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Axiom QSFP-4SFP25G-CU5M-AX 100GBASE-CR4 QSFP28 to 4 SFP28 Passive DAC Twinaxial Cable - 16. 4 ft Cisco Compatible
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Product Features
Technical Overview
This DAC cable implements the 100GBASE-CR4 Ethernet standard, delivering an aggregate data transfer rate of 100 Gbit/s across four 25 Gb/s lanes. The QSFP28 end connects to a single 100GbE port, while the four SFP28 ends break out to individual 25GbE ports, enabling flexible connectivity options for network device, router, and switch configurations.
The twinaxial copper construction provides robust electrical performance for distances up to 16.4 feet, maintaining signal integrity without active components. This passive approach reduces power consumption and heat generation compared to active optical cables, while still supporting the full 100GbE bandwidth required for modern network infrastructure.
Key Product Advantages
This cable offers several distinct advantages for network professionals seeking reliable 100GbE connectivity solutions. Its compatibility with Cisco Nexus platforms ensures seamless integration into existing network infrastructures without compatibility concerns.
Cost-Effective Connectivity
Eliminates the need for separate optical transceivers and fiber cables, reducing both initial hardware costs and ongoing maintenance expenses while maintaining full 100GbE performance.
- No separate transceivers required
- Lower total cost of ownership
- Reduced component count
Simplified Deployment
The passive design enables true plug-and-play operation without configuration or external power, allowing for rapid deployment and reduced installation complexity in data center environments.
- No external power needed
- Zero configuration required
- Quick installation
Deployment / Use Cases
This QSFP28 to 4 SFP28 breakout cable is specifically designed for scenarios requiring high-density 100GbE connectivity with flexible port utilization. It serves as an ideal solution for connecting 100GbE switches to multiple 25GbE servers or storage devices within the same rack or adjacent enclosures.
Common deployment scenarios include data center spine-leaf architectures where 100GbE uplinks connect to 25GbE server connections, high-performance computing clusters requiring aggregated bandwidth, and enterprise network cores where breakout capabilities maximize port utilization. The cable's 16.4-foot length accommodates typical rack-to-rack or within-rack connections while maintaining signal integrity.
Highlights
- 100GBASE-CR4 QSFP28 to 4 SFP28 passive direct attach copper cable
- 16.4-foot twinaxial cable for short-reach 100GbE connections
- Single QSFP28 connector breaks out to four SFP28 connectors
- Passive design requires no external power or configuration
- Compatible with Cisco Nexus 3000 and 9000 series switches
- Supports 100 Gbit/s aggregate data transfer rate
- Ideal for high-density data center and enterprise networking
- Lifetime warranty for long-term reliability assurance
Specifications
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Axiom Memory Solutions |
| Manufacturer Part Number | QSFP-4SFP25G-CU5M-AX |
| Brand Name | Axiom |
| Product Name | 100GBASE-CR4 QSFP28 to 4 SFP28 Passive DAC Cisco Compatible 5m |
| Product Type | Network Cable |
| Technical Information | |
| Cable Type | Twinaxial |
| Cable Length | 16.4 ft |
| Connector Type on First End | QSFP28 Network |
| Connector on First End Details | 1 x QSFP28 Network |
| Connector Type on Second End | SFP28 Network |
| Connector on Second End Details | 4 x SFP28 Network |
| Device Supported | Network Device,Router,Switch |
| Data Transfer Rate | 100 Gbit/s |
| Features | Passive |
| Miscellaneous | |
| Compatibility | Cisco - Nexus 3232C Cisco - Nexus N9K-C92160YC-X Cisco - Nexus N9K-C9236C Cisco - Nexus N9K-C93108TC-EX Cisco - Nexus N9K-C93108TC-FX Cisco - Nexus N9K-C93180LC-EX Cisco - Nexus N9K-C93180YC-EX Cisco - Nexus N9K-C93180YC-FX Cisco - Nexus N9K-C9336C-FX2 Cisco - Nexus N9K-X9432C-S Cisco - Nexus N9K-X97160YC-EX Cisco - Nexus N9K-X9732C-EX |
| Warranty | |
| Limited Warranty | Lifetime |
FAQ
What is the purpose of this QSFP28 to 4 SFP28 cable?
This cable provides a breakout solution that connects a single 100GbE QSFP28 port to four separate 25GbE SFP28 ports. It enables network administrators to maximize port utilization on 100GbE switches by distributing bandwidth to multiple 25GbE devices, such as servers or storage arrays, without requiring separate transceivers and fiber connections.
What does 'passive DAC' mean for this cable?
Passive DAC (Direct Attach Copper) means the cable contains no active electronic components for signal amplification or retiming. It relies on the electrical properties of the twinaxial copper conductors to transmit signals up to the specified 16.4-foot distance. This results in lower power consumption, reduced heat generation, and simpler plug-and-play operation compared to active cables, though with distance limitations typical of copper solutions.
Which Cisco switches are compatible with this cable?
This cable is compatible with multiple Cisco Nexus 3000 and 9000 series switches, including the Nexus 3232C, N9K-C92160YC-X, N9K-C9236C, N9K-C93108TC-EX, N9K-C93108TC-FX, N9K-C93180LC-EX, N9K-C93180YC-EX, N9K-C93180YC-FX, N9K-C9336C-FX2, N9K-X9432C-S, N9K-X97160YC-EX, and N9K-X9732C-EX models. It's designed for seamless integration into Cisco data center networking environments.
What is the maximum distance supported by this cable?
This passive twinaxial cable supports reliable 100GbE transmission up to 16.4 feet (5 meters). This distance is typical for passive copper DAC cables and is suitable for within-rack or adjacent-rack connections in data center environments. For longer distances, active optical cables or separate transceivers with fiber would be required.