Cisco QSFP-H40G-CU3M 3m QSFP+ to QSFP+ Direct Attach Cable - 40GbE Passive Twinax Copper DAC for Switches
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Product Features
Technical Overview
This direct attach cable implements the QSFP+ form factor with twinaxial copper construction, supporting 40 Gbit/s data transfer rates across its 3-meter length. The cable utilizes 30 AWG copper conductors within a durable PVC jacket, providing flexibility and durability for data center cable management while maintaining electrical performance standards.
The passive design requires no external power, drawing minimal power from the host switch ports. Both ends feature identical QSFP+ male connectors with precise mechanical alignment for secure connections. The cable supports hot-swapping in compatible switches, allowing for maintenance and configuration changes without network downtime.
This section brings together practical product details such as Cable Type, Cable Length, Connector Type on First End, Color Family, so buyers can judge configuration, deployment fit, and day-to-day suitability with less guesswork.
Key Product Advantages
This direct attach cable delivers several advantages for 40GbE network deployments, starting with guaranteed compatibility with Cisco switching platforms. The cable is tested and validated to work seamlessly with Cisco C9300, C9200, C9400, C9500, and C9600 series switches, ensuring reliable performance in Cisco environments.
Verified Cisco Compatibility
Specifically engineered to match the electrical and mechanical specifications of genuine Cisco QSFP-H40G-CU3M cables, providing reliable interoperability without voiding OEM support agreements.
- Tested with Cisco switch firmware
- Maintains OEM warranty coverage
- Plug-and-play installation
Extended Switch Compatibility
Beyond Cisco platforms, this cable works with MSA-compliant switches from Ubiquiti, D-Link, Netgear, Supermicro, and TP-Link that accept uncoded QSFP+ modules.
- MSA compliance ensures broad compatibility
- Low-power design for energy efficiency
- No coding required for basic switches
Deployment / Use Cases
This 40GbE direct attach cable is ideal for connecting switches within racks or between adjacent racks in data center environments. The 3-meter length provides sufficient reach for top-of-rack switching configurations while maintaining signal integrity through passive copper construction.
Common deployment scenarios include spine-leaf architecture connections, high-performance computing clusters, storage area network interconnects, and enterprise core switching. The cable supports both switch-to-switch and switch-to-server connections, providing flexible 40GbE connectivity for network devices, servers, routers, and transceivers.
Data Center Interconnects
Connect switches within the same rack or between adjacent racks for 40GbE spine-leaf architectures, providing high-bandwidth backplane connectivity with minimal latency.
- Rack-to-rack connections
- Switch stacking
- Server-to-switch links
High-Density Switching
Deploy in Cisco Catalyst 9000 series switches to create 40GbE uplinks and inter-switch links, maximizing port utilization with reliable copper connectivity.
- C9300/C9200 series compatibility
- High-density port configurations
- Hot-swappable for maintenance
Physical Profile
The cable features a black PVC jacket that provides durability and flexibility for data center cable management. With a weight of approximately 9.21 ounces (261 grams), the cable is lightweight yet robust enough for repeated installation and removal cycles. The 3-meter length offers practical reach for most rack-based deployments while maintaining optimal signal performance for 40GbE transmission over copper.
- Weight
- 9.21 oz (261 g)
- Length
- 9.8 ft (3 m)
Highlights
- 100% compatible with Cisco QSFP-H40G-CU3M specification
- 3-meter (9.8-foot) passive twinax copper construction
- 40 Gbps data transfer rate with QSFP+ connectors
- Hot-swappable design for maintenance without downtime
- Works with Cisco C9300, C9200, C9400, C9500, C9600 switches
- MSA compliant for broader switch compatibility
- 30 AWG copper conductors with PVC jacket
- Lifetime warranty from StarTech.com
- RoHS, WEEE, and REACH environmental compliance
- Made in Taiwan with quality manufacturing standards
Specifications
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | StarTech.com |
| Manufacturer Part Number | QSFPH40GCU3M |
| Brand Name | StarTech.com |
| Product Name | Cisco QSFP-H40G-CU3M Compatible - QSFP+ Direct Attach Cable - 3 m (9.8 ft.) |
| Packaged Quantity | 1 Each |
| Product Type | Network Cable |
| Technical Information | |
| Cable Type | Twinaxial |
| Cable Length | 9.8 ft (3 m) |
| Connector Type on First End | QSFP+ Network - Male |
| Connector Gender on First End | Male |
| Connector on First End Details | 1 x QSFP+ Network - Male |
| Connector Type on Second End | QSFP+ Network - Male |
| Connector Gender on Second End | Male |
| Connector on Second End Details | 1 x QSFP+ Network - Male |
| Device Supported | Network Device,Server,Switch,Router,Transceiver |
| American Wire Gauge | 30 AWG |
| Data Transfer Rate | 40 Gbit/s |
| Features | Active,Hot-swappable |
| Physical Characteristics | |
| Color Family | Black |
| Product Color | Black |
| Product Material | Copper |
| Jacket Material | Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) |
| Weight (Approximate) | 9.21 oz (261 g) |
| Miscellaneous | |
| Compatibility | Cisco Switches: C9300 C9200 C9400 C9500 C9600 |
| Environmentally Friendly | Yes |
| Environmental Compliance | Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS),Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive (WEEE),Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) |
| Country of Origin | Taiwan |
| Warranty | |
| Limited Warranty | Lifetime |
User Manual
FAQ
What switches is this QSFP+ direct attach cable compatible with?
This cable is specifically tested and validated for compatibility with Cisco Catalyst 9000 series switches including C9300, C9200, C9400, C9500, and C9600 models. It also works with MSA-compliant switches from other manufacturers like Ubiquiti, D-Link, Netgear, Supermicro, and TP-Link that accept uncoded QSFP+ modules, providing broad deployment flexibility across different network environments.
What is the maximum data transfer rate of this direct attach cable?
This QSFP+ direct attach cable supports a maximum data transfer rate of 40 gigabits per second (40 Gbps). It utilizes the QSFP+ interface standard to deliver full 40GbE bandwidth across its 3-meter length, making it suitable for high-performance network connections between switches, servers, and storage systems in data center and enterprise environments.
How long is this QSFP+ to QSFP+ cable and what type of construction does it use?
The cable measures 3 meters (9.8 feet) in length and uses passive twinax copper construction. This means it employs twinaxial copper conductors without active signal amplification components, providing reliable 40GbE connectivity over short distances with minimal power consumption. The passive design ensures compatibility with standard QSFP+ ports while maintaining signal integrity through proper impedance matching.
Is this direct attach cable hot-swappable?
Yes, this QSFP+ direct attach cable supports hot-swappable operation in compatible switches. This allows you to install, remove, or replace the cable while the network equipment remains powered on and operational, minimizing downtime during maintenance, upgrades, or configuration changes. The hot-swap capability is particularly valuable in data center environments where continuous operation is critical.
What warranty coverage does this network cable include?
This direct attach cable comes with a lifetime warranty from StarTech.com that covers the cable itself for its entire service life. The warranty applies specifically to the cable's materials and workmanship, not to the equipment it connects to. This long-term coverage provides assurance of product quality and reliability for your network infrastructure investments.
What environmental standards does this cable comply with?
This cable meets multiple environmental compliance standards including RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances), WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive), and REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals). These certifications ensure the product is manufactured with environmentally responsible materials and processes, making it suitable for deployment in organizations with green IT initiatives and compliance requirements.
| Qty | Price | Available |
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