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Axiom CX-DAC-100GQSFP28-3M-AX 100GBASE-CR4 QSFP28 Passive Direct Attach Copper Cable - 3m - 9. 8 ft Twinaxial - Cumulus Compatible
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Product Features
Technical Overview
This cable operates on the 100GBASE-CR4 standard, utilizing four lanes of 25 Gbit/s to achieve an aggregate data transfer rate of 100 Gbit/s. The passive design means it does not require external power, reducing complexity and potential points of failure in your network. The twinaxial copper construction provides excellent signal integrity over its 3-meter length, supporting distances typical for within-rack or adjacent-rack connections in data centers.
The QSFP28 connector on each end is keyed for proper orientation and features a robust latching mechanism to prevent accidental disconnection. This cable is specifically tested and validated for use with Cumulus Linux, ensuring seamless integration in software-defined networking environments that rely on this platform for switch automation and management.
Key Product Advantages
This DAC cable offers several distinct benefits for network architects and IT managers seeking efficient, high-bandwidth connectivity solutions. Its passive construction eliminates the need for signal conditioning electronics, resulting in lower power consumption and reduced heat generation compared to active cables or optical modules. The direct copper connection also minimizes latency, which is critical for latency-sensitive applications like financial trading, real-time analytics, and high-frequency trading platforms.
Cost-Effective High-Speed Links
By combining the transceiver and cable into a single integrated unit, this DAC reduces overall costs compared to separate optical transceivers and fiber patch cables, while still delivering full 100GbE performance.
- Lower total cost of ownership
- Simplified inventory management
- No separate transceiver required
Reliable Copper Performance
The twinaxial design ensures stable electrical performance over short distances, with robust shielding to minimize electromagnetic interference (EMI) and crosstalk in dense network environments.
- Excellent signal integrity
- Reduced EMI susceptibility
- Durable construction for rack-to-rack use
Deployment / Use Cases
This cable is ideally suited for connecting switches within the same rack or between adjacent racks in data center environments. Common deployment scenarios include linking top-of-rack (ToR) switches to spine switches in leaf-spine architectures, connecting routers in high-capacity network cores, or providing high-speed interconnects for network-attached storage (NAS) and server clusters.
In Cumulus Linux-based networks, this cable ensures compatibility with the operating system's hardware abstraction layer, facilitating automated provisioning and management through tools like Ansible, Puppet, or Chef. It's also suitable for enterprise network upgrades where existing infrastructure requires 100GbE connectivity without overhauling cabling plants, as well as for high-performance computing (HPC) environments that demand low-latency, high-throughput connections between compute nodes and storage arrays.
Highlights
- 100GBASE-CR4 QSFP28 Passive Direct Attach Copper (DAC) cable
- 3-meter (9.8-foot) twinaxial construction for short-reach connections
- 100 Gbit/s data transfer rate for high-bandwidth applications
- Compatible with Cumulus network operating systems
- QSFP28 connectors on both ends for secure, hot-pluggable interfaces
- Supports network devices, routers, and switches
- Passive design requires no external power
- Lifetime limited warranty for long-term reliability
Specifications
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Axiom Memory Solutions |
| Manufacturer Part Number | CX-DAC-100GQSFP28-3M-AX |
| Brand Name | Axiom |
| Product Name | 100GBASE-CR4 QSFP28 Passive DAC Cable Cumulus Compatible 3m |
| Product Type | Network Cable |
| Technical Information | |
| Cable Type | Twinaxial |
| Cable Length | 9.8 ft |
| Connector Type on First End | QSFP28 Network |
| Device Supported | Network Device,Router,Switch |
| Data Transfer Rate | 100 Gbit/s |
| Features | Passive |
| Warranty | |
| Limited Warranty | Lifetime |
FAQ
What is the maximum distance supported by this DAC cable?
This cable supports a maximum distance of 3 meters (9.8 feet), which is typical for Direct Attach Copper cables using the 100GBASE-CR4 standard. This length is ideal for within-rack or adjacent-rack connections in data center environments, providing reliable high-speed connectivity without signal degradation over short reaches.
Is this cable compatible with non-Cumulus network equipment?
While this cable is specifically validated for Cumulus compatibility, QSFP28 DAC cables generally follow industry standards and may work with other network devices that support 100GBASE-CR4. However, for guaranteed performance, we recommend verifying compatibility with your specific switch or router model, as some manufacturers may require coded or vendor-specific DACs.
What does 'passive' mean for a DAC cable?
A passive DAC cable has no active electronics or signal conditioning components embedded in the cable assembly. It relies solely on the electrical properties of the copper conductors to transmit signals, which results in lower power consumption, reduced heat generation, and typically lower cost compared to active DACs or optical transceivers. Passive cables are ideal for short-distance connections where signal integrity can be maintained without amplification.
| Qty | Price | Available |
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