Axiom 470-AAVT-AX 40GBASE-CR4 QSFP+ to 4 10GBASE-CU SFP+ Passive DAC Twinaxial Cable - 0. 5m (1. 6 ft) Dell Compatible
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Product Features
Technical Overview
This cable implements the 40GBASE-CR4 and 10GBASE-CU standards, utilizing a passive twinaxial design that requires no external power or signal conditioning. The QSFP+ end features a single high-density connector that aggregates four 10 GbE lanes, while the opposite end terminates in four separate SFP+ connectors, each supporting 10 Gbit/s data rates. This configuration allows a 40GbE port to connect to four 10GbE devices simultaneously, optimizing port utilization and reducing cabling complexity.
The passive nature of this DAC means it operates without retimers or electronics embedded in the cable assembly, resulting in lower power draw and reduced heat generation. The twinaxial cable construction provides excellent EMI shielding and signal integrity for distances up to 0.5 meters, making it suitable for top-of-rack switching, server-to-switch connections, and inter-chassis links within the same rack or cabinet.
Key Product Advantages
This Axiom DAC cable offers several distinct advantages for network infrastructure deployments. Its passive design eliminates the need for power supplies or management interfaces, simplifying installation and reducing points of failure. The twinaxial construction provides robust physical durability and reliable electrical performance in high-density environments where space and airflow are critical considerations.
Cost-Effective Connectivity
Provides a more economical solution compared to optical transceivers and fiber patch cables for short-reach applications, reducing overall infrastructure costs without compromising performance.
- Lower initial investment
- Reduced power consumption
- No separate transceivers required
Simplified Cable Management
The breakout configuration consolidates four separate connections into a single cable, minimizing cable clutter and improving airflow in densely populated racks and cabinets.
- Reduced cable count
- Cleaner rack organization
- Improved thermal management
Deployment / Use Cases
This QSFP+ to 4 SFP+ breakout cable is specifically designed for scenarios where 40GbE switch ports need to connect to multiple 10GbE devices. Common applications include connecting top-of-rack switches with 40GbE uplinks to servers, storage arrays, or other network devices equipped with 10GbE SFP+ interfaces. The 0.5-meter length makes it ideal for intra-rack connections where equipment is mounted in the same or adjacent rack units.
In data center environments, this cable enables efficient utilization of 40GbE switch ports by breaking them out to support four 10GbE connections. This is particularly valuable in hyper-converged infrastructure, virtualization hosts, and high-performance computing clusters where bandwidth aggregation and port density are critical. The Dell compatibility ensures reliable operation with Dell PowerConnect, Force10, and other Dell networking equipment that supports QSFP+ and SFP+ interfaces.
Highlights
- 40GBASE-CR4 QSFP+ to 4 10GBASE-CU SFP+ breakout configuration
- 0.5-meter (1.6 ft) passive twinaxial Direct Attach Copper cable
- 40 Gbit/s aggregate bandwidth with four independent 10 Gbit/s channels
- Dell compatible for reliable operation with Dell networking equipment
- Passive design requires no external power or management
- Twinaxial construction ensures stable signal integrity
- Ideal for short-reach intra-rack connections
- Lifetime warranty for long-term reliability assurance
Specifications
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Axiom Memory Solutions |
| Manufacturer Part Number | 470-AAVT-AX |
| Brand Name | Axiom |
| Product Name | 40GBASE-CR4 QSFP+ to 4 10GBASE-CU SFP+ Passive DAC Dell Compatible 0.5m |
| Product Type | Network Cable |
| Technical Information | |
| Cable Type | Twinaxial |
| Cable Length | 1.6 ft |
| Connector Type on First End | QSFP+ Network - Male |
| Connector on First End Details | 1 x QSFP+ Network - Male |
| Connector Type on Second End | SFP+ Network - Male |
| Connector on Second End Details | 4 x SFP+ Network - Male |
| Device Supported | Network Device |
| Data Transfer Rate | 40 Gbit/s |
| Features | Passive |
| Warranty | |
| Limited Warranty | Lifetime |
FAQ
What is the purpose of this QSFP+ to 4 SFP+ breakout cable?
This cable allows a single 40GbE QSFP+ port to connect to four separate 10GbE SFP+ devices, enabling efficient port utilization and reducing cable complexity in network deployments. It's designed for scenarios where you need to aggregate multiple 10GbE connections through a higher-bandwidth 40GbE interface, such as connecting servers to top-of-rack switches in data center environments.
What does 'passive' mean for this DAC cable?
Passive means the cable contains no active electronics, retimers, or signal conditioning components. It relies on the electrical properties of the twinaxial conductors to transmit signals over short distances. This results in lower power consumption, reduced heat generation, and simpler operation compared to active cables, though it limits the effective distance to 0.5 meters as specified for this product.
Is this cable compatible with non-Dell equipment?
While specifically tested and verified for Dell compatibility, this cable uses standard QSFP+ and SFP+ interfaces that may work with other manufacturers' equipment that supports 40GBASE-CR4 and 10GBASE-CU standards. However, compatibility should be verified with the specific device manufacturer, as some equipment may require vendor-coded or specific firmware for optimal operation.
What is the maximum distance supported by this cable?
This passive twinaxial DAC cable is designed for short-reach applications up to 0.5 meters (1.6 feet). This distance is optimal for connections within the same rack or between adjacent racks in data center environments. For longer distances, active optical cables or fiber optic solutions with appropriate transceivers would be required.