Axiom 470-ABOW-AX 100GBASE-CR4 QSFP28 Passive DAC Cable - Dell Compatible - 2m - 6. 6 ft 100GbE Direct Attach Cable for Router & Switch
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Product Features
Technical Overview
This DAC cable operates on the 100GBASE-CR4 standard, which uses four lanes of 25 Gb/s to achieve an aggregate data rate of 100 Gbit/s. The QSFP28 connectors are hot-pluggable, allowing for easy installation and maintenance without powering down connected devices. The passive design means the cable does not require external power, reducing complexity and potential points of failure.
The cable's twinax copper construction ensures low latency and high durability, with shielding that minimizes electromagnetic interference. It supports distances up to 2 meters, ideal for top-of-rack switching, intra-rack connections, or short links between adjacent equipment. The connectors feature a secure latching mechanism to prevent accidental disconnections in high-vibration environments.
Key Product Advantages
This cable offers several advantages for network deployments requiring high bandwidth and reliability. Its passive twinax construction eliminates the need for signal conditioning electronics, resulting in lower power consumption and reduced heat generation compared to active cables. This makes it an energy-efficient choice for dense data center racks.
Plug-and-Play Compatibility
Pre-coded for Dell switches and routers, this cable ensures immediate recognition and operation without firmware updates or manual configuration, streamlining deployment and reducing setup time.
- No driver installation needed
- Automatic speed negotiation
- Reduces IT overhead
Cost-Effective High-Speed Connectivity
As a direct attach copper solution, it provides a more affordable option than optical transceivers and fiber cables for short-distance 100GbE links, lowering overall infrastructure costs while maintaining performance.
- Lower per-port cost than optics
- Ideal for distances under 5m
- Minimizes cable management complexity
Deployment / Use Cases
This DAC cable is ideal for scenarios where high-speed, low-latency connections are needed over short distances. Common use cases include connecting leaf and spine switches in a Clos network architecture, linking servers to top-of-rack switches in hyper-converged infrastructure, or establishing inter-switch links within a single rack.
In enterprise environments, it can be used to upgrade existing 40GbE links to 100GbE without replacing entire switch chassis, providing a scalable path for bandwidth expansion. The passive design and robust build make it suitable for environments with limited cooling or where reliability is paramount, such as financial trading floors or high-performance computing clusters.
Highlights
- 100 Gbit/s data transfer rate for high-speed networking
- QSFP28 connectors on both ends for 100GbE compatibility
- Passive direct attach copper (DAC) cable design
- 2-meter (6.6-foot) length ideal for short-reach connections
- Coded for Dell routers and switches for plug-and-play use
- Hot-pluggable support for easy installation and maintenance
- Lifetime warranty for long-term reliability assurance
- Suitable for routers and switches in data center environments
Specifications
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Axiom Memory Solutions |
| Manufacturer Part Number | 470-ABOW-AX |
| Brand Name | Axiom |
| Product Name | 100GBASE-CR4 QSFP28 Passive DAC Cable Dell Compatible 2m |
| Product Type | Network Cable |
| Technical Information | |
| Cable Type | DAC |
| Cable Length | 6.6 ft (2 m) |
| Connector Type on First End | QSFP28 Network |
| Connector on First End Details | 1 x QSFP28 Network |
| Connector Type on Second End | QSFP28 Network |
| Connector on Second End Details | 1 x QSFP28 Network |
| Device Supported | Router,Switch |
| Data Transfer Rate | 100 Gbit/s |
| Features | Passive |
| Warranty | |
| Limited Warranty | Lifetime |
FAQ
What is the maximum data transfer rate of this DAC cable?
This cable supports a data transfer rate of 100 Gbit/s (100 gigabits per second), using the 100GBASE-CR4 standard. It achieves this through four lanes operating at 25 Gb/s each, providing high bandwidth for demanding network applications like data center interconnects or high-performance computing.
Is this cable compatible with Dell networking equipment?
Yes, this DAC cable is specifically coded for Dell routers and switches, ensuring plug-and-play compatibility. It will be automatically recognized by supported Dell devices without requiring firmware updates or manual configuration, making deployment straightforward and reducing setup time.
What does 'passive' mean for this DAC cable?
Passive means the cable does not contain active signal conditioning electronics or require external power. It relies on the electrical properties of the twinax copper to transmit signals, resulting in lower power consumption, reduced heat, and higher reliability compared to active cables, while being cost-effective for short distances.
What devices are supported by this cable?
This cable is designed to connect routers and switches that have QSFP28 ports. It is compatible with Dell networking equipment and can be used with other brands if they support the 100GBASE-CR4 standard and QSFP28 interfaces, though optimal performance is guaranteed with Dell-coded devices.