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Axiom 470-ABQB-AX 100GBASE-CR4 QSFP28 to 4 SFP28 Passive DAC Cable - 9. 8 ft Twinaxial - Dell Compatible
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Product Features
Technical Overview
This DAC cable adheres to the 100GBASE-CR4 Ethernet standard, supporting an aggregate data transfer rate of 100 Gbit/s. The QSFP28 end breaks out into four independent 25 Gb/s lanes, each terminated with an SFP28 connector, enabling connectivity to multiple lower-speed devices or ports from a single high-speed interface.
The twinaxial copper construction provides superior electrical performance for short-reach applications, with the passive architecture ensuring plug-and-play operation. No configuration or management is required, simplifying deployment and reducing total cost of ownership compared to active optical solutions.
Key Product Advantages
This cable delivers several practical benefits for network architects and IT managers seeking reliable, high-speed interconnects.
Cost-Effective 100GbE Connectivity
By using direct-attach copper instead of separate transceivers and fiber, this solution reduces both upfront hardware costs and ongoing power consumption, offering a lower total cost per port for short-reach links.
- Eliminates transceiver costs
- Passive design uses no external power
- Reduces cable clutter
Simplified Deployment and Management
The plug-and-play passive design requires no configuration, firmware updates, or temperature monitoring, allowing for quick installation and reduced administrative overhead.
- Hot-pluggable for easy swaps
- No software or drivers needed
- Compatible with standard QSFP28/SFP28 ports
Deployment / Use Cases
This breakout DAC cable is ideal for scenarios where a high-speed uplink needs to distribute bandwidth to multiple lower-speed devices or where cost-effective 100GbE connectivity is required over short distances.
Common applications include connecting a 100GbE QSFP28 switch port to four 25GbE SFP28 server ports in a leaf-spine data center architecture, aggregating multiple 25GbE links into a single 100GbE trunk, or linking network devices within the same rack or adjacent enclosures. Its Dell compatibility ensures reliable operation in environments using Dell PowerSwitch or other Dell networking equipment.
Data Center Spine-Leaf Connectivity
Use this cable to connect a spine switch's 100GbE QSFP28 port to four leaf switches' 25GbE SFP28 ports, optimizing bandwidth distribution and reducing port consumption on high-cost spine devices.
Server Aggregation
Aggregate traffic from four 25GbE SFP28 server adapters into a single 100GbE QSFP28 switch port, maximizing throughput while minimizing switch port count and simplifying cable management.
Highlights
- 100GBASE-CR4 QSFP28 to 4 SFP28 passive DAC breakout cable
- 9.8 ft (3 m) twinaxial copper construction for reliable short-reach performance
- Supports 100 Gbit/s aggregate data transfer rate (4x25 Gb/s lanes)
- Plug-and-play passive design—no external power or configuration required
- Dell compatible for use with Dell PowerSwitch and other networking equipment
- Hot-pluggable for easy installation and maintenance
- Black exterior for professional appearance in data center environments
- Lifetime warranty for long-term reliability and peace of mind
Specifications
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Axiom Memory Solutions |
| Manufacturer Part Number | 470-ABQB-AX |
| Brand Name | Axiom |
| Product Name | 100GBASE-CR4 QSFP28 to 4 SFP28 Passive DAC Dell Compatible 3m |
| Product Type | Network Cable |
| Technical Information | |
| Cable Type | Twinaxial |
| Cable Length | 9.8 ft |
| Connector Type on First End | QSFP28 Network |
| Connector on First End Details | QSFP28 Network |
| Connector Type on Second End | SFP28 Network |
| Connector on Second End Details | 4 x SFP28 Network |
| Device Supported | Network Device,Switch,Router |
| Data Transfer Rate | 100 Gbit/s |
| Features | Passive |
| Physical Characteristics | |
| Product Color | Black |
| Warranty | |
| Limited Warranty | Lifetime |
FAQ
What is the purpose of a QSFP28 to 4 SFP28 breakout cable?
This cable allows a single 100GbE QSFP28 port to connect to four separate 25GbE SFP28 ports, effectively distributing high-speed bandwidth to multiple lower-speed devices. It's commonly used in data center architectures to optimize port utilization on expensive high-speed switches while connecting to servers or other switches with 25GbE interfaces.
What does 'passive' mean for this DAC cable?
Passive means the cable contains no active electronics or signal conditioning components. It relies solely on the electrical properties of the copper conductors to transmit signals. This makes it more reliable, power-efficient, and cost-effective than active cables, though it's limited to shorter distances (typically up to 3-5 meters for 100GbE).
Is this cable compatible with non-Dell equipment?
While specifically tested and verified for Dell compatibility, this cable uses standard QSFP28 and SFP28 connectors that should work with any networking equipment supporting the 100GBASE-CR4 standard. However, for guaranteed performance, always verify compatibility with your specific switch or device manufacturer's interoperability matrix.
What is the maximum recommended distance for this cable?
This 9.8 ft (3 m) twinaxial cable is designed for short-reach applications within racks or between adjacent equipment. For 100GBASE-CR4 passive DAC cables, reliable operation is typically limited to distances up to 3-5 meters, depending on signal integrity requirements and equipment specifications.
| Qty | Price | Available |
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