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Axiom 10321-AX 40GBASE-CR4 QSFP+ to 4 10GBASE-CU SFP+ Passive DAC Twinaxial Cable - 9. 8 ft
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Product Features
Technical Overview
This direct-attach cable implements a QSFP+ connector on one end that breaks out to four individual SFP+ connectors on the opposite end. The QSFP+ interface operates at 40 Gbps aggregate bandwidth, while each SFP+ port delivers 10 Gbps connectivity. The passive design means no signal processing or retiming occurs within the cable assembly, resulting in minimal latency and power consumption.
The twinaxial construction provides excellent signal integrity for high-speed data transmission over copper media. This cable type is specifically engineered for data center environments where distances under 10 meters are required, offering a more economical alternative to active optical cables while maintaining full 40GbE performance.
Key Product Advantages
This Axiom DAC cable delivers several practical benefits for network administrators and data center operators. The breakout configuration from one QSFP+ port to four SFP+ ports enables efficient port utilization and simplifies cabling in high-density environments.
Cost-Effective 40GbE Connectivity
Passive twinaxial cables provide the most economical path to 40GbE deployment compared to active optical solutions, with no transceiver modules required at either end.
- Lower total cost of ownership
- No separate transceivers needed
- Reduced power consumption
Simplified Cable Management
The single-cable QSFP+ to quad SFP+ design reduces cable clutter compared to running four separate 10GbE cables, improving airflow and organization in rack environments.
- Fewer cables to manage
- Cleaner rack appearance
- Improved thermal management
Deployment / Use Cases
This cable is ideal for connecting top-of-rack 40GbE switches to servers with 10GbE network interface cards, creating an efficient leaf-spine architecture in modern data centers. The 9.8-foot length accommodates typical rack-to-rack or within-rack connections while maintaining signal integrity.
Common deployment scenarios include aggregating multiple 10GbE server connections into a 40GbE switch uplink, connecting 40GbE core switches to 10GbE distribution switches, or implementing high-speed interconnects between storage arrays and servers in performance-sensitive applications.
Data Center Server Connectivity
Connect modern servers with 10GbE NICs to 40GbE top-of-rack switches for high-bandwidth application workloads and storage traffic.
Network Aggregation
Consolidate multiple 10GbE links into a single 40GbE trunk connection between network switches, reducing port utilization on core networking equipment.
Highlights
- 40 Gbps aggregate bandwidth with QSFP+ to quad SFP+ breakout configuration
- 9.8-foot twinaxial copper cable for short-reach data center connections
- Passive direct-attach design requires no external power
- Compatible with routers, switches, and network devices supporting 40GBASE-CR4
- Lifetime warranty for long-term reliability assurance
- Cost-effective alternative to active optical cables for under 10-meter runs
- Simplifies cable management with single-cable QSFP+ to four SFP+ design
- Supports high-density server connectivity in rack environments
Specifications
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Axiom Memory Solutions |
| Manufacturer Part Number | 10321-AX |
| Brand Name | Axiom |
| Product Name | 40GBASE-CR4 QSFP+ to 4 10GBASE-CU SFP+ Passive DAC Extreme 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 | Router,Switch,Network Device |
| Data Transfer Rate | 40 Gbit/s |
| Features | Passive |
| Warranty | |
| Limited Warranty | Lifetime |
FAQ
What is the maximum distance this cable supports?
This 9.8-foot twinaxial cable is designed for short-reach connections typically within a single rack or between adjacent racks in data center environments. Passive direct-attach copper cables like this model are optimized for distances under 10 meters, making them ideal for top-of-rack switch to server connections where minimal latency and cost-effectiveness are priorities.
Can this cable connect a 40GbE switch to four separate 10GbE devices?
Yes, the QSFP+ to quad SFP+ configuration allows one 40GbE switch port to connect to four individual 10GbE devices simultaneously. This breakout capability enables efficient port utilization on 40GbE switches, allowing network administrators to connect multiple servers, storage arrays, or other network equipment through a single high-speed uplink port.
Does this cable require separate transceiver modules?
No, this is a direct-attach copper cable with integrated connectors, so no separate transceiver modules are required. The QSFP+ and SFP+ connectors are built directly into the cable ends, providing a complete connectivity solution that plugs directly into compatible switch and device ports. This eliminates the cost and complexity of purchasing and installing separate optical transceivers.