AOC,is the short form of active optical cable,which has modules at either end of an optical fiber cable that allows direct communication between devices over that permanently attached fiber cable. Both ends have specific connectors and the cable length is fixed.

This AOC cable, unlike traditional optical transceivers, is permanently attached to the transceivers at either end. This both prevents the accidental removal of the fiber cable while also ensuring that environmental contaminants such as dust do not enter the coupling.