Application of QSFP56 200G AOC Active Optical Cable in Connecting the H3C S985540B Ethernet Switch to the CX6 NIC

The application of the QSFP56 200G AOC (Active Optical Cable) in connecting the H3C S985540B Ethernet Switch to the CX6 NIC demonstrates its advantages in enhancing data center network performance through high bandwidth, low latency, and longdistance transmission. Practical applications confirm that the QSFP56 200G AOC effectively meets highspeed data transfer requirements and is ideal for highperformance computing (HPC) and largescale data center environments.

1. Overview of QSFP56 200G AOC Active Optical Cable

• Definition:  The QSFP56 200G AOC (Active Optical Cable) is a highspeed optical cable       based on fiber technology, designed for shortdistance data center interconnects, HPC, AI training clusters, and other highbandwidth applications. 
• Speed: Supports 200Gbps transmission (4×50Gbps per channel) using PAM4 (4level Pulse Amplitude Modulation) signaling. 
• Interface: QSFP56 form factor, backward compatible with QSFP+ and QSFP28. 
• Transmission Medium: Utilizes fiber optics instead of copper, offering lower power consumption and longer transmission distances (typically 1–30 meters). 
• Compatibility: Supports 200G devices from multiple vendors, including H3C, Mellanox, Cisco, Arista, and Huawei switches and NICs.

2. Advantages and Features of QSFP56 200G AOC

• High Bandwidth & Low Latency:  200Gbps bandwidth for AI computing, big data processing, and cloud computing. Superior signal integrity via fiber optics reduces latency and improves network efficiency. 
•  Low Power Consumption:  Typically consumes 4W per port, reducing overall data center energy usage. 
•  Lightweight Design:  Fiberbased construction ensures lighter weight and flexible cabling, ideal for highdensity server rooms. 
•  Strong EMI Resistance:  Immune to electromagnetic interference (EMI) due to fiber optics, ensuring stable signal transmission. 
•  PlugandPlay Deployment:  Directly inserts into QSFP56 ports without additional optical transceiver configuration. 
• CostEffective:  Eliminates optical interface losses compared to discrete optical transceiver + fiber jumper solutions.

3. Application of QSFP56 200G AOC in H3C S985540B Switch and CX6 NIC

3.1 H3C S985540B Switch Ports and AOC

Compatibility

• Switch Overview: The H3C S985540B is a highperformance 200G Ethernet data center switch designed for AI data centers and HPC. 
• Port Configuration:  40×200G QSFP56 ports, each supporting 4×50Gbps.
   Backward compatible with 100G QSFP28 and 40G QSFP+ devices. 
• AOC Compatibility:  The QSFP56 200G AOC plugs directly into the S985540B’s QSFP56 ports for 200G interconnects.  Ideal for TopofRack (ToR) interconnects, racktorack links, and serverswitch connections. 

3.2 CX6 NIC Ports and AOC Compatibility

• NIC Overview: The Mellanox ConnectX6 (CX6) by NVIDIA is a highperformance 200G Ethernet adapter for AI computing, cloud data centers, and HPC. 
• Port Configuration:  2×QSFP56 200G ports, supporting 200G speeds (configurable as 2×100G or 4×50G). 
     Backward compatible with 100G QSFP28, 50G, 25G, and 10G modes. 
• AOC Compatibility:  The QSFP56 200G AOC connects directly to CX6 NIC ports for lossless 200G links. 
     Ideal for highthroughput servertoswitch connections in AI training clusters. 

4. Conclusion

The QSFP56 200G AOC is the optimal solution for interconnecting the H3C S985540B switch and CX6 NIC, offering high bandwidth, low power consumption, EMI resistance, and simplified deployment. This solution excels in AI computing, HPC, and big data processing, addressing future demands for highspeed, lowlatency networks. Compared to DAC copper cables, the AOC provides superior cost efficiency for distances over 3 meters, along with enhanced signal quality and system stability. For enterprises building 200G networks in data centers, AI clusters, or HPC environments, the QSFP56 200G AOC delivers efficient, stable, and energysaving interconnectivity.