Axiom 470-AAFE-AX 40GBASE-CR4 QSFP+ Passive DAC Cable - Dell Compatible - 1m - 3. 3 ft Twinaxial Direct Attach Cable
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Product Features
Technical Overview
This direct attach cable implements the 40GBASE-CR4 standard using twinaxial copper construction, which provides electrical signaling optimized for distances up to several meters. The QSFP+ connectors interface directly with QSFP+ ports on switches, routers, servers, or storage systems, establishing a full-duplex 40 GbE link.
The cable is passive, meaning it contains no active electronics or signal retiming components. This results in lower power consumption, reduced heat generation, and typically lower cost compared to active optical cables or transceiver-based solutions for equivalent short-reach applications.
Key Product Advantages
This Axiom DAC cable delivers several practical benefits for network infrastructure deployment. Its plug-and-play passive design eliminates configuration complexity and external power needs, while the robust twinaxial construction ensures stable signal integrity over its specified length.
Cost-Effective 40GbE Connectivity
Provides a more economical alternative to optical transceivers and fiber patch cables for short-distance 40 Gigabit Ethernet connections within the same rack or between nearby racks.
- Lower total cost compared to optical solutions
- No separate transceivers required
- Reduces cable management complexity
Dell-Optimized Compatibility
Specifically engineered and coded to ensure reliable operation with Dell networking equipment that features QSFP+ ports, reducing compatibility concerns in Dell-centric environments.
- Tested for Dell platform compatibility
- Supports standard 40GBASE-CR4 signaling
- Hot-pluggable for easy installation
Deployment / Use Cases
This cable is primarily deployed in data center and enterprise network environments where high-bandwidth, low-latency connections are required over short distances. Typical applications include connecting top-of-rack switches to servers, linking aggregation switches within the same rack, or establishing high-speed interconnects between storage arrays and servers.
The 1-meter length makes it suitable for connections within a single rack or between adjacent racks in standard data center configurations. It's particularly valuable in high-performance computing clusters, financial trading systems, virtualization hosts, and storage area networks where 40GbE throughput is necessary and cable runs are short.
Data Center Rack Connectivity
Ideal for connecting servers to top-of-rack switches within the same enclosure, minimizing cable clutter while maximizing bandwidth for virtualized workloads and storage traffic.
High-Performance Computing
Supports low-latency interconnects between compute nodes in HPC clusters where 40GbE throughput is required for parallel processing and data exchange between adjacent systems.
Highlights
- 40GBASE-CR4 QSFP+ passive direct attach cable for 40 Gigabit Ethernet
- 1-meter (3.3-foot) twinaxial copper construction for reliable short-reach connections
- QSFP+ connectors on both ends for direct connection to compatible network devices
- Specifically coded for Dell equipment compatibility
- Passive design requires no external power or configuration
- Supports 40 Gbit/s full-duplex data transfer rates
- Ideal for data center, enterprise, and high-performance computing environments
- Lifetime warranty for long-term reliability assurance
Specifications
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Axiom Memory Solutions |
| Manufacturer Part Number | 470-AAFE-AX |
| Brand Name | Axiom |
| Product Name | 40GBASE-CR4 QSFP+ Passive DAC Cable Dell Compatible 1m |
| Product Type | Network Cable |
| Technical Information | |
| Cable Type | Twinaxial |
| Cable Length | 3.3 ft (1 m) |
| Connector Type on First End | QSFP+ Network |
| Connector on First End Details | 1 x QSFP+ Network |
| Connector Type on Second End | QSFP+ Network |
| Connector on Second End Details | 1 x QSFP+ Network |
| 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 40GBASE-CR4 passive DAC cable is designed for short-reach connections up to several meters. The specific 1-meter (3.3-foot) length makes it ideal for within-rack or adjacent-rack deployments in data center environments. For longer distances beyond what passive copper DACs support, active optical cables or transceiver-based fiber solutions would be required.
Is this cable compatible with non-Dell equipment?
While specifically coded and tested for Dell compatibility, this QSFP+ DAC cable uses the standard 40GBASE-CR4 electrical interface. It may work with other vendors' equipment that supports 40GBASE-CR4 over passive copper DACs, but compatibility should be verified with the specific equipment manufacturer's documentation. For guaranteed interoperability outside Dell environments, consult the equipment compatibility matrix.
What does 'passive' mean for this DAC cable?
Passive means the cable contains no active signal conditioning, retiming, or amplification electronics. It relies on the electrical properties of the twinaxial copper conductors to transmit signals between the connected devices. This results in lower power consumption, reduced heat generation, and typically lower cost compared to active cables, but limits the maximum supported distance compared to active solutions.
Can this cable be used for 10 Gigabit Ethernet connections?
No, this is specifically a 40GBASE-CR4 cable designed for 40 Gigabit Ethernet connections. While some QSFP+ ports can operate in breakout mode to support multiple 10GbE connections, this would require specific switch configuration and appropriate breakout cables. This particular DAC cable is intended for native 40GbE operation between QSFP+ ports.
| Qty | Price | Available |
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