CBO DAC Cable QSFP28-DAC-2M 2m Passive Copper Direct Attach QSFP28

The CBO DAC Cable QSFP28-DAC-2M 2m Passive Copper Direct Attach QSFP28 is a 2-meter passive copper cable designed for direct attachment to QSFP28 ports. It provides a fixed electrical connection for short-reach, high-bandwidth links between compatible network devices such as switches, routers and network interface cards (NICs). As a direct-attach solution, this cable removes the need for separate optical transceivers, offering a compact physical link with predictable latency and low power use.

Advantages

This passive copper DAC delivers deterministic performance for 100GbE or other QSFP28-compatible links without active electronics in the cable assembly, simplifying deployment and reducing power draw. The integrated QSFP28 connectors and robust copper conductors ensure reliable signal integrity over the 2 m length while keeping installation straightforward. The cable’s form factor is space-efficient and suitable for dense rack environments where low-cost, short-distance connectivity is required.

Suitable for

• High-speed server-to-switch interconnects within a rack or adjacent racks
• Switch-to-switch uplinks for short-distance aggregation and leaf-spine fabrics
• Direct connections to QSFP28-capable NICs in storage and compute nodes
• Temporary test and lab setups requiring 100GbE links with minimal setup

Key specifications

• Connector type: QSFP28 to QSFP28
• Cable type: Passive copper direct-attach (DAC)
• Length: 2 meters
• Supported data rates: Designed for 100GbE and other QSFP28-compatible speeds
• Use case: Short-reach, rack-to-rack or within-rack high-bandwidth connections
• Latency: Low, fixed electrical link with no transceiver conversion

How to use

Install the cable by inserting each QSFP28 connector into the corresponding QSFP28 port until the latch engages. Ensure both ends are securely seated and that the connected devices are powered and configured for the intended link speed. No additional transceivers or fiber patching is required. For link negotiation, verify that devices are configured to accept passive DAC modules and that firmware or driver settings permit the advertised data rate.

Recommendations

Use this passive DAC for short-distance connections within racks or between adjacent racks. Avoid tight bends and maintain the manufacturer’s minimum bend radius to preserve cable integrity. Verify compatibility with host devices that support passive QSFP28 DACs and confirm link settings in device management interfaces before deployment.