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Axiom FN-CABLE-QSFP28-4SFP28-5-AX 100GBASE-CR4 QSFP28 to 4 SFP28 Passive DAC Twinaxial Cable - 5m (16. 4 ft) Fortinet Compatible
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Product Features
Technical Overview
This cable adheres to the 100GBASE-CR4 standard, utilizing a QSFP28 connector on one end and four SFP28 connectors on the other to break out a single 100 GbE link into four 25 GbE channels. The twinaxial copper construction offers robust electrical performance with minimal signal loss, suitable for distances up to 5 meters without active signal conditioning.
The passive DAC architecture provides plug-and-play functionality, requiring no configuration or management software. It supports hot-pluggable installation, allowing for easy deployment and maintenance without network downtime. The cable is backward compatible with lower-speed interfaces where supported by the connected devices, offering flexibility in mixed-speed environments.
Key Product Advantages
This Axiom DAC cable delivers significant advantages for network deployments requiring high-density, high-speed connectivity. Its design prioritizes reliability, compatibility, and ease of use, reducing total cost of ownership compared to active optical solutions for short-reach applications.
High-Speed Breakout Capability
Enables efficient utilization of 100 GbE ports by distributing bandwidth across four 25 GbE SFP28 connections, optimizing port density and network scalability.
- Supports 100GBASE-CR4 standard
- Breakout to 4 x SFP28 ports
- Ideal for aggregation and distribution
Fortinet Ecosystem Integration
Specifically tested and validated for compatibility with Fortinet networking devices, ensuring reliable performance in security-focused network environments.
- Validated Fortinet compatibility
- Seamless integration with existing setups
- Reduces compatibility concerns
Passive Reliability
The passive twinaxial design eliminates electronic components that can fail, providing a more durable and lower-power solution with consistent signal quality.
- No external power required
- Lower latency than active cables
- Enhanced long-term reliability
Deployment / Use Cases
This cable is engineered for data center, enterprise, and service provider environments where high-speed interconnects between switches, routers, and servers are critical. Its 5-meter length makes it suitable for rack-to-rack or within-rack connections in densely populated network cabinets.
Common deployment scenarios include connecting a 100 GbE QSFP28 switch port to multiple 25 GbE SFP28 server ports, enabling efficient bandwidth distribution in hyper-converged infrastructure. It also supports spine-leaf architectures where breakout cables simplify cabling and reduce port requirements on core switches.
Data Center Interconnect
Ideal for linking top-of-rack switches to servers or storage arrays in high-performance computing and cloud environments, minimizing latency and maximizing throughput.
Network Upgrades
Facilitates migration from 10 GbE or 40 GbE to 100 GbE infrastructures by providing a cost-effective cabling solution that leverages existing SFP28-capable equipment.
Highlights
- 100GBASE-CR4 QSFP28 to 4 SFP28 Passive DAC twinaxial cable
- 5-meter (16.4-foot) length for flexible short-reach deployments
- Supports 100 Gbit/s data transfer rate for high-speed networking
- Fortinet compatible for reliable integration with security-focused networks
- Passive design requires no external power, reducing complexity
- Hot-pluggable for easy installation and maintenance without downtime
- Connects to network devices, routers, and switches
- Lifetime limited warranty for long-term peace of mind
Specifications
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Axiom Memory Solutions |
| Manufacturer Part Number | FN-CABLE-QSFP28-4SFP28-5-AX |
| Brand Name | Axiom |
| Product Name | 100GBASE-CR4 QSFP28 to 4 SFP28 Passive DAC Fortinet Compatible 5m |
| Product Type | Network Cable |
| Technical Information | |
| Cable Type | Twinaxial |
| Cable Length | 16.4 ft (5 m) |
| 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 |
| Warranty | |
| Limited Warranty | Lifetime |
FAQ
What is the maximum distance supported by this DAC cable?
This Axiom passive DAC cable supports a maximum distance of 5 meters (16.4 feet). It is designed for short-reach applications within data center racks or between adjacent racks, providing reliable high-speed connectivity without signal degradation over this length. For longer distances, active optical cables or fiber transceivers would be required.
Is this cable compatible with non-Fortinet network equipment?
While specifically validated for Fortinet compatibility, this 100GBASE-CR4 QSFP28 to 4 SFP28 passive DAC cable may work with other vendors' equipment that supports the same standard. However, compatibility is not guaranteed, and it is recommended to verify with the device manufacturer or test in your specific environment before deployment.
What does 'passive DAC' mean for this cable?
Passive DAC (Direct Attach Copper) means the cable contains only copper wires without any active electronic components for signal conditioning or retiming. This results in lower power consumption, reduced latency, and higher reliability compared to active cables. It is ideal for distances up to 5 meters where signal integrity can be maintained passively.
Can this cable be used for breakout from 100 GbE to 10 GbE ports?
No, this cable is specifically designed for 100GBASE-CR4 to 4 x SFP28 breakout, supporting 25 GbE per SFP28 port. It is not compatible with 10 GbE SFP+ ports due to different electrical specifications. For 100 GbE to 10 GbE breakout, a different cable or transceiver solution would be required.