BlueOptics QSFP28 DAC 1 m cable SFP-DAC100-1M-BL, 100GBASE-CR4, QSFP28–QSFP28, Black

BlueOptics SFP-DAC100-1M-BL is a 1 m passive QSFP28 Direct Attach Cable (DAC) designed for short-distance electrical 100GBase-CR4 links. The cable uses QSFP28 male connectors on both ends and is intended for connecting equipment in racks and between adjacent racks where QSFP28 100GBase-CR4 interfaces are supported.

Advantages

The passive twinax design offers low power consumption and low latency while providing a cost-effective and easy-to-install option for short-reach 100 Gbit/s connections. The cable’s black jacket and compact construction make it suitable for dense rack environments, and production to MSA-compatible specifications ensures interoperability with common server, switch and storage platforms that support passive QSFP28 DACs.

Suitable for

• Short-distance 100G links between switches in the same rack or adjacent racks
• Server-to-switch connections in data centre top-of-rack deployments
• High-throughput links between storage systems and network equipment

When it may not be suitable

This passive QSFP28 DAC is intended for short-reach copper transmission and does not support active optical or long-distance fiber connections. It requires that both connected devices support passive 100GBase-CR4 twinax DACs; compatibility cannot be guaranteed with hardware that enforces vendor-locked optics or that requires active/optical transceivers.

Key specifications

• Cable type: Passive Direct Attach Copper (DAC)
• Length: 1 m
• Connectors: QSFP28 male to QSFP28 male
• Data rate: up to 100 Gbit/s (100GBase-CR4)
• Colour: Black
• Typical power consumption: ~0.1 W (passive cable; actual device power may vary)
• Typical weight: 0.15 kg

How to use

Install the cable by inserting each QSFP28 connector into the QSFP28 port of the devices to be connected, ensuring correct orientation and a secure latch. Verify that both devices support passive 100GBase-CR4 DACs and check the link status on connected equipment. No additional configuration is required at the cable level; any link settings are managed by the connected network devices and their firmware.

What to consider before purchase

• Confirm both endpoints support passive QSFP28 DACs and the 100GBase-CR4 electrical interface
• Verify the required cable length (1 m) is sufficient for your rack layout
• Check that vendor compatibility or firmware restrictions will not block third-party DACs

Recommendations

Use this 1 m QSFP28 DAC for short, high-bandwidth connections inside racks or between adjacent racks; keep bends gentle, avoid excessive pulling, and ensure ports are powered down if required by your equipment manual when inserting or removing passive DACs.