS PUBLIC SECTOR MARINE & EDUCATION MILITARY ON-BOARD Certificate Number 3927 OPTICS CONTACT US [email protected] +44 (0) 1745 586600