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Axiom 470-AAGE-AX 40GBASE-CR4 QSFP+ to 4 10GBASE-CU SFP+ Passive DAC Cable - 3m - 9. 8 ft Twinaxial - Dell Compatible
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Product Features
Technical Overview
This DAC cable adheres to the 40GBASE-CR4 and 10GBASE-CU standards, providing a compliant pathway for 40 Gigabit Ethernet over copper. The QSFP+ end features a single high-density connector that interfaces with 40GbE switches, routers, or network adapters, while the breakout end delivers four SFP+ connectors for 10GbE devices.
The twinaxial cable construction offers robust electrical performance for distances up to 10 meters, with this model optimized for 3-meter runs. It supports hot-pluggable operation, allowing installation or removal without powering down network equipment, and is engineered for compatibility with Dell networking platforms.
Key Product Advantages
This cable simplifies network upgrades by enabling a single 40GbE port to support multiple 10GbE connections, reducing the need for additional switch ports or adapters. Its passive design eliminates power consumption and cooling concerns associated with active cables, while the twinaxial construction ensures durable, high-speed performance in demanding environments.
Cost-Effective Bandwidth Expansion
Leverage existing 40GbE infrastructure to add four 10GbE links without investing in new switches or transceivers, optimizing capital expenditure.
- Uses standard QSFP+ and SFP+ ports
- No additional optics required
- Reduces per-port connectivity costs
Reliable Passive Operation
The cable transmits signals without active components, ensuring consistent performance with zero power draw and minimal latency.
- No external power needed
- Lower heat generation
- Simplified deployment and maintenance
Deployment / Use Cases
This breakout cable is ideal for data centers, enterprise server rooms, and high-performance computing environments where aggregating 10GbE server connections into 40GbE uplinks is required. It supports top-of-rack switching, blade server connectivity, and storage area network (SAN) expansions.
Common applications include connecting 40GbE switch ports to 10GbE servers, network appliances, or storage arrays, as well as cascading switches to create scalable network fabrics. The Dell compatibility ensures seamless integration with Dell PowerSwitch and PowerEdge platforms, though it may work with other QSFP+/SFP+ compliant devices.
Data Center Server Aggregation
Connect multiple 10GbE servers to a 40GbE switch port, consolidating uplinks and simplifying cabling in rack deployments.
Network Fabric Expansion
Use breakout cables to build leaf-spine architectures or expand network capacity without replacing existing infrastructure.
Highlights
- 40GBASE-CR4 QSFP+ to 4 10GBASE-CU SFP+ passive DAC breakout cable
- 3-meter (9.8-foot) twinaxial construction for reliable short-reach connectivity
- Converts one 40GbE port into four independent 10GbE links
- Passive design requires no external power, reducing complexity and cost
- Hot-pluggable for easy installation and maintenance without downtime
- Dell compatible for seamless integration with Dell networking equipment
- Supports high-speed data transfer up to 40 Gbit/s
- Lifetime warranty for long-term reliability and peace of mind
Specifications
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Axiom Memory Solutions |
| Manufacturer Part Number | 470-AAGE-AX |
| Brand Name | Axiom |
| Product Name | 40GBASE-CR4 QSFP+ to 4 10GBASE-CU SFP+ Passive DAC Dell Compatible 3m |
| Product Type | Network Cable |
| Technical Information | |
| Cable Type | Twinaxial |
| Cable Length | 9.8 ft |
| Connector Type on First End | QSFP+ Network |
| Connector on First End Details | 1 x QSFP+ Network |
| Connector Type on Second End | SFP+ Network |
| Connector on Second End Details | 4 x SFP+ Network |
| 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 SFP+ breakout cable?
This cable allows you to connect a single 40 Gigabit Ethernet (40GbE) QSFP+ port to four separate 10 Gigabit Ethernet (10GbE) SFP+ devices. It is commonly used in data centers to aggregate multiple 10GbE server or storage connections into a higher-bandwidth 40GbE uplink, optimizing switch port utilization and reducing cabling complexity.
Is this an active or passive Direct Attach Cable (DAC)?
This is a passive DAC, meaning it does not contain active electronic components like signal amplifiers or retimers. It relies on the electrical properties of the twinaxial copper cable to transmit signals over short distances (up to 10 meters). Passive DACs are cost-effective, power-efficient, and ideal for low-latency applications within racks or adjacent equipment.
What devices is this cable compatible with?
The cable is designed for compatibility with Dell networking equipment that supports QSFP+ and SFP+ interfaces, such as Dell PowerSwitch series switches and PowerEdge servers. It adheres to standard 40GBASE-CR4 and 10GBASE-CU specifications, so it may also work with other brands' QSFP+/SFP+ ports, but compatibility should be verified with the specific device manufacturer.
What is the maximum distance supported by this cable?
This cable is 3 meters (9.8 feet) long, which is within the typical range for passive twinaxial DACs that support distances up to 10 meters. It is suitable for short-reach connections within data center racks, between nearby switches and servers, or in server room environments where low-latency copper connectivity is preferred over fiber optics.