Press Release

SUGAR LAND, Texas, Oct. 29, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Applied Optoelectronics, Inc. (Nasdaq:AAOI), a leading provider of fiber-optic access network products for the cable broadband, internet data center, and fiber-to-the-home markets today announces a new line of short reach 40 Gbps fiber optic transceivers aimed at the data center market.

The new QSFP+SR4 transceivers utilize AOI's proprietary silicon photonics-based optical engine technology. They employ laser and photodiode/pre-amp arrays in multi-channel links that are interoperable with other 40GBASE-SR4 QSFP+ and QDR transceivers. The MSA-compliant transceivers have an extended reach to 300 meters over OM3 fiber.

AOI also announces active optical cable assemblies (AOC's) for data centers and core network applications, also operating at 40 Gbps. These AOC products are pre-configured with a pair of 40G transceivers, mutually conjoined by a fiber optic cable. AOI's modules provide an industry-leading ultra high-speed interconnectivity solution for data center operators. The AOCs are also available for breakout of 40G to four individual SFP+ 10G serial ports for data centers in transition.

"The need for bandwidth in the datacenter is constantly growing. As a leading provider of internet datacenter optics, AOI has spent years developing the suite of technologies desired by our customers, who need interconnection speeds higher than the now-current 10 Gbps rate," comments Robinson Tsai, VP of R&D for AOI's Network Equipment Business Unit. "These technologies currently support 40 Gbps and are extensible to 100 Gbps and beyond. AOI is positioned to work closely with customers to offer a cost-effective solution with industry-leading performance and the ability to customize functions as needed for individual customer requirements."

For more information about AOI's complete portfolio of 40G QSFP+ transceivers, contact us by email at sales@ao-inc.com, or visit our website at www.ao-inc.com.

About Applied Optoelectronics (AOI)

Applied Optoelectronics, Inc. (Nasdaq:AAOI) is a leading, vertically-integrated provider of fiber-optic networking products, principally used in the cable television broadband, fiber-to-the-home, and internet datacenter markets. AOI was founded in 1997, and has its headquarters in Sugar Land, Texas, with additional manufacturing and R&D operations in Taipei, Taiwan and Ningbo, China. For additional information, visit www.ao-inc.com.

CONTACT: Media Enquiries:

         Willis Chen

         281/295-1807

         wchen@ao-inc.com