FAQ Page - DAC - AOC

When using Direct Attach Cable (AOC) and Active Optical Cable (AOC) solutions, there are several important points to consider in order to ensure smooth functionality in your switch, storage, security or server system. Please check the following points carefully before making a complaint to avoid a rejection of your RMA (Return Material Authorization) case and possible costs for you:

Which DAC / AOC cables are supported by the hardware you use?

Please check whether your hardware supports active or passive DAC or, in the case of AOC cables, whether they are generally supported. Also check if the respective cable length, the form factor of the cable connectors and the bandwidth are supported by the hardware. Furthermore, for DAC cables, the wire diameter of the cable required by the hardware must at least match the cable used or the diameter of the cable may be thicker. In some cases, this may mean that an error is not immediately noticeable, and may result in CRC errors that only become apparent over time. It is therefore essential to use a cable with the correct cable construction and properties. Please check if the article number of your product (CBO article number without "-BL" abbreviation for DAC and "-BO" abbreviation for AOC) is listed as supported in the official, current data sheet of the Switch-, Server-, Storage- or Security system of the respective manufacturer. In some cases, the manufacturer also lists this information on a special page with compatibility matrix or product lists. Please make sure that the specifications of the cable product (length, bandwidth, form factor) match.

Are different manufacturer systems connected with the DAC / AOC cable?

DAC and AOC cables are cost-effective solutions that can be used to connect hardware from different manufacturers. Especially for server to switch systems customers like to use them without knowing that this can lead to compatibility problems. Therefore, if you have not purchased a special solution from CBO that was manufactured for different systems, DAC and AOC cables can only be used in homogeneous network systems. Please check if the article number of your product (CBO article number without "-BL" abbreviation for DAC and "-BO" abbreviation for AOC is listed as supported in the official, current data sheet of the Switch-, Server-, Storage- or Security system of the respective manufacturer. In some cases, the manufacturer also lists this information on a special page with compatibility matrix or product lists. Please make sure that the specifications of the cable product (length, bandwidth, form factor) match.

Is the hardware you use configured correctly?

In some cases, it is necessary to configure the hardware for the respective product. For example, the desired bandwidth may have to be pre-configured for dual-speed capable devices or it may have to be selected whether a cable or an optical transceiver should be operated. As with all computer technology devices, sometimes rebooting the system or briefly unplugging and re-connecting the power plug can lead to a function that was not available before.

A link comes up, but the display is wrong?

In some cases, a function of the product is given, only the display in the system differs from what you imagined in terms of distances, application, name, compatibility, certification. A link still comes up. So please check carefully if this is an essential problem. Before you consider a complaint, please check our warranty and RMA terms and conditions, as well as the information in your quote or order to see if your complaint is justified. If so, we will of course be happy to take your case to see if a remedy is possible. If CBO does not have a current coding for a product, it is possible that products are provided with a workaround coding to ensure the product will function properly. This is especially true for special solutions (e.g. special length of a cable not offered by the original manufacturer like 1.5-meter cable programmed with 2-meter code and displayed in the system as 2-meter cable). In rare cases it can happen that products are not displayed with the correct code in the system or diagnostic data cannot be retrieved, but the product generally works. In this case there is no warranty claim. However, we may be able to make further changes to the product. Please contact your customer consultant for this.

Is the article a CBO product?

DAC and AOC cables often look like any other DAC or AOC solution from their external appearance, making it difficult or impossible for laypersons to directly identify the respective manufacturer. CBO cables always have a CBO part number printed on the connectors or at least have a BlueOptics serial number for AOC or a BlueLAN serial number for DAC (e.g. in case of individual labeling). Please check if the serial number printed on the product matches one of the numbers on the CBO delivery bill. Also check if the printed CBO article number (e.g. "JD095B-BL") or CBO part number (e.g. "SC353501J1M30") is printed on the top or side of the product.

Can a defect in other components of the network be excluded?

In some cases, a defective hardware port is the reason for a non-functioning DAC or AOC cable. Please check if the error occurs on all ports or with a new cable that has been tested as working. Ideally, you can also check the function with an original DAC or AOC cable from the manufacturer. If this works, the CBO cable should also work.

If you have purchased several products, do all products have the same defect?

To make sure that only one product is faulty and all other products are working, please check all products carefully.

Did you purchase the product directly from CBO?

If you have not purchased the product from CBO, please contact your BlueOptics or BlueLAN reseller or distributor directly. CBO will not be able to process your RMA request in this case.

I have checked all points of the guide, but the problem still exists.

Request RMA now!