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Axiom CBL-QSFP-40GE-PASS-5M-AX 40GBASE-CR4 QSFP+ Passive DAC Cable - Force 10 Compatible - 5m (16. 4 ft)
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Product Features
Technical Overview
This DAC cable utilizes a QSFP+ connector on both ends, adhering to the QSFP+ MSA specifications for form factor and electrical interface. The 40GBASE-CR4 standard defines the use of four lanes of 10 Gb/s over copper, aggregated to deliver the full 40 Gb/s throughput. The passive construction relies on the host device's power for signal conditioning, making it an energy-efficient choice compared to active optical cables or transceivers.
With a length of 5 meters (16.4 feet), this cable is ideal for top-of-rack deployments, connecting adjacent racks, or linking devices within the same cabinet. It eliminates the need for separate transceivers and fiber patch cables, reducing both cost and complexity in 40GbE network setups.
Key Product Advantages
This cable delivers several practical benefits for network administrators and IT teams focused on performance, reliability, and cost management in 40GbE infrastructures.
Cost-Effective 40GbE Connectivity
As a passive DAC solution, this cable provides a lower total cost of ownership compared to active optical cables or separate transceivers with fiber. It reduces the number of components needed for a link, minimizing both initial purchase price and ongoing maintenance.
- No separate transceivers required
- Lower power consumption than active cables
- Reduced component inventory
Simplified Deployment and Management
The plug-and-play nature of DAC cables streamlines installation. There are no optics to configure, no wavelength matching concerns, and no software licensing for management interfaces. This simplicity accelerates deployment times and reduces training overhead for technical staff.
- Direct connection between QSFP+ ports
- No configuration or tuning needed
- Hot-pluggable for easy maintenance
Reliable Short-Reach Performance
Engineered for distances up to 5 meters, this cable offers a robust, low-latency link with excellent signal integrity. Copper DAC cables are less susceptible to physical damage from bending compared to fiber in tight spaces, and they provide consistent performance in controlled data center environments.
- Low latency for high-performance computing
- Durable construction for rack environments
- Stable signal over specified distance
Deployment / Use Cases
The Axiom 40GBASE-CR4 Passive DAC cable is tailored for specific scenarios within modern data centers and enterprise networks where high-speed, short-reach connections are paramount.
A primary use case is within hyper-converged infrastructure or storage area networks (SANs), where 40GbE links are used to connect servers to storage arrays or between compute nodes. The cable's 5m length is well-suited for these intra-rack or adjacent-rack connections, ensuring minimal latency for data-intensive operations like virtualization, database transactions, or real-time analytics.
Top-of-Rack Switching
Connect leaf switches to spine switches or servers within the same rack using 40GbE uplinks. The passive DAC provides a reliable, high-bandwidth backbone for East-West traffic in leaf-spine architectures, common in software-defined networking (SDN) and cloud environments.
High-Performance Computing Clusters
Link nodes in a compute cluster where low latency and high throughput are critical for parallel processing tasks. The cable's 40 Gb/s bandwidth supports the rapid exchange of data between servers running scientific simulations, financial modeling, or machine learning workloads.
Highlights
- 40 Gbit/s data transfer rate for high-bandwidth applications
- QSFP+ connector type for standard 40GbE port compatibility
- Passive Direct Attach Copper (DAC) cable design
- 5 meter length (16.4 feet) for short-reach connections
- Explicit compatibility with Force 10 networking equipment
- Plug-and-play installation with no external power required
- Cost-effective alternative to active optical cables
- Hot-pluggable for easy maintenance and upgrades
Specifications
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Axiom Memory Solutions |
| Manufacturer Part Number | CBL-QSFP-40GE-PASS-5M-AX |
| Brand Name | Axiom |
| Product Model | CBL-QSFP-40GE-PASS-5M |
| Product Name | 40GBASE-CR4 QSFP+ Passive DAC Cable Force 10 Compatible 5m |
| Product Type | Network Cable |
| Technical Information | |
| Cable Length | 16.4 ft |
| Connector Type on First End | QSFP+ Network |
| Connector on First End Details | QSFP+ Network |
| Device Supported | Network Device |
| Data Transfer Rate | 40 Gbit/s |
| Features | Passive |
FAQ
What is the maximum distance this DAC cable supports?
This Axiom passive DAC cable has a specified length of 5 meters (16.4 feet). It is designed for short-reach connections within data centers, such as within a rack or between adjacent racks. For distances beyond 5 meters, active optical cables or transceivers with fiber would be required, as passive DAC cables are typically limited to about 7 meters depending on the standard and signal integrity.
Is this cable compatible with non-Force 10 switches?
While this cable is marketed as Force 10 compatible, QSFP+ DAC cables often work with other vendors' equipment that adhere to the QSFP+ MSA and 40GBASE-CR4 standards. However, compatibility can vary by manufacturer and switch model due to firmware or electrical differences. It is recommended to verify compatibility with your specific switch's documentation or vendor support before deployment to ensure reliable operation.
What does 'passive' mean for a DAC cable?
A passive DAC cable has no active electronics or signal conditioning within the cable assembly. It relies solely on the host device's QSFP+ port to drive the electrical signals over the copper wires. This makes passive DAC cables simpler, more power-efficient, and generally less expensive than active DAC cables, which include circuitry to boost or retime signals. Passive cables are ideal for shorter distances where signal attenuation is minimal, typically up to 5-7 meters for 40GbE.
Can this cable be used for 10GbE connections?
No, this cable is specifically designed for 40GbE connections using the 40GBASE-CR4 standard. It will not operate at 10GbE speeds. For 10GbE connections, you would need a cable built to the 10GBASE-CR or SFP+ DAC standards. Using this 40GbE cable in a 10GbE port is not supported and will not establish a link, as the electrical signaling and lane configuration are different between the two standards.
| Qty | Price | Available |
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