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Axiom 332-1654-AX 40GBASE-CR4 QSFP+ to 4 10GBASE-CU SFP+ Passive DAC Twinaxial Cable - 16. 4 ft - Dell Compatible
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Product Features
Technical Overview
This direct-attach cable utilizes a twinaxial copper construction, which provides robust signal integrity and electromagnetic interference protection for distances up to 16.4 ft. The cable features a QSFP+ male connector on one end and four SFP+ male connectors on the other, enabling a 40GbE to 4x10GbE breakout topology. The passive design means it operates without active signal conditioning, reducing power consumption and heat generation while maintaining a simple, plug-and-play installation.
The 40GBASE-CR4 and 10GBASE-CU standards ensure interoperability with compliant networking equipment, supporting high-speed data transfers for applications such as server clustering, network aggregation, and storage area networks. The cable is engineered for network devices, offering a cost-effective alternative to optical transceivers for short-reach connections within data centers or enterprise server rooms.
Key Product Advantages
This cable simplifies high-density network deployments by reducing cable clutter and port requirements. Its breakout capability allows a single 40GbE port to serve multiple 10GbE connections, maximizing switch port efficiency and lowering overall infrastructure costs. The passive twinaxial design ensures low latency and high reliability, making it ideal for latency-sensitive applications like financial trading or real-time data processing.
Cost-Effective Connectivity
Eliminates the need for separate optical transceivers and fiber cabling, providing a more affordable solution for short-reach 40GbE to 10GbE connections.
- No external power required
- Lower total cost of ownership
- Reduces cable management complexity
High-Density Breakout
Enables efficient use of high-speed ports by splitting a 40GbE link into four independent 10GbE channels, ideal for connecting servers, storage, or network switches in crowded racks.
- Optimizes port utilization
- Supports scalable network designs
- Facilitates easy upgrades
Deployment / Use Cases
This cable is well-suited for data center environments where high-bandwidth, low-latency connections are critical. It can be used to connect top-of-rack switches to servers or storage arrays, enabling efficient data flow in virtualized or cloud infrastructure. The breakout functionality is particularly useful in scenarios where 40GbE uplinks need to distribute bandwidth to multiple 10GbE devices, such as in hyper-converged infrastructure or network aggregation layers.
In enterprise networks, it supports backbone connections between core and distribution switches, or links high-performance computing clusters. The Dell compatibility ensures it works with a range of Dell networking equipment, providing a reliable cabling solution for organizations standardized on Dell infrastructure. Its passive nature makes it easy to deploy without configuration, reducing setup time and maintenance overhead.
Highlights
- 40GbE QSFP+ to 4x10GbE SFP+ breakout cable for high-density networking
- Passive twinaxial direct-attach copper (DAC) design with no external power required
- 16.4 ft length provides flexibility for rack-to-rack or within-rack deployments
- Dell-compatible for seamless integration with supported network devices
- Supports data transfer rates up to 40 Gbit/s for bandwidth-intensive applications
- Male QSFP+ connector on one end and four male SFP+ connectors on the other
- Lifetime limited warranty for long-term reliability and peace of mind
- Cost-effective alternative to optical transceivers for short-reach connections
Specifications
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Axiom Memory Solutions |
| Manufacturer Part Number | 332-1654-AX |
| Brand Name | Axiom |
| Product Name | 40GBASE-CR4 QSFP+ to 4 10GBASE-CU SFP+ Passive DAC Dell Compatible 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 | 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 a QSFP+ to 4 SFP+ breakout cable?
This cable allows a single 40GbE QSFP+ port to connect to four separate 10GbE SFP+ ports, enabling breakout connectivity. It is used in data centers and enterprise networks to maximize port efficiency, reduce cable clutter, and provide a cost-effective way to distribute high-speed bandwidth to multiple devices, such as servers or storage arrays.
How does a passive DAC cable differ from an active optical cable?
A passive direct-attach copper (DAC) cable, like this Axiom model, uses twinaxial copper wiring and requires no external power or active electronics for signal conditioning. It is designed for short-reach connections (typically up to 7 meters) and offers lower cost and simpler deployment compared to active optical cables (AOCs), which use fiber optics and active components for longer distances but at a higher price point.
Is this cable compatible with non-Dell network equipment?
While this cable is marketed as Dell compatible, it adheres to the 40GBASE-CR4 and 10GBASE-CU standards, which may allow interoperability with other vendors' QSFP+ and SFP+ ports that support these standards. However, compatibility should be verified with the specific network device manufacturer, as some equipment may require vendor-coded or tested cables for optimal performance.
What are the typical applications for a 16.4 ft twinaxial cable?
The 16.4 ft length is ideal for data center and server room deployments where devices are within the same rack or adjacent racks. Common applications include connecting top-of-rack switches to servers, linking storage systems to network switches, or providing high-speed interconnects in high-performance computing clusters. This length balances flexibility with the distance limitations of passive twinaxial cables.
| Qty | Price | Available |
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