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Axiom CAB-Q-4S-100G-2M-AX 100GBASE-CR4 QSFP28 to 4x SFP28 Passive DAC Twinaxial Cable - 2m - 6. 6 ft Black - Arista Compatible
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Product Features
Technical Overview
This DAC cable implements the 100GBASE-CR4 standard, which aggregates four 25 GbE lanes to deliver a total bandwidth of 100 Gbit/s. The QSFP28 connector on one end interfaces with 100GbE ports, while the four SFP28 connectors on the opposite end connect to 25GbE ports, enabling flexible breakout configurations for optimized network topology design.
The twinaxial copper construction provides robust electrical performance for distances up to 2 meters (6.6 feet), making it suitable for within-rack and adjacent-rack connections where fiber optics would be unnecessary. The passive architecture means no signal retiming or amplification, resulting in lower latency and reduced power draw compared to active optical cables.
Key Product Advantages
This cable delivers several practical benefits for network administrators and data center operators seeking reliable high-speed connectivity solutions.
Arista Compatibility
Designed and tested for compatibility with Arista networking equipment, ensuring reliable performance in Arista-based network environments without compatibility concerns.
- Verified interoperability
- Reduced deployment risk
- Simplified procurement
Passive Design Benefits
The passive twinaxial construction eliminates the need for external power, reducing overall power consumption and heat generation in densely populated racks.
- Zero power draw
- Lower operating costs
- Reduced cooling requirements
Breakout Configuration Flexibility
The 1:4 connector configuration enables efficient utilization of 100GbE ports by connecting to four 25GbE devices, optimizing port density and reducing overall switch requirements.
- Port consolidation
- Infrastructure efficiency
- Scalable connectivity
Deployment / Use Cases
This QSFP28 to SFP28 DAC cable is ideal for specific network deployment scenarios where high-speed, short-reach connections are required between compatible networking equipment.
In data center environments, it commonly connects top-of-rack switches with server adapters, enabling 100GbE uplinks from switches to servers with 25GbE interfaces. The breakout capability allows a single 100GbE switch port to serve four 25GbE server connections, maximizing port utilization and reducing overall switch port requirements.
Server-to-Switch Interconnects
Connect servers with 25GbE SFP28 network interface cards to 100GbE QSFP28 switch ports for high-performance computing and storage applications.
Switch-to-Switch Links
Establish short-reach connections between compatible switches in adjacent racks where 100GbE backbone links are required for aggregation or spine-leaf architectures.
Highlights
- 100GBASE-CR4 QSFP28 to 4x SFP28 passive direct attach copper cable
- 2-meter (6.6 ft) twinaxial construction for reliable short-reach connections
- Arista compatible design for seamless integration with Arista networking equipment
- Passive architecture requires no external power, reducing operational costs
- Black durable jacket provides physical protection and professional appearance
- Supports 100 Gbit/s data transfer rate for high-performance networking
- Breakout configuration enables efficient 100GbE to 25GbE connectivity
- Ideal for data center server-to-switch and switch-to-switch interconnects
Specifications
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Axiom Memory Solutions |
| Manufacturer Part Number | CAB-Q-4S-100G-2M-AX |
| Brand Name | Axiom |
| Product Name | 100GBASE-CR4 QSFP28 to 4 x 25GbE SFP28 Passive DAC Arista Compatible 2m |
| Product Type | Network Cable |
| Technical Information | |
| Cable Type | Twinaxial |
| Cable Length | 6.6 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 |
| Data Transfer Rate | 100 Gbit/s |
| Features | Passive |
| Physical Characteristics | |
| Product Color | Black |
FAQ
What is the maximum distance supported by this DAC cable?
This passive twinaxial DAC cable is designed for short-reach connections up to 2 meters (6.6 feet). It is ideal for within-rack and adjacent-rack deployments in data center environments where longer fiber optic cables would be unnecessary. The twinaxial copper construction provides reliable electrical performance at this distance without signal degradation.
Is this cable compatible with non-Arista networking equipment?
While specifically designed and tested for Arista compatibility, this 100GBASE-CR4 QSFP28 to SFP28 DAC cable may work with other vendors' equipment that supports the same standard. However, for guaranteed performance and reliability, we recommend verifying compatibility with your specific networking hardware before deployment, as some vendors implement proprietary coding or electrical specifications.
What does 'passive' mean for this DAC cable?
Passive means the cable contains no active electronic components for signal retiming or amplification. It relies solely on the electrical properties of the twinaxial copper conductors to transmit signals. This results in lower power consumption, reduced heat generation, and typically lower cost compared to active optical cables, though with distance limitations typically under 3 meters for 100GbE applications.
Can I use this cable for 40GbE connections?
No, this cable is specifically designed for 100GBASE-CR4 applications and uses QSFP28 connectors that are electrically and mechanically different from QSFP+ connectors used for 40GbE. Attempting to use it for 40GbE connections would likely result in incompatibility or connection failure. For 40GbE applications, you would need a cable specifically designed for 40GBASE-CR4 standards.
| Qty | Price | Available |
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