Shipping included*
Exclusions
Additional shipping fees may apply in rare circumstances for deliveries outside standard service areas. In most cases, this only potentially affects shipments to the Northwest Territories and Yukon, as well as certain heavy or oversized items.
Axiom 470-AAFD-AX 40GBASE-CR4 QSFP+ to 4 SFP+ Passive DAC Twinaxial Cable - 5m (16. 4 ft) Dell Compatible
Business volume discounts
Technical guidance
Preparation & staging
QC · ON · AB · BC
Product Features
Technical Overview
This DAC cable implements the 40GBASE-CR4 standard, using twinaxial copper construction to deliver reliable 40 Gbps throughput. The QSFP+ connector on one end interfaces with 40GbE switch ports, while the four SFP+ connectors on the opposite end connect to 10GbE devices such as servers, storage arrays, or additional switches.
Passive electrical signaling ensures plug-and-play operation without configuration or management overhead. The cable is engineered for minimal signal attenuation and crosstalk, supporting error-free data transmission up to its specified length.
Key Product Advantages
This breakout cable simplifies network architecture by eliminating the need for separate transceivers and fiber patches. It reduces cost, power consumption, and points of failure compared to active optical or transceiver-based solutions.
High-Density Connectivity
Enables one 40GbE port to support four 10GbE connections, maximizing port utilization in constrained spaces.
- Consolidates cabling
- Reduces switch port requirements
Dell Compatibility
Tested and validated for use with Dell networking equipment, ensuring reliable performance in Dell-centric environments.
- Guaranteed interoperability
- No compatibility concerns
Passive Reliability
No active components mean no power draw, lower heat output, and inherent durability for continuous operation.
- Zero configuration
- Long-term stability
Deployment / Use Cases
Ideal for data center top-of-rack switching, where 40GbE uplinks connect to servers with 10GbE interfaces. It is also suitable for network aggregation layers, storage area networks (SANs), and high-performance computing clusters requiring cost-effective, high-bandwidth interconnects.
Common scenarios include linking a 40GbE core switch to multiple 10GbE access switches, connecting converged infrastructure platforms, or enabling spine-leaf architectures without expensive optical transceivers.
Data Center Rack Connectivity
Connect a 40GbE switch to four 10GbE servers within the same rack, minimizing cable clutter and simplifying management.
Network Aggregation
Use as a breakout cable to aggregate multiple 10GbE links into a single 40GbE uplink, optimizing bandwidth utilization.
Highlights
- 40GBASE-CR4 QSFP+ to 4 10GBASE-CU SFP+ passive DAC cable
- 5-meter (16.4-foot) twinaxial construction for reliable short-reach connectivity
- Breakout configuration supports one 40GbE port to four 10GbE devices
- Passive design requires no external power or configuration
- Dell compatible for seamless integration with Dell networking equipment
- Lifetime warranty for long-term peace of mind
- Ideal for high-density data center and rack deployments
- Reduces cost and complexity compared to optical transceivers
Specifications
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Axiom Memory Solutions |
| Manufacturer Part Number | 470-AAFD-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 |
| 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 40GbE QSFP+ port on a switch to four separate 10GbE SFP+ ports on devices like servers or storage arrays. It effectively breaks out the 40 Gbps bandwidth into four 10 Gbps channels, optimizing port usage and reducing the need for additional switches or transceivers in high-density environments.
Is this an active or passive direct attach cable?
This is a passive direct attach copper (DAC) cable. It uses passive electrical signaling without any active components, meaning it does not require external power, generate heat, or need configuration. Passive DAC cables are plug-and-play, offering a simple, reliable solution for short-distance connections up to their specified length.
What devices is this cable compatible with?
The cable is designed for network devices and is specifically noted as Dell compatible, ensuring it works with Dell networking equipment. It supports standard 40GBASE-CR4 (QSFP+) and 10GBASE-CU (SFP+) interfaces, making it suitable for a wide range of switches, routers, and servers that use these connector types, though always verify compatibility with your specific hardware.
What is the maximum length supported by this cable?
This cable is 5 meters (16.4 feet) long, which is typical for passive twinaxial DAC cables. Passive cables are generally limited to shorter distances (usually up to 7 meters) due to signal attenuation over copper. For longer reaches, active optical cables (AOCs) or fiber transceivers would be required.