QSFP+ Passive Direct Attach Cable Breakout, 40Gbps, 3 Meters

Overview

The QSFP+ Passive Direct Attach Cable (DAC) breakout is a high-speed copper interconnect solution designed for 40Gbps network applications. This assembly features a QSFP+ connector on one end that transitions to four individual SFP+ connectors, allowing for efficient port fan-out from a 40Gbps QSFP+ switch port to four 10Gbps SFP+ ports.

Built with 30AWG passive copper cabling, this assembly is ideal for short-reach data center interconnects, such as top-of-rack switching and server-to-switch connections. It provides a power-efficient, low-latency alternative to active optical cables in short-distance environments where high-density port configurations are required.

Key Features

• 40Gbps to 4x10Gbps Breakout
  Enables high-bandwidth conversion for optimized switch port utilization.
• Passive Copper Design
  Requires no external power, reducing thermal output and overall power consumption.
• 30AWG Cable Gauge
  Provides a balance of flexibility and signal integrity for short-distance runs.
• MSA Compatible
  Ensures interoperability with standard Multi-Source Agreement compliant networking equipment.
• CR4 40G Support
  Designed for reliable 40GBASE-CR4 performance in Ethernet environments.
• 3 Meter Length
  Offers optimal reach for typical intra-rack and row-adjacent connectivity.

Applications

• Data Center Top-of-Rack (ToR) switching
• Server cluster interconnects
• High-density 10GbE network expansion
• Storage Area Network (SAN) connectivity

Technical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary use for this breakout cable?
It is used to split a single 40Gbps QSFP+ port into four 10Gbps SFP+ ports, typically connecting a 40G switch to four 10G-enabled servers.

Does this cable require an external power source?
No, this is a passive copper assembly and does not require active power, which helps minimize heat in dense cabinet environments.

Is this cable compatible with all switches?
It is MSA (Multi-Source Agreement) compliant, which ensures compatibility with most standard networking equipment that follows industry-standard MSA port specifications.

Can this cable be used for long-distance runs?
No, passive DAC cables are intended for short-reach applications, typically within the same or adjacent racks, due to signal attenuation over copper.

What does the 30AWG designation mean?
30AWG refers to the thickness of the copper wire inside the cable; it is optimized for high-speed signal transmission over short distances.