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Axiom PAN-QSFP-DAC-5M-AX 40GBASE-CR4 QSFP+ Passive DAC Cable - 16. 4 ft Twinaxial Network Cable for Palo Alto
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Product Features
Technical Overview
This DAC cable adheres to the 40GBASE-CR4 standard, utilizing QSFP+ connectors on both ends to establish a direct electrical link between devices. The twinaxial cable architecture consists of multiple shielded twisted pairs within a single jacket, optimized for high-frequency signal transmission with reduced crosstalk and electromagnetic interference.
The passive nature of this cable means it does not include active signal conditioning or retiming electronics, relying instead on the host device's capabilities for signal integrity. This results in a simpler, more power-efficient solution suitable for distances up to 10 meters, with this specific model providing 16.4 feet (approximately 5 meters) of reach.
Key Product Advantages
This Axiom DAC cable offers several advantages for network infrastructure deployments, combining performance, reliability, and ease of integration.
High-Speed Connectivity
Delivers 40 Gbit/s throughput, suitable for bandwidth-intensive applications like data aggregation, virtualization, and high-performance computing.
- 40GBASE-CR4 compliance
- Low-latency electrical connection
- Ideal for switch and server links
Cost and Power Efficiency
As a passive DAC, it reduces overall solution cost by eliminating transceivers and lowers power consumption compared to active optical cables or separate optic modules.
- No external power required
- Lower total cost of ownership
- Simplified inventory management
Durability and Compatibility
The twinaxial construction ensures mechanical robustness and stable electrical performance, while designed compatibility with Palo Alto devices streamlines deployment.
- Shielded against interference
- Hot-pluggable QSFP+ connectors
- Tested for network device interoperability
Deployment / Use Cases
This cable is primarily deployed in data center and enterprise network environments where short-reach, high-speed connections are required. Its 16.4-foot length makes it versatile for rack-level or adjacent-rack connectivity without excess cable management overhead.
Common use cases include connecting top-of-rack switches to aggregation switches, linking servers to network switches in high-density racks, or establishing inter-switch links in spine-leaf architectures. The passive design is particularly advantageous in scenarios where power efficiency and cost optimization are priorities, such as large-scale data centers or cloud infrastructure deployments.
Data Center Interconnects
Use for switch-to-switch connections within the same rack or between adjacent racks, supporting high-bandwidth traffic for virtualization, storage, and application workloads.
Server Connectivity
Connect servers with 40GbE network interfaces to switches, enabling fast data transfer for compute-intensive tasks like big data analytics, machine learning, or media processing.
Highlights
- 40GBASE-CR4 QSFP+ Passive Direct Attach Cable (DAC) for 40 Gbit/s networking
- 16.4-foot twinaxial cable construction for reliable short-reach connections
- QSFP+ male connectors on both ends for direct device-to-device linking
- Passive design reduces power consumption and simplifies deployment
- Compatible with Palo Alto network devices and other QSFP+ interfaces
- Black color cable suitable for standard data center environments
- Ideal for switch-to-switch or server-to-switch connectivity within racks
- Cost-effective alternative to separate transceivers and fiber optic cabling
Specifications
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Axiom Memory Solutions |
| Manufacturer Part Number | PAN-QSFP-DAC-5M-AX |
| Brand Name | Axiom |
| Product Name | 40GBASE-CR4 QSFP+ Passive DAC Cable for Palo Alto 5m - PAN-QSFP-DAC-5M |
| Product Type | Network Cable |
| Technical Information | |
| Cable Type | Twinaxial |
| Cable Length | 16.4 ft |
| Connector Type on First End | QSFP+ Network - Male |
| Connector on First End Details | QSFP+ Network - Male |
| Connector Type on Second End | QSFP+ Network - Male |
| Connector on Second End Details | QSFP+ Network - Male |
| Device Supported | Network Device |
| Data Transfer Rate | 40 Gbit/s |
| Features | Passive |
| Physical Characteristics | |
| Product Color | Black |
FAQ
What is the maximum data transfer rate supported by this DAC cable?
This Axiom DAC cable supports a data transfer rate of 40 Gbit/s, compliant with the 40GBASE-CR4 standard. It is designed for high-speed network connections in data center and enterprise environments, suitable for aggregating traffic between switches, servers, or storage systems.
How long is the cable, and what type of connectors does it use?
The cable is 16.4 feet (approximately 5 meters) long and uses QSFP+ male connectors on both ends. These connectors provide a direct electrical interface for connecting compatible networking devices without the need for separate transceivers, ensuring a secure and reliable connection.
What does 'passive' mean for this DAC cable?
Passive means the cable does not include active signal conditioning electronics. It relies on the host devices to maintain signal integrity over the cable length, resulting in lower power consumption and cost compared to active cables. This makes it ideal for short-reach applications up to 10 meters where simplicity and efficiency are key.
Is this cable compatible with devices other than Palo Alto equipment?
While designed for compatibility with Palo Alto network devices, this DAC cable uses standard QSFP+ interfaces and may work with other networking equipment that supports 40GBASE-CR4 passive DACs. Always verify compatibility with your specific device manufacturer's guidelines before deployment.
| Qty | Price | Available |
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