DAC Cable BlueOptics GXFBL5I-BL 2m QSFP28 to 4x SFP28

The BlueOptics GXFBL5I-BL is a 2 m Direct Attach Copper (DAC) cable with a QSFP28 connector on one end and four SFP28 connectors on the other. Designed for short-range, high-speed rack and adjacent-rack connections in data centers and network closets, this cable supports 100GBase-CR4 electrical transmission and splits into four 25G lanes using SFP28 interfaces. The cable is a passive twinax solution intended for hardware platforms that accept passive QSFP28-to-4xSFP28 DAC connections and adheres to industry MSA standards. It comes in a compact black jacket and weighs approximately 0.25 kg.

Advantages

The BlueOptics 2 m DAC offers a low-latency, low-power connection for short-distance high-throughput links, eliminating the need for separate transceivers and fiber where appropriate. As a passive twinax cable it consumes minimal power and provides a simple, reliable electrical connection between QSFP28 ports and multiple SFP28 ports. It is manufactured to MSA-compatible specifications and uses established component suppliers for stable performance and long service life.

Suitable for

• 100G uplinks inside racks and between neighboring racks
• Connecting QSFP28 ports to four SFP28 ports for port-splitting or breakout configurations
• Short-reach interconnects in data centers, server rooms, and network aggregation points
• Switch-to-switch, switch-to-storage, and switch-to-router connections when passive DAC is supported

Key specifications

• Connector type: QSFP28 to 4 × SFP28
• Length: 2 metres
• Supported protocol: 100GBase-CR4 / 4 × 25GBase-CR electrical lanes
• Physical medium: passive twinax copper
• Cable colour: black
• Typical use: short-range rack and adjacent-rack connections
• Approximate weight: 0.25 kg

How to use

Install the cable by inserting the QSFP28 plug into the 100G QSFP28 port and the four SFP28 plugs into the corresponding 25G SFP28 ports on the target device. Ensure both endpoints support passive DAC operation and the specific QSFP28-to-4xSFP28 breakout configuration. Handle the cable by the connectors and avoid sharp bends; maintain the minimum bend radius recommended by the hardware vendor. No external power or configuration is required for the cable itself, but verify switch or host firmware settings if port splitting or breakout modes must be enabled.

Recommendations

Use this passive DAC for short-distance connections where low latency and low power consumption are priorities. Confirm compatibility with your switch or server vendor and enable the appropriate breakout or port configuration in device firmware when required. Store and route the cable to avoid excessive bending or mechanical strain, and choose passive DAC only when the connected equipment explicitly supports passive twinax solutions.