StarTech. com QSFPH40GACU7 7m 40GbE QSFP+ Direct Attach Cable - Active Twinax Copper DAC for Cisco QSFP-H40G-ACU7M
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Product Features
Technical Overview
This 40GbE Direct Attach Cable utilizes twinaxial copper construction with 30 AWG conductors and PVC jacket material. The cable maintains 100-ohm impedance characteristic for signal integrity across the full 7-meter length, supporting 40 Gbit/s data transfer rates with minimal signal degradation.
Both ends feature QSFP+ Network Male connectors that comply with MSA (Multi-Source Agreement) standards for interoperability. The active circuitry embedded in the cable assembly amplifies and conditions signals, enabling longer reach than passive DAC cables while consuming less power than equivalent optical transceiver solutions.
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 DAC cable offers several advantages for network administrators seeking reliable 40GbE connectivity without the complexity and cost of fiber optics. The active design extends reach while maintaining signal quality, and the MSA compliance ensures broad compatibility beyond just Cisco equipment.
Cisco Compatibility
100% compatible with Cisco QSFP-H40G-ACU7M specification, tested with Firepower, ASR1000, ASR9000, C9300, and C3650 series switches and routers.
- Direct replacement for Cisco QSFP-H40G-ACU7M
- Won't void OEM support agreements
- Hot-swappable in Cisco equipment
Extended Compatibility
Works with MSA-compliant switches from multiple vendors including Ubiquiti, D-Link, Netgear, Supermicro, and TP-Link that accept uncoded modules.
- MSA compliance ensures interoperability
- Low power consumption design
- Accepts uncoded modules and transceivers
Lifetime Support
Backed by StarTech.com's lifetime warranty on the cable itself, with access to technical advisors for installation and troubleshooting assistance.
- Lifetime product warranty
- Technical advisor access
- Comprehensive support coverage
Deployment / Use Cases
This 40GbE Direct Attach Cable is ideal for connecting switches, routers, servers, and network devices within racks or between adjacent racks in data center environments. The 7-meter length provides flexibility for various cabinet arrangements while maintaining signal integrity.
Common deployment scenarios include spine-leaf architectures, server-to-switch connections in high-performance computing clusters, and inter-switch links in enterprise networks. The cable supports both short-reach data center interconnects and equipment room deployments where 40GbE throughput is required.
Physical Profile
The cable features a black PVC jacket that provides durability and flexibility for routing through cable management systems. With a weight of approximately 15.91 ounces (451 grams), the cable is lightweight yet robust enough for data center environments. The construction meets RoHS and WEEE environmental compliance standards.
- Weight
- 15.91 oz (451 g)
- Length
- 23 ft (7 m)
Highlights
- 100% compatible with Cisco QSFP-H40G-ACU7M specification
- 7-meter (23-foot) active twinax copper DAC cable
- 40 Gbps data transfer rate for high-speed networking
- Hot-swappable QSFP+ connectors on both ends
- Works with MSA-compliant switches from multiple vendors
- Active design extends reach while maintaining signal quality
- Lifetime warranty from StarTech.com
- RoHS and WEEE compliant for environmental responsibility
- 30 AWG wire gauge with PVC jacket construction
- Tested for OEM host compatibility without voiding support
Specifications
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | StarTech.com |
| Manufacturer Part Number | QSFPH40GACU7 |
| Brand Name | StarTech.com |
| Product Name | QSFP+ Direct Attach Cable - 7 m (23 ft.) |
| Packaged Quantity | 1 Each |
| Product Type | Network Cable |
| Technical Information | |
| Cable Type | Twinaxial |
| Cable Length | 23 ft (7 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) | 15.91 oz (451 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 primary compatibility of this QSFP+ Direct Attach Cable?
This cable is 100% compatible with Cisco QSFP-H40G-ACU7M specification and has been tested with Cisco Firepower, ASR1000, ASR9000, C9300, and C3650 series switches and routers. It serves as a direct replacement for the Cisco QSFP-H40G-ACU7M cable while maintaining compatibility with your existing OEM support agreements.
What is the difference between active and passive Direct Attach Cables?
Active DAC cables like the StarTech.com QSFPH40GACU7 contain embedded circuitry that amplifies and conditions signals, allowing for longer reach (up to 7 meters) while maintaining signal integrity. Passive DAC cables have no active components and are typically limited to shorter distances. The active design provides better performance over longer runs while consuming less power than equivalent optical solutions.
Will this cable work with non-Cisco networking equipment?
Yes, this cable works with any MSA-compliant switch that accepts uncoded QSFP+ modules. It has been verified to work with switch models from Ubiquiti, D-Link, Netgear, Supermicro, TP-Link, and other manufacturers that comply with Multi-Source Agreement standards for QSFP+ interfaces. The MSA compliance ensures broad interoperability across different vendor platforms.
What is the maximum data transfer rate supported by this cable?
This Direct Attach Cable supports 40 Gbit/s (40GbE) data transfer rates, making it suitable for high-speed network connections in data center and enterprise environments. The twinaxial copper construction with 30 AWG conductors maintains signal integrity across the full 7-meter length while delivering consistent 40 Gbps throughput with minimal latency.
Is this cable hot-swappable during operation?
Yes, the StarTech.com QSFPH40GACU7 is designed to be hot-swappable, meaning you can install or replace the cable without powering down connected networking equipment. This feature minimizes network downtime during maintenance, upgrades, or reconfigurations, allowing for seamless cable management in live production environments.
What warranty coverage does this Direct Attach Cable include?
StarTech.com provides a lifetime warranty on this QSFP+ Direct Attach Cable, covering the cable itself for its entire service life. The warranty is complemented by access to StarTech.com's technical advisors for installation guidance and troubleshooting support. Importantly, using this cable does not void your existing OEM support agreements with equipment manufacturers.
| Qty | Price | Available |
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