AddOn 40GB-C03-QSFP-AO QSFP+ Direct Attach Cable - 40GBase-CU Passive Twinax - 3m - TAA Compliant - Enterasys Compatible
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Product Features
Technical Overview
This direct attach cable utilizes 40GBase-CU technology, which operates over copper twinaxial cable to achieve 40 Gbps data transfer rates. The passive design means it does not require external power, reducing overall power consumption and simplifying deployment in high-density environments.
The cable terminates in QSFP+ connectors that support hot-pluggable installation, allowing for easy maintenance and upgrades without network downtime. Its electrical signaling ensures minimal signal degradation over the 3-meter span, maintaining data integrity and low bit error rates.
This section brings together practical product details such as Application/Usage, Total Number of Ports, Interfaces/Ports Details, so buyers can judge configuration, deployment fit, and day-to-day suitability with less guesswork.
Key Product Advantages
This cable offers several advantages for network architects and IT managers seeking efficient 40GbE connectivity. Its passive twinax construction eliminates the need for optical components, reducing both initial costs and ongoing power requirements compared to active optical cables or separate transceivers with fiber.
Cost-Effective 40GbE
Delivers high-speed connectivity at a lower total cost of ownership by avoiding expensive optics and simplifying cabling infrastructure.
- No separate transceivers needed
- Lower power draw than active solutions
- Reduced cabling complexity
TAA and MSA Compliance
Meets Trade Agreements Act requirements for government procurement and Multi-Source Agreement standards for interoperability with compatible hardware.
- Suitable for federal contracts
- Ensures vendor interoperability
- Backed by regulatory adherence
Deployment / Use Cases
The AddOn 40GB-C03-QSFP-AO is ideal for interconnecting network equipment within racks or between adjacent racks in data centers, enterprise server rooms, and high-performance computing environments. Its 3-meter length is optimal for top-of-rack switching architectures and short-distance spine-leaf fabric connections.
Common applications include linking 40GbE switches to servers with QSFP+ network interface cards, creating high-speed backplane connections between aggregation switches, and upgrading existing 10GbE links to 40GbE for increased bandwidth. The cable's Enterasys compatibility makes it a reliable choice for networks built on 7100-Series switching platforms.
Data Center Interconnects
Connect leaf and spine switches or link servers to top-of-rack switches in hyper-converged and software-defined networking environments.
Enterprise Network Upgrades
Replace older 10GbE DACs or fiber links with 40GbE to support bandwidth-intensive applications like virtualization, storage networking, and video streaming.
Physical Profile
The cable features a compact and flexible design with dimensions of 1" (25.40 mm) in height, 9" (228.60 mm) in width, and 12" (304.80 mm) in depth, making it easy to route in crowded cable management systems. Weighing approximately 6.40 oz (181.44 g), it adds minimal load to equipment ports and cable trays. The twinax construction provides durability against bending and crushing, ensuring long-term reliability in demanding installations.
- Width
- 9" (228.60 mm)
- Depth
- 12" (304.80 mm)
- Height
- 1" (25.40 mm)
- Weight
- 6.40 oz (181.44 g)
Highlights
- QSFP+ direct attach cable for 40 Gigabit Ethernet connectivity
- 3-meter passive twinax construction for cost-effective short-reach links
- 40GBase-CU technology delivers up to 40 Gbps data transfer rates
- TAA compliant for government and commercial procurement
- MSA compliant ensuring interoperability with standard QSFP+ ports
- Compatible with Enterasys 7100-Series switches (7124T, 7148, 7124, 7148T)
- Hot-pluggable design for easy installation and maintenance
- Low power consumption compared to active optical cables
- Manufactured in the United States
- Ideal for data center and enterprise networking applications
Specifications
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | AddOn |
| Manufacturer Part Number | 40GB-C03-QSFP-AO |
| Brand Name | AddOn |
| Product Name | QSFP+ Module |
| Product Type | QSFP+ |
| Technical Information | |
| Application/Usage | Data Networking |
| Interfaces/Ports | |
| Total Number of Ports | 1 |
| Interfaces/Ports Details | 1 x 40GBase-CU Network |
| Media & Performance | |
| Ethernet Technology | 40 Gigabit Ethernet |
| Network Technology | 40GBase-CU |
| Physical Characteristics | |
| Height | 1" (25.40 mm) |
| Width | 9" (228.60 mm) |
| Depth | 12" (304.80 mm) |
| Weight (Approximate) | 6.40 oz (181.44 g) |
| Miscellaneous | |
| Compatibility | 7100-Series - 7124T 7100-Series - 7148 7100-Series - 7124 7100-Series - 7148T MSA Compliant |
| Country of Origin | United States |
User Manual
FAQ
What is the maximum data transfer rate of this QSFP+ cable?
This cable supports 40 Gigabit Ethernet (40GbE), providing a maximum data transfer rate of 40 Gbps. It uses 40GBase-CU technology over passive twinax copper to achieve this high-speed performance for short-distance connections in data center and enterprise networks.
Is this cable compatible with Enterasys switches?
Yes, the cable is specifically compatible with Enterasys 7100-Series switches, including models 7124T, 7148, 7124, and 7148T. It is designed to work seamlessly with these platforms, ensuring reliable 40GbE connectivity for network upgrades or expansions using Enterasys hardware.
What does TAA compliant mean for this product?
TAA compliance indicates that this cable meets the Trade Agreements Act requirements, which mandate that products acquired by the U.S. federal government are manufactured or substantially transformed in designated countries. This makes it suitable for government contracts and procurement where TAA adherence is necessary.
How does a passive twinax cable differ from an active optical cable?
A passive twinax cable, like this one, uses copper conductors without signal amplification, making it lower cost and power-efficient for distances up to a few meters. An active optical cable uses fiber optics with built-in electronics for longer reaches but at higher cost and power consumption. This passive design is ideal for short, cost-sensitive 40GbE links.
What is the cable length and why is it important?
The cable is 3 meters long, which is optimal for interconnecting equipment within the same rack or between adjacent racks in data centers. This length minimizes signal attenuation in passive copper cables while providing flexibility for cable management, making it a practical choice for top-of-rack switching and server-to-switch connections.
Does this cable support hot-pluggable installation?
Yes, the QSFP+ connectors on this cable support hot-pluggable installation, allowing you to connect or disconnect the cable while the network equipment is powered on. This feature enables maintenance, upgrades, and reconfigurations without causing network downtime, enhancing operational flexibility in live environments.