DAC cable CBO QSFP28-DAC-0.5M passive direct attach 0.5 m for QSFP28 ports

Passive direct attach copper (DAC) cable CBO QSFP28-DAC-0.5M is a 0.5 m twinax assembly engineered for short-reach connections between QSFP28 ports. Intended for 100G Ethernet and InfiniBand QSFP28-compatible devices, this cable supports direct server-to-switch, switch-to-switch or switch-to-router links in rack and cabinet top-of-rack deployments, offering a low-latency and power-efficient physical interconnect for data center environments.

Advantages

The passive twinax construction provides minimal signal latency and low power consumption compared with active optical alternatives for short distances. A 0.5 m length reduces excess cable slack in dense rack environments and simplifies cable management. The QSFP28 connector form factor ensures compatibility with a wide range of QSFP28 ports, while the robust, factory-terminated assembly reduces the need for field terminations and lowers deployment time.

Suitable for

• 100G Ethernet connections between servers, switches and routers
• Short-reach InfiniBand links in high-performance computing
• Top-of-rack and end-of-row cabling in data centers
• Point-to-point interconnects where low latency and low power are required

Key specifications

• Connector type: QSFP28 to QSFP28
• Cable type: passive twinax copper
• Length: 0.5 m
• Supported data rate: 100 Gbit/s
• Application: short-reach copper interconnects for data center equipment
• Physical: factory-terminated assembly for plug-and-play installation

How to use

Insert each QSFP28 connector into the corresponding QSFP28 port until the latch engages, ensuring proper port orientation. Confirm link status on connected devices and verify 100G negotiation or configured interface settings. For cable routing, keep the 0.5 m assembly free of sharp bends and avoid mechanical strain on the connectors. When disconnecting, release the connector latch before pulling to prevent damage.

Recommendations

Use this passive DAC cable for short intra-rack or adjacent-rack links where distance does not exceed the 0.5 m length. Avoid exposure to temperatures or environments beyond typical data center operating ranges, and follow vendor interoperability lists to ensure full compatibility with network equipment. For longer distances or where electrical isolation is required, consider optical transceivers and fiber cabling.