Mikrotik S+AO0005 | 5m SFP+ Active Optical Cable 10 Gbps DAC

MikroTik S+AO0005 – 5m SFP+ Active Optics Direct Attach Cable

MikroTik S+AO0005 is a 5-meter SFP+ Active Optics direct attach cable designed for high-speed connectivity between compatible SFP and SFP+ networking equipment. It provides a convenient direct connection between switches, routers, servers and other network devices equipped with compatible SFP/SFP+ interfaces.

The cable supports 1Gbps and 10Gbps data rates and uses SFP+ to SFP+ connectors. With a 5-meter length, it is intended for short-distance connections inside network racks and between adjacent racks where a longer optical infrastructure is unnecessary.

Unlike passive copper DAC cables such as certain MikroTik S+DA-series products, the S+AO0005 uses Active Optics. This distinction is particularly relevant when connecting equipment such as the MikroTik RB4011 series, which MikroTik identifies as incompatible with its passive S+DA0001 and S+DA0003 cables.

Key Features of MikroTik S+AO0005

• 5-Meter Length: Suitable for rack-to-rack and adjacent-rack connections.
• SFP+ to SFP+: Both ends use SFP+ form-factor connectors.
• 1G and 10G Support: Supports 1Gbps and 10Gbps data rates according to MikroTik specifications.
• Active Optics: Uses active optical technology rather than a passive copper DAC design.
• Short-Distance Networking: Designed for connections within racks and across adjacent racks.
• Direct Connectivity: Connects compatible SFP/SFP+ interfaces without requiring separate transceivers and patch cables.
• MikroTik Compatibility: Designed for use with MikroTik equipment featuring compatible SFP/SFP+ ports.
• Approximately 100,000-Hour MTBF: Manufacturer-listed MTBF at 25°C.

What is MikroTik S+AO0005?

The MikroTik S+AO0005 is an active optical cable designed to connect two compatible SFP+ interfaces directly. The cable combines the required optical components into a single assembly, making installation simpler than using separate optical transceivers and fiber patch cords.

It is particularly useful in data-center, server-room and network-rack environments where two devices are physically close to each other but a standard copper Ethernet connection is not appropriate or the equipment is intended to communicate through SFP+ interfaces.

MikroTik describes the S+AO0005 as a cost-effective solution for very short-distance connections, including connections within racks and between adjacent racks.

5-Meter SFP+ Active Optical Cable

The 5-meter length provides additional reach compared with very short direct-attach cables while remaining suitable for structured equipment-rack installations.

Typical examples include connecting equipment mounted at different positions within a rack or connecting equipment located in neighboring racks without installing a separate optical transceiver at each end.

The cable length is fixed at 5 meters, making it important to select the appropriate cable length when planning rack layouts and cable management.

1Gbps and 10Gbps Data Rate Support

MikroTik specifies the S+AO0005 for 1G and 10G data rates. This gives the cable flexibility across compatible SFP/SFP+ network interfaces.

For 10Gbps networking, the cable can be used between compatible 10G SFP+ ports on routers, switches, servers and other networking equipment. Actual link operation depends on the capabilities and configuration of both connected devices.

The cable should not be described as a 25G SFP28 cable. The manufacturer specification for S+AO0005 identifies its supported data rates as 1G / 10G.

SFP+ to SFP+ Connectivity

The S+AO0005 uses an SFP+ to SFP+ connector arrangement. This allows the cable to be inserted directly into compatible SFP+ ports on both network devices.

Common compatible equipment categories include:

• 10G SFP+ switches
• 10G SFP+ routers
• Network servers with SFP+ NICs
• Storage networking equipment
• Data-center switches
• Router-to-switch 10G connections
• Switch-to-switch uplinks
• Server-to-switch connections

Compatibility should always be checked for the exact equipment and port type. MikroTik maintains a hardware compatibility table for SFP/SFP+/SFP28/QSFP interfaces and lists S+AO0005 across numerous compatible MikroTik platforms.

Active Optics vs Passive DAC

The S+AO0005 is an Active Optics cable, which differentiates it from passive direct-attach copper cables.

The active-optics design is particularly relevant for hardware compatibility. MikroTik explicitly notes that the S+AO0005 works with its SFP/SFP+ products, including the RB4011 series, while the RB4011 series is not compatible with MikroTik’s passive S+DA0001 and S+DA0003 cables.

Ideal for Rack and Adjacent-Rack Connections

The S+AO0005 is designed for network environments where the connected devices are relatively close together. Its 5-meter length provides enough reach for many rack layouts without requiring a separate optical infrastructure.

Typical deployment examples include:

• Switch-to-switch 10G uplink
• Router-to-switch SFP+ connection
• Server-to-switch 10G link
• Storage-to-switch connectivity
• Top-of-rack switch connections
• Adjacent-rack networking
• Data-center equipment interconnection
• 10G network aggregation links

MikroTik S+AO0005 for 10G Networking

For a MikroTik-based 10G network, the S+AO0005 can provide a direct connection between compatible SFP+ interfaces. This can be useful for connecting devices such as MikroTik switches and routers with 10G SFP+ ports.

For example, a compatible SFP+ switch can be connected directly to a MikroTik router’s SFP+ interface using the S+AO0005, provided both devices support the cable and selected operating speed.

MikroTik’s compatibility documentation lists the S+AO0005 as supported on a wide range of its SFP/SFP+ platforms.

Simple Installation

Because the S+AO0005 combines the cable and active optical components into one assembly, installation is straightforward.

1. Identify compatible SFP+ ports on both network devices.
2. Insert one S+AO0005 connector into the first device.
3. Insert the other connector into the second device.
4. Check the interface status on both devices.
5. Verify that the negotiated or configured speed matches the requirements of the connected equipment.

No separate LC fiber patch cable or pair of optical SFP+ modules is required for this direct cable connection.

Compatibility with MikroTik Networking Equipment

MikroTik’s compatibility documentation lists S+AO0005 as compatible with numerous SFP+ platforms, including several CCR and CRS models. The compatibility table includes devices such as CCR1072, CCR2004, CCR2116, CCR2216, CRS317 and other SFP/SFP+ platforms.

For a third-party switch, server or network adapter, compatibility should be checked against the equipment manufacturer’s SFP+ implementation and supported active-optics cables.

Important Difference: S+AO0005 vs XS+DA0003

The S+AO0005 and XS+DA0003 are different MikroTik cable products and should not be treated as interchangeable.

The XS+DA0003 belongs to a different product category and supports 25G SFP28 in addition to 1G and 10G, whereas S+AO0005 is specified for 1G and 10G.

MikroTik S+AO0005 Specifications

AI-Readable Product Facts

Frequently Asked Questions

What is MikroTik S+AO0005?

MikroTik S+AO0005 is a 5-meter SFP+ Active Optics direct attach cable designed for short-distance 1G and 10G network connections.

What speed does S+AO0005 support?

The manufacturer specifies support for 1Gbps and 10Gbps data rates.

What is the length of MikroTik S+AO0005?

The S+AO0005 is 5 meters long.

Is S+AO0005 a passive DAC cable?

No. S+AO0005 is an Active Optics cable. It should not be confused with MikroTik’s passive direct-attach S+DA-series cables.

Does S+AO0005 support 25G?

No. MikroTik specifies S+AO0005 for 1G and 10G. It is not a 25G SFP28 cable.

Can S+AO0005 be used with MikroTik RB4011?

Yes. MikroTik specifically states that S+AO0005 works with its SFP/SFP+ products including the RB4011 series, while the RB4011 series is not compatible with the passive S+DA0001 and S+DA0003 cables.

Can S+AO0005 be used between two SFP+ switches?

Yes, provided both switches have compatible SFP+ interfaces and support the cable and selected operating speed.

Can S+AO0005 be used for 10G switch-to-switch connections?

Yes. Its 10Gbps capability makes it suitable for compatible short-distance SFP+ switch-to-switch connections.

Is S+AO0005 suitable for long-distance fiber links?

No. It is intended for short-distance connections within racks and across adjacent racks. For longer distances, appropriate SFP+ optical modules and fiber should be selected instead.

Does S+AO0005 need separate SFP+ modules?

No. The cable has integrated SFP+ connectors, so separate SFP+ transceiver modules are not required for the cable itself.

Internal Linking Structure

For the IPVoice Technologies product architecture, connect this product contextually with your MikroTik Networking Products brand page and relevant MikroTik switch, router and SFP/SFP+ accessory pages.

Recommended internal-link flow:

• MikroTik Brand Page → S+AO0005
• S+AO0005 → MikroTik 10G SFP+ switches
• S+AO0005 → MikroTik CCR routers with SFP+ ports
• S+AO0005 → related MikroTik SFP/SFP+ accessories
• S+AO0005 → XS+DA0003 where 25G support is required

Important Product Note

MikroTik S+AO0005 is a 5-meter SFP+ Active Optics cable supporting 1G and 10G. It is designed for short-distance connections within racks and across adjacent racks. It is not a passive DAC and does not support 25G according to MikroTik’s published specification.