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Product Features
Technical Overview
This direct attach cable operates at a data transfer rate of 40 Gbit/s, utilizing a passive twinaxial design that ensures stable signal integrity over its 0.5-meter length. The cable features 30 AWG copper conductors with 100-ohm impedance and a durable PVC jacket that provides both flexibility and protection in demanding environments.
The QSFP+ connectors on both ends are hot-swappable, allowing for installation and replacement without powering down connected equipment. This feature minimizes downtime during maintenance or reconfiguration while maintaining continuous network availability.
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 QSFP+ direct attach cable offers several advantages for network deployments where reliability, cost-effectiveness, and compatibility are paramount. The factory-terminated construction ensures consistent performance with minimal signal loss, while the passive design reduces power consumption compared to active optical alternatives.
MSA Compliance Assurance
The cable is designed to work with MSA compliant switches from various manufacturers including Ubiquiti, D-Link, Netgear, Supermicro, and TP-Link that accept uncoded modules and transceivers.
- Broad compatibility
- No coding restrictions
- Tested with major brands
Durability and Reliability
With a copper twinaxial core and PVC jacket, this cable withstands the physical demands of data center environments while maintaining electrical performance.
- Factory termination
- Stable impedance
- Durable construction
Deployment / Use Cases
This 40GbE QSFP+ direct attach cable is ideal for connecting network switches to servers, storage arrays, or other networking equipment within the same rack or adjacent racks. The 0.5-meter length makes it perfect for high-density data center environments where space optimization is critical.
Common deployment scenarios include leaf-spine network architectures, top-of-rack switching configurations, and storage area network connections. The cable's passive design and low power consumption make it particularly suitable for energy-efficient data center designs where reducing overall power usage is a priority.
Physical Profile
The cable features a black PVC jacket that provides both aesthetic consistency in rack environments and practical durability. With an approximate weight of 3.53 ounces (100 grams), the cable is lightweight yet robust enough for repeated handling during installation and maintenance cycles.
The physical profile is practical for deployment planning because the dimensions and weight are clearly defined: 3.53 oz (100 g). This helps confirm rack, shelf, desk, or cabinet fit before installation.
- Weight
- 3.53 oz (100 g)
- Length
- 1.6 ft (0.50 m)
Highlights
- 0.5-meter 40GbE QSFP+ Direct Attach Cable for high-speed data center connections
- MSA compliant design works with switches accepting uncoded transceivers
- Passive twinaxial copper construction with 30 AWG conductors
- Hot-swappable QSFP+ connectors enable maintenance without downtime
- Compatible with network devices, servers, and switches from major manufacturers
- Black PVC jacket provides durability and consistent rack aesthetics
- RoHS and WEEE compliant for environmental responsibility
- Lifetime warranty from StarTech.com for cable reliability assurance
Specifications
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | StarTech.com |
| Manufacturer Part Number | QSFP40GPC05M |
| Brand Name | StarTech.com |
| Product Name | QSFP+ Direct Attach Cable - MSA Compliant - 0.5 m (1.6 ft.) |
| Packaged Quantity | 1 Each |
| Product Type | Network Cable |
| Technical Information | |
| Cable Type | Twinaxial |
| Cable Length | 1.6 ft (0.50 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 |
| American Wire Gauge | 30 AWG |
| Data Transfer Rate | 40 Gbit/s |
| Features | Passive,Hot-swappable |
| Physical Characteristics | |
| Color Family | Black |
| Product Color | Black |
| Product Material | Copper |
| Jacket Material | Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) |
| Weight (Approximate) | 3.53 oz (100 g) |
| Miscellaneous | |
| Environmentally Friendly | Yes |
| Environmental Compliance | Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS),Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive (WEEE) |
| Country of Origin | Taiwan |
| Warranty | |
| Limited Warranty | Lifetime |
User Manual
FAQ
What is the maximum data transfer rate of this QSFP+ direct attach cable?
This cable supports a maximum data transfer rate of 40 gigabits per second (40 Gbps), making it suitable for high-speed network connections in data center and enterprise environments. The 40GbE capability ensures sufficient bandwidth for demanding applications while maintaining signal integrity over the 0.5-meter cable length.
Is this cable compatible with my existing network switches?
The cable is designed to work with MSA compliant switches that accept uncoded transceivers. It has been tested and verified to work with switch models from Ubiquiti, D-Link, Netgear, Supermicro, TP-Link, and other manufacturers that follow MSA specifications for uncoded module compatibility.
What does 'passive' mean for a direct attach cable?
A passive direct attach cable contains no active electronic components for signal amplification or retiming. This design results in lower power consumption, reduced heat generation, and typically lower cost compared to active cables. The passive construction relies on the quality of the copper conductors and proper impedance matching to maintain signal integrity over short distances.
Can I hot-swap this cable while equipment is powered on?
Yes, the QSFP+ connectors are hot-swappable, allowing you to install, remove, or replace the cable without powering down the connected network equipment. This feature minimizes network downtime during maintenance, reconfiguration, or cable replacement operations in live environments.
What is the advantage of using a DAC instead of fiber optic cabling?
Direct Attach Copper cables offer several advantages over fiber optic solutions for short-distance connections: lower cost per connection, reduced power consumption, simpler installation without specialized termination equipment, and comparable performance for distances under a few meters. They are particularly cost-effective for intra-rack and inter-rack connections in data centers.
What warranty coverage does this cable include?
StarTech.com provides a lifetime warranty for this direct attach cable, covering the cable itself for its functional lifetime. This warranty is specific to the cable and does not affect OEM support for your connected equipment. The warranty is backed by technical support access to StarTech.com's advisory team.