Axiom CAB-Q-Q-3M-AX 40GBASE-CR4 QSFP+ Passive DAC Cable - 3m (9. 8 ft) Twinaxial Direct Attach Cable Arista Compatible
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Product Features
Technical Overview
This DAC cable supports the 40GBASE-CR4 Ethernet standard, delivering 40 Gbit/s data transfer rates through four lanes of 10 Gbit/s each. The twinaxial construction uses copper conductors with shielding to minimize electromagnetic interference, ensuring stable performance in dense network installations.
The cable is specifically coded for Arista network devices, though it may work with other QSFP+ compatible equipment that accepts passive DAC connections. The 3-meter length provides flexibility for rack-to-rack or within-rack connections where fiber optic solutions would be unnecessarily complex or expensive.
Key Product Advantages
This direct attach cable offers several practical benefits for network administrators seeking reliable 40GbE connectivity without the complexity of fiber optics.
Cost-Effective 40GbE Solution
Passive DAC cables provide significant cost savings compared to active optical cables or separate transceivers with fiber patch cables, making them ideal for budget-conscious deployments.
- Lower initial investment
- Reduced power consumption
- No separate transceivers needed
Simplified Deployment
With pre-terminated QSFP+ connectors on both ends, this cable eliminates the need for field termination or polishing, reducing installation time and potential errors.
- Plug-and-play connectivity
- No special tools required
- Consistent performance out of the box
Reliable Short-Range Performance
The 3-meter length and twinaxial construction deliver stable 40 Gbit/s performance for connections within racks or between adjacent racks in data center environments.
- Optimized for ≤10m distances
- EMI-shielded construction
- Maintains signal integrity
Deployment / Use Cases
This 40GBASE-CR4 QSFP+ passive DAC cable is designed for specific networking scenarios where short-range, high-speed connections are required between compatible devices.
In data center environments, it's commonly used to connect top-of-rack switches to servers or storage arrays within the same rack or adjacent racks. The 3-meter length provides sufficient reach for most within-rack applications while maintaining signal quality. Enterprise networks deploying 40GbE infrastructure can use these cables to interconnect core switches or connect high-performance computing clusters where low latency and high throughput are critical.
Highlights
- 40GBASE-CR4 QSFP+ passive direct attach cable for 40 Gbit/s networking
- 3-meter (9.8-foot) twinaxial construction optimized for short-range connections
- QSFP+ male connectors on both ends for secure physical connectivity
- Arista compatible coding for seamless integration with Arista network devices
- Passive design reduces power consumption and heat generation
- Lifetime limited warranty for long-term reliability assurance
- Cost-effective alternative to fiber optic solutions for ≤10m distances
- Plug-and-play installation with no configuration required
Specifications
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Axiom Memory Solutions |
| Manufacturer Part Number | CAB-Q-Q-3M-AX |
| Brand Name | Axiom |
| Product Name | 40GBASE-CR4 QSFP+ Passive DAC Cable Arista Compatible 3m |
| Product Type | Network Cable |
| Technical Information | |
| Cable Type | Twinaxial |
| Cable Length | 9.8 ft |
| Connector Type on First End | QSFP+ Network - Male |
| Connector on First End Details | 1 x QSFP+ Network - Male |
| Connector Type on Second End | QSFP+ Network - Male |
| Connector on Second End Details | 1 x QSFP+ Network - Male |
| Device Supported | Network Device |
| Data Transfer Rate | 40 Gbit/s |
| Features | Passive |
| Warranty | |
| Limited Warranty | Lifetime |
FAQ
What is the maximum distance this DAC cable supports?
This 3-meter (9.8-foot) passive DAC cable is designed for short-range connections typically within racks or between adjacent racks. Passive DAC cables generally support distances up to 7 meters for 40GBASE-CR4 applications, though performance may vary based on equipment and environmental factors. For this specific cable, the 3-meter length ensures optimal signal integrity for most within-rack deployments.
Is this cable compatible with non-Arista network equipment?
While specifically coded for Arista compatibility, this QSFP+ passive DAC cable may work with other network devices that accept standard 40GBASE-CR4 passive DAC connections. Compatibility depends on the receiving equipment's QSFP+ port specifications and coding requirements. Always verify compatibility with your specific switch or router model before deployment, as some manufacturers require brand-coded cables for proper operation.
What does 'passive' mean for a DAC cable?
A passive DAC cable contains only copper conductors without active electronic components for signal conditioning or amplification. This contrasts with active DAC cables that include built-in electronics to boost signals for longer distances. Passive cables are more power-efficient, generate less heat, and are typically more cost-effective for short-range applications, making them ideal for data center environments where multiple connections are needed within limited spaces.
Can this cable be used for 10GbE connections?
No, this is specifically a 40GBASE-CR4 cable designed for 40 Gbit/s connections. While some QSFP+ ports can be configured for 4x10GbE breakout applications, this would require specific switch configuration and appropriate breakout cables or adapters. This cable itself operates as a single 40GbE link and cannot be split into separate 10GbE connections without additional hardware and configuration.
| Qty | Price | Available |
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