StarTech. com QSFP40GPC1M MSA Uncoded Compatible 40G QSFP+ to QSFP+ Direct Attach Cable - 1m Passive Copper DAC - 40 GbE Low Power
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Product Features
Technical Overview
This direct attach cable delivers 40 Gbps data transfer rates over a 1-meter length, utilizing twinaxial copper construction with 30 AWG wire gauge and 100-ohm impedance for stable signal integrity. The QSFP+ connectors are male-type, ensuring secure physical connections with standard QSFP+ ports on networking equipment.
The cable is fully compliant with MSA standards for uncoded transceivers, meaning it does not require vendor-specific coding to operate with compliant hardware. This broad compatibility reduces integration challenges and simplifies inventory management in mixed-vendor environments.
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 offers several advantages over traditional fiber cabling, including lower cost, reduced latency, and easier installation due to its factory-terminated connectors. The passive copper construction eliminates the need for external power, making it an energy-efficient choice for high-density deployments.
Cost-Effective Performance
Provides 40GbE speeds at a fraction of the cost of equivalent fiber optic solutions, with no compromise on reliability or performance.
- Lower upfront investment
- Reduced maintenance overhead
- Factory-terminated for consistency
Broad Compatibility
Works with MSA-compliant switches from multiple vendors, ensuring flexibility in heterogeneous network environments.
- Uncoded design for wide adoption
- Hot-swappable for easy upgrades
- Supports servers, switches, and transceivers
Deployment / Use Cases
Ideal for connecting top-of-rack switches to servers or storage arrays within the same rack, this DAC minimizes cable clutter and simplifies cable management in data centers. Its 1-meter length is optimal for short-reach applications where fiber optic cables would be unnecessarily expensive or complex.
Common use cases include linking 40GbE switches in high-performance computing clusters, connecting blade servers to aggregation switches, and providing backbone links between network devices in enterprise server rooms. The cable's black PVC jacket and lightweight design make it easy to route and secure in standard cable trays.
Physical Profile
The cable features a durable black PVC jacket that resists abrasion and environmental wear, with a compact twinaxial design that maintains flexibility for tight bends. Weighing just 130 grams, it adds minimal load to cable management systems while providing robust mechanical protection for the copper conductors.
- Weight
- 4.59 oz (130 g)
- Length
- 3.3 ft (1 m)
Highlights
- 40GbE direct attach cable with QSFP+ connectors on both ends
- 1-meter passive copper twinax design for cost-effective rack connections
- MSA uncoded compatibility works with switches from Ubiquiti, D-Link, Netgear, and more
- Hot-swappable support for maintenance without network downtime
- 30 AWG wire gauge with 100-ohm impedance for reliable signal integrity
- Black PVC jacket for durability and easy identification in cable management
- RoHS, WEEE, and REACH compliant for environmental safety
- Lifetime warranty backed by StarTech.com technical support
Specifications
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | StarTech.com |
| Manufacturer Part Number | QSFP40GPC1M |
| Brand Name | StarTech.com |
| Product Name | QSFP+ Direct Attach Cable - MSA Compliant - 1 m (3.3 ft.) |
| Packaged Quantity | 1 Each |
| Product Type | Network Cable |
| Technical Information | |
| Cable Type | Twinaxial |
| Cable Length | 3.3 ft (1 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 |
| 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) | 4.59 oz (130 g) |
| Miscellaneous | |
| 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 is the maximum data transfer rate of this direct attach cable?
This cable supports a data transfer rate of 40 Gbps (40 gigabits per second), making it suitable for high-speed networking applications such as data center interconnects, server-to-switch links, and storage area networks that require full 40GbE throughput.
Is this cable compatible with my existing network switches?
Yes, the cable is designed with MSA uncoded compatibility, meaning it works with a wide range of MSA-compliant switches that accept uncoded transceivers. This includes models from manufacturers like Ubiquiti, D-Link, Netgear, Supermicro, and TP-Link, providing flexibility in mixed-vendor environments.
What does 'passive' mean for this direct attach cable?
Passive indicates that the cable does not contain active electronic components for signal amplification or retiming. It relies on the copper twinax construction to transmit signals over short distances (up to 1 meter), resulting in lower power consumption, reduced heat generation, and simpler deployment compared to active cables.
Can I hot-swap this cable without shutting down my network equipment?
Yes, the cable supports hot-swappable operation, allowing you to connect or disconnect it while the networking equipment is powered on. This feature enables maintenance, upgrades, or replacements without causing network downtime, which is crucial for high-availability environments.
What is the cable length and type?
The cable is 1 meter (3.3 feet) long and uses twinaxial copper construction with a black PVC jacket. This length is ideal for short-reach connections within server racks or between adjacent racks, providing a balance of flexibility and performance for data center deployments.
Does this cable come with a warranty?
Yes, StarTech.com provides a lifetime warranty for this direct attach cable, covering the cable itself for its usable life. This warranty ensures long-term reliability and is backed by access to technical advisors for support, without voiding OEM support for your connected equipment.