What BlueOptics does

BlueOptics is the optical-connectivity product brand of CBO GmbH, a privately held German limited company headquartered in Mülheim an der Ruhr. The company manufactures and sells MSA-compliant optical transceivers (SFP, SFP+, SFP28, QSFP, QSFP+, QSFP28, QSFP-DD, OSFP) supporting data rates from 100 Mbit/s to 800G, alongside Direct Attach Copper (DAC) cables, Active Optical Cables (AOC), fiber optic patch cables (Singlemode OS2, Multimode OM3/OM4/OM5), MPO/MTP trunk cables, SAS cables, and adjacent networking gear such as media converters, multiplexers, PLC splitters, patch panels, and fiber test equipment. It also operates a BlueLAN sub-brand for NIC/CNA cards and DAC assemblies.

The technical platform is built on components from recognized suppliers — Lumentum and Broadcom lasers, Corning optical fiber, and Amphenol connectors — and is tested for interoperability with more than 40 networking OEMs including Cisco, Juniper, Arista, Dell, HPE, Huawei, NVIDIA/Mellanox, and Intel. Products carry CE, RoHS, FCC, MSA, Telcordia GR-326-Core 4.4, ISO 9001 and IEC fire/safety certifications, and the company maintains a documented vulnerability-disclosure process with a 10-year support commitment aligned to the EU Cyber Resilience Act.

BlueOptics runs a direct-to-customer e-commerce model at blueoptics.de (German/English), supplemented by a structured partner/reseller program and local phone sales support in Germany, the UK, France, and Spain. Pricing is unit-based, ranging from roughly €27 for entry-level 1G SFP modules to over €3,300 for long-reach 100G ZR4 optics, with volume discounts available at 1,000+ units. Customers are enterprise B2B buyers across data centers, enterprise networks, industrial environments, and HPC/AI infrastructure. The core value proposition is up to 90% CAPEX reduction versus OEM-branded optics at equivalent functional performance, supported by 5-year warranties and a 25-year functional guarantee on fiber patch cables.

Name

BlueOptics

Legal name

CBO GmbH

Website

https://blueoptics.de

Company type

Private

Founded year

2004

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

BlueOptics, a brand of Germany's CBO GmbH, designs and sells MSA-compatible optical transceivers, DAC/AOC cables, and fiber patch cables as a lower-cost alternative to OEM-branded optics for data centers, enterprise networks, industrial sites, and HPC buyers across Europe and the UK.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Optical Networking Hardware

NAICS

Electronic Connector Manufacturing (334417), Fiber Optic Cable Manufacturing (335921)

SIC

Computer Communications Equipment (3576), Radio & Tv Broadcasting & Communications Equipment (3663)

akta.pro primary industry

Optical Transceivers (SFP/SFP+/SFP28/QSFP/QSFP-DD/OSFP) (HDAFAEAE)

akta.pro secondary industries

Active Optical Cables (AOC) & Optical Interconnects (HDAFAEAG), Fiber-Optic Interconnects (Connectors/Cables/Transceivers Interfaces) (HDAHAOAE), Connectors, Jacks & Couplers (RJ45/LC/SC/MPO/MTP) (HDAFALAD)

Keywords

• Optical transceivers
• Fiber optic cables
• Networking hardware
• Direct attach cables
• Data center connectivity

Headquarters

HQ city

Mülheim an der Ruhr

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Operations, Technology or R&D, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Hardware Sales - Optical Transceivers: Sale of optical transceiver modules including QSFP28, SFP28, SFP+, and other form factors for networking equipment. Revenue generated through direct B2B sales via e-commerce platform and partner network.
2. Cable Solutions: Sales of Direct Attach Copper (DAC), Active Optical Cables (AOC), and fiber optic patch cables in various configurations and speed ratings.
3. Networking Equipment: Sales of networking solutions including media converters, multiplexers, PLC splitters, NIC cards, and fiber optic patch panels.
4. Professional Services: Custom OEM manufacturing and specialized solutions for enterprise customers with specific requirements.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

BlueOptics manufactures and sells MSA-compliant optical transceivers (SFP, SFP+, SFP28, QSFP, QSFP+, QSFP28, QSFP-DD, OSFP) supporting speeds from 100Mbit to 800G, along with Direct Attach Copper (DAC) cables, Active Optical Cables (AOC), fiber optic patch cables (OS2 Singlemode and OM3/OM4/OM5 Multimode), MPO/MTP high-density cables, and complementary networking equipment such as media converters, multiplexers, PLC splitters, NIC/CNA cards, and patch panels. Products are sold as cost-effective, vendor-compatible alternatives to OEM-branded optics for data center, enterprise, industrial, and HPC customers across Europe and the UK.

Product overview

BlueOptics, a brand of CBO GmbH based in Mülheim an der Ruhr, Germany, offers a comprehensive portfolio of active and passive optical network solutions. The product lineup centers on optical transceivers (in SFP, SFP+, SFP28, QSFP, QSFP+, QSFP28, QSFP-DD, and OSFP form factors supporting 100Mbit to 800G speeds), complemented by Direct Attach Copper (DAC) cables and Active Optical Cables (AOC) for connectivity. The portfolio extends to fiber optic patch cables (Singlemode OS2 and Multimode OM3/OM4/OM5), MPO/MTP high-density multi-fiber cables, SAS cables, media converters, multiplexers, PLC splitters, NIC/CNA cards (branded as BlueLAN), patch panels, and test equipment. Solutions target data centers, access networks, enterprise networks, industrial environments, and High Performance Computing (HPC) applications. The company provides related services including enterprise accounts, equipment loans, RMA handling, and OEM manufacturing.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• BlueLAN: Sub-brand for Direct Attach Cables (DAC) and CNA (Converged Network Adapter) cards. BlueLAN products include DAC cables and NIC cards for network connectivity solutions.

Products and services

• Optical Transceivers (SFP, SFP+, SFP28, QSFP, QSFP+, QSFP28, QSFP-DD, OSFP) Hot-pluggable optical transceiver modules in SFP, SFP+, SFP28, QSFP, QSFP+, QSFP28, QSFP-DD, and OSFP form factors supporting data rates from 100Mbit to 800G for fiber optic data transmission. Sold as MSA-compliant, vendor-compatible alternatives to OEM optics for data centers, enterprise networks, industrial environments, and HPC.
• Direct Attach Copper (DAC) Cables Copper-based direct attach cables for short-distance high-speed connections between network equipment. Available in speeds from 10G to 400G with various connector types including SFP+, SFP28, QSFP, QSFP28, QSFP56, and OSFP.
• Active Optical Cables (AOC) Pre-terminated fiber optic cable assemblies with integrated optical transceivers for longer-distance connections. Support speeds from 10G to 400G with various form factors including SFP+, SFP28, QSFP+, QSFP28, QSFP56, QSFP-DD, and OSFP.
• Fiber Optic Patch Cables (LWL Patchkabel) Optical fiber patch cables in Singlemode (OS2) and Multimode (OM3, OM4, OM5) variants with various connector types including LC, SC, ST, and MPO/MTP, backed by a 25-year functional guarantee.
• MPO/MTP Fiber Cables High-density multi-fiber patch cables using MPO/MTP connectors compatible with Standard Code (Cisco). Available in 12 and 16 core configurations for OM3, OM4, OM5 multimode and OS2 singlemode applications.
• SAS Cables (AOC, External, Internal) Serial Attached SCSI cables including active optical SAS (SAS AOC), external SAS, and internal SAS cables for storage connectivity at 6G and 12G speeds.
• Media Converters Network media converters for converting between different fiber optic and copper connection types.
• Multiplexers Optical multiplexers for combining multiple data streams over single fiber connections.
• PLC Splitters Planar Lightwave Circuit splitters for fiber optic signal distribution in telecommunications networks.
• NIC / CNA Cards (BlueLAN) Network Interface Controller cards and Converged Network Adapters branded as BlueLAN for high-speed server connectivity.
• Fiber Patch Panels (LWL Patchfelder) Fiber optic patch panels including LC variants for organized fiber connection management in data centers.
• Fiber Optic Test Equipment (LWL Messgeräte) Testing and measurement equipment for fiber optic installations including power meters and OTDR devices.
• Industrial-Grade Optical Transceivers Specialized optical transceivers rated for industrial temperature ranges (-40°C to +85°C) and harsh environments, including industrial 1G SFP, 10G SFP+, 25G SFP28, 40G QSFP, and 100G QSFP28 variants.
• Enterprise Account Services (OEM Manufacturing and Support) Business account services including consultation, loaner equipment programs, RMA handling, logistics support, and custom OEM manufacturing for enterprise customers with specific requirements.

Quantifiable outcome

• CAPEX reduction of up to 90% on pluggable optics compared to OEM modules
• +2 more outcomes

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature6 records

Partnerships

Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered core and major.

• CiscocoreTechnology or IntegrationBlueOptics products are designed to be compatible with Cisco networking equipment. Transceivers and cables are tested and validated to work with Cisco switches, routers, and storage systems across all speed ranges from 10G to 400G and beyond.
• Juniper NetworkscoreTechnology or IntegrationBlueOptics offers Juniper-compatible optical transceivers and cables, including specific part number compatibility for Juniper routers and switches such as the QFX series and EX series.
• Arista NetworkscoreTechnology or IntegrationBlueOptics products are tested for compatibility with Arista data center switches, providing cost-effective alternatives for Arista 7000 and 7200 series switches.
• NVIDIA (Mellanox)coreTechnology or IntegrationBlueOptics DAC and AOC cables are compatible with NVIDIA networking hardware including InfiniBand switches and adapters. Specific part number compatibility for NVIDIA/Mellanox cable assemblies including MCP1650 series.
• HPE ArubamajorTechnology or IntegrationBlueOptics offers HPE Aruba-compatible transceivers and cables for Aruba switches and networking equipment. Some products are priced at a premium when specifically validated for HPE Aruba compatibility.
• Dell TechnologiesmajorTechnology or IntegrationBlueOptics products are compatible with Dell Networking switches and PowerEdge servers. Specific part number compatibility for Dell hardware.
• HuaweimajorTechnology or IntegrationBlueOptics offers Huawei-compatible QSFP and SFP modules for Huawei switches and routers, including specific part numbers like QSFP-40G-CU1M.
• IntelmajorTechnology or IntegrationBlueOptics DAC/AOC cables are compatible with Intel network adapters and controllers for server and storage applications.
• BroadcommajorTechnology or IntegrationBlueOptics uses Broadcom lasers and components in their transceivers, ensuring high quality and compatibility with Broadcom-based networking equipment.
• CorningmajorTechnology or IntegrationBlueOptics uses Corning brand fiber in their fiber optic patch cables, ensuring high-quality transmission characteristics for multimode and single-mode applications.
• LumentummajorTechnology or IntegrationBlueOptics uses Lumentum lasers in their optical transceivers, ensuring reliable performance and long-term stability for high-speed data transmission.
• CBO GmbHcoreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerBlueOptics is a brand owned and operated by CBO GmbH, the parent company that manufactures and develops the BlueOptics product line. CBO provides manufacturing, quality control, warranty support, and customer service for BlueOptics products.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• AddOn Networks: AddOn Networks is a US-based compatible optics vendor offering a broad catalog of transceivers, DAC/AOC cables, and fiber cabling. Direct overlap with BlueOptics in third-party pluggable optics and comparable target customers.
• 10Gtek: 10Gtek is a China-based third-party optics and networking product vendor offering SFP, QSFP, and fiber cables. Competes on price with BlueOptics in the compatible transceiver segment, especially at 10G/25G/100G data rates.
• ProLabs: ProLabs is a global supplier of compatible optical transceivers and cabling solutions for data center and enterprise networks. Competes directly with BlueOptics in MSA-compatible optics across SFP, QSFP, and higher-speed form factors.
• FS.com: FS.com is a leading global third-party compatible optics and networking cable vendor offering SFP, QSFP, MPO/MTP, and DAC/AOC products at comparable price points. Directly competes with BlueOptics in the MSA-compatible transceiver market with a broader global footprint.
• Flexoptix: Flexoptix is a German-based competitor specializing in third-party compatible optical transceivers with a strong European footprint. Headquartered in the same regional market, it offers almost identical product categories and value proposition.

Broad incumbents

• Innolight: Innolight is one of the largest merchant optical transceiver manufacturers globally, supplying 400G/800G modules to major hyperscalers. While not a direct third-party competitor, it competes in the same end-product categories and represents the scale OEM benchmark in the industry.
• Eoptolink: Eoptolink is a major Chinese optical transceiver manufacturer offering SFP, QSFP, QSFP-DD, and OSFP modules across all major data rates. Competes with BlueOptics in compatible optics and is a major supplier to switch OEMs and hyperscalers.
• Coherent (formerly II-VI / Finisar): Coherent is a large vertically-integrated optics manufacturer producing transceivers, lasers, and components used across telecom and data center networks. Overlaps with BlueOptics in transceiver product categories and competes for enterprise customers at higher-end configurations.

Others

• Lumentum: Lumentum is a key component supplier to BlueOptics, providing lasers and optical subsystems used in transceivers. It is also a merchant transceiver vendor in select categories, making it a partial competitor and supplier dependency.
• Broadcom: Broadcom supplies key transceiver components (lasers, DSPs) to BlueOptics and is the dominant merchant switch ASIC vendor. Its optical portfolio and embedded optics strategy directly shape the third-party optics competitive landscape that BlueOptics operates in.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/cbogmbh

Compliance12 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about BlueOptics