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Axiom 470-ABQE-AX 100GBASE-CR4 QSFP28 Passive DAC Cable - 3m (9. 8 ft) Twinaxial Direct Attach Cable for Dell Switches and Servers
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Product Features
Technical Overview
This QSFP28 passive DAC cable implements the 100GBASE-CR4 standard, supporting four lanes of 25 Gbit/s each to achieve the full 100 Gbit/s data transfer rate. The twinaxial cable design provides excellent signal integrity for distances up to 3 meters without requiring active components or external power.
The cable features QSFP28 network connectors with male interfaces on both ends, ensuring secure connections in QSFP28 ports. The passive design means no signal processing or retiming occurs within the cable itself, resulting in lower power consumption and reduced latency compared to active optical solutions.
Key Product Advantages
This DAC cable delivers several important benefits for high-performance networking deployments. The passive design eliminates the need for external power and reduces overall system complexity while maintaining excellent signal quality over the specified distance.
Cost-Effective Connectivity
As a direct attach copper solution, this cable provides substantial cost savings compared to separate optical transceivers and fiber cables while delivering equivalent performance for short-reach applications.
- Lower total cost of ownership
- No separate transceivers required
- Simplified inventory management
Dell Ecosystem Integration
Specifically tested and verified for compatibility with Dell networking switches and PowerEdge servers, ensuring reliable operation in Dell-centric data center environments.
- Verified with Dell Networking S6100/Z9100 series
- Compatible with PowerEdge R640/R740/R940 servers
- Seamless integration with existing Dell infrastructure
Deployment / Use Cases
This 100GBASE-CR4 QSFP28 passive DAC cable is ideal for connecting networking equipment within the same rack or adjacent racks in data center environments. The 3-meter length provides flexibility for various rack configurations while maintaining signal integrity.
Primary deployment scenarios include connecting top-of-rack switches to servers, linking aggregation switches within the same rack, and establishing high-speed connections between network devices in compact data center footprints. The cable's compatibility with Dell networking equipment makes it particularly suitable for organizations standardizing on Dell infrastructure.
Data Center Interconnect
Connect Dell Networking switches to PowerEdge servers within the same rack for high-speed server-to-network communication.
- Switch-to-server connections
- Intra-rack networking
- High-density server deployments
Network Aggregation
Link Dell Networking switches together for backbone connections that require 100 Gbit/s throughput without the complexity of optical transceivers.
- Switch-to-switch interconnects
- Backbone connectivity
- Simplified high-speed aggregation
Highlights
- 100 Gbit/s data transfer rate using 100GBASE-CR4 standard
- QSFP28 connectors on both ends for secure connections
- 3-meter (9.8 ft) twinaxial cable construction
- Passive design requires no external power
- Compatible with Dell Networking S6100/Z9100 series switches
- Works with Dell PowerEdge R640/R740/R940 servers
- Stainless steel and black durable construction
- Cost-effective alternative to optical transceivers for short distances
Specifications
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Axiom Memory Solutions |
| Manufacturer Part Number | 470-ABQE-AX |
| Brand Name | Axiom |
| Product Name | 100GBASE-CR4 QSFP28 Passive DAC Cable Dell Compatible 3m |
| Product Type | Network Cable |
| Technical Information | |
| Cable Type | Twinaxial |
| Cable Length | 9.8 ft (3 m) |
| Connector Type on First End | QSFP28 Network - Male |
| Connector on First End Details | 1 x QSFP28 Network - Male |
| Connector Type on Second End | QSFP28 Network - Male |
| Connector on Second End Details | 1 x QSFP28 Network - Male |
| Device Supported | Network Device,Switch,Server |
| Data Transfer Rate | 100 Gbit/s |
| Features | Passive |
| Physical Characteristics | |
| Product Color | Stainless Steel,Black |
| Miscellaneous | |
| Compatibility | Dell Switches: Dell Networking S6100 Dell Networking Z9100 Dell Networking S6100-ON Dell Networking Z9100-ON Dell Servers: PowerEdge R640 PowerEdge R740XD PowerEdge R740 PowerEdge R940 |
FAQ
What is the maximum distance supported by this DAC cable?
This QSFP28 passive DAC cable supports distances up to 3 meters (9.8 feet). The twinaxial construction maintains signal integrity for this length without requiring active components. For longer distances, active optical cables or separate transceivers with fiber would be necessary.
Which Dell switches are compatible with this DAC cable?
This cable is compatible with Dell Networking S6100, Z9100, S6100-ON, and Z9100-ON switches. These switches feature QSFP28 ports that accept the cable's connectors. The compatibility has been verified for reliable operation in Dell networking environments.
What is the difference between passive and active DAC cables?
Passive DAC cables like this Axiom model contain only copper conductors without signal processing electronics. They're simpler, more cost-effective, and consume no power. Active DAC cables include signal conditioning electronics that can extend reach but require power and increase cost. This passive cable is ideal for distances up to 3 meters.
Can this cable connect non-Dell equipment?
While specifically verified for Dell compatibility, the cable uses standard QSFP28 connectors and implements the 100GBASE-CR4 specification. It may work with other equipment featuring QSFP28 ports, but compatibility should be verified with the specific equipment manufacturer for optimal performance.