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Product Features
Technical Overview
This direct attach cable utilizes twinaxial copper construction with 30 AWG wiring and a durable PVC jacket, ensuring signal integrity and physical durability in demanding environments. The QSFP+ connectors on both ends provide a secure, high-density interface that supports 40 Gbit/s data transfer rates with minimal latency.
The active circuitry embedded in the cable compensates for signal degradation over the 5-meter length, maintaining consistent performance across the entire cable run. This makes it ideal for connecting switches, routers, servers, and transceivers within racks or between adjacent equipment.
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 cable offers several distinct advantages for network administrators seeking reliable 40GbE connectivity solutions. The active design ensures stable performance over the full 5-meter length, while the copper construction provides superior cost efficiency compared to optical alternatives.
Cisco Compatibility
Tested and verified for compatibility with Cisco Firepower, ASR1000, ASR9000, C9300, and C3650 series switches and routers. This cable won't void OEM support agreements.
- 100% Cisco QSFP-H40G-ACU5M compatible
- Works with MSA compliant switches from multiple vendors
Installation Flexibility
The hot-swappable capability allows for cable replacement without disrupting network operations, while the flexible PVC jacket facilitates routing in tight spaces.
- Hot-swappable design minimizes downtime
- Flexible construction for easy installation
Deployment / Use Cases
This QSFP+ direct attach cable is ideal for connecting 40GbE ports between networking equipment in data centers, enterprise networks, and high-performance computing environments. The 5-meter length provides sufficient reach for intra-rack connections or links between adjacent racks.
Common deployment scenarios include connecting top-of-rack switches to aggregation switches, linking servers with 40GbE network interfaces to core switches, or establishing high-speed connections between routers in network backbone configurations. The cable also works with MSA-compliant switches from vendors like Ubiquiti, D-Link, Netgear, Supermicro, and TP-Link that accept uncoded modules.
Physical Profile
The cable features a black PVC jacket that provides both durability and flexibility for routing through cable management systems. With a weight of 13.05 ounces (370 grams), it's lightweight enough for easy handling during installation while robust enough to withstand the physical demands of data center environments.
- Weight
- 13.05 oz (370 g)
- Length
- 16.4 ft (5 m)
Highlights
- 5-meter (16.4 ft) 40GbE QSFP+ to QSFP+ direct attach cable
- Active twinax copper construction for reliable 40 Gbps performance
- 100% compatible with Cisco QSFP-H40G-ACU5M specifications
- Hot-swappable design for installation without network downtime
- Works with Cisco Firepower, ASR1000, ASR9000, C9300, C3650 switches
- MSA compliant for use with multiple vendor equipment
- 30 AWG copper wiring with PVC jacket for durability
- Lifetime warranty backed by StarTech.com support
Specifications
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | StarTech.com |
| Manufacturer Part Number | QSFPH40GACU5 |
| Brand Name | StarTech.com |
| Product Name | QSFP+ Direct Attach Cable - 5 m (16.4 ft.) |
| Packaged Quantity | 1 Each |
| Product Type | Network Cable |
| Technical Information | |
| Cable Type | Twinaxial |
| Cable Length | 16.4 ft (5 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,Transceiver,Router |
| 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) | 13.05 oz (370 g) |
| Miscellaneous | |
| Compatibility | Cisco Firewall, Routers and Switches: Firepower ASR1000 ASR9000 C9300 C3650 |
| 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+ cable?
This StarTech.com direct attach cable supports a maximum data transfer rate of 40 gigabits per second (40 Gbit/s). It utilizes QSFP+ connectors on both ends to deliver full 40GbE bandwidth for high-speed network connections between switches, routers, servers, and other networking equipment.
Is this cable compatible with Cisco networking equipment?
Yes, this cable is 100% compatible with Cisco QSFP-H40G-ACU5M specifications and has been tested with Cisco Firepower, ASR1000, ASR9000, C9300, and C3650 series switches and routers. The cable is designed to work seamlessly with Cisco equipment without voiding OEM support agreements.
What does 'active twinax' mean for this direct attach cable?
Active twinax refers to the cable's construction and embedded electronics. The twinaxial copper cable contains active circuitry that compensates for signal degradation over the 5-meter length, ensuring consistent 40 Gbps performance across the entire cable run. This active design provides more reliable performance than passive cables over similar distances.
Can I hot-swap this cable without powering down my equipment?
Yes, this cable features hot-swappable capability, allowing you to install, remove, or replace it without powering down connected networking equipment. This minimizes network downtime during maintenance, upgrades, or cable replacements in live production environments.
What other equipment brands will this cable work with?
Beyond Cisco compatibility, this MSA-compliant cable works with switches from multiple vendors that accept uncoded QSFP+ modules, including Ubiquiti, D-Link, Netgear, Supermicro, and TP-Link. The cable is designed to be interoperable with standard QSFP+ ports across various networking platforms.
What warranty does StarTech.com provide for this cable?
StarTech.com backs this QSFP+ direct attach cable with a lifetime warranty that covers the cable itself for its entire usable life. This warranty is complemented by access to technical advisors and support resources to ensure reliable performance in your networking environment.