BlueOptics InfiniBand/fibre optic breakout cable QSFP56 to 4xSFP56 1 m Black

BlueOptics P06248-B21-BL is a 1 m passive breakout direct-attach cable (DAC) with a QSFP56 male connector on one end and four SFP56 male connectors on the other. It supports 200 Gbit/s aggregated bandwidth and splits that into four 50 Gbit/s channels, making it suitable for short electrical links between ports in racks or adjacent racks in data centres and network equipment interconnects. The cable is a twinax copper assembly in black and is designed for use where the connected hardware supports passive DAC twinax connections.

Advantages

The cable provides a compact, low-latency and low-power solution for high-speed links up to 1 m, with simple passive design that reduces points of failure and keeps power consumption low. It follows MSA-compliant mechanical and electrical specifications and is produced using components from established manufacturers to ensure compatibility and a long service life.

Suitable for

• Rack-to-rack or adjacent-port connections in data centres
• Splitting a 200 Gbit/s QSFP56 link into 4×50 Gbit/s SFP56 channels
• Interconnects between switches, routers and storage systems that accept passive DACs
• Short-distance high-speed Ethernet, FCoE, Fibre Channel or InfiniBand links

When it may not be suitable

This passive twinax DAC is intended for short-range electrical connections (up to 1 m) and will not replace optical transceivers or active cables for longer distances. It requires that both endpoints officially support passive QSFP56-to-SFP56 DAC connections; it is not suitable for hardware that only accepts active modules or incompatible connector types.

Key specifications

• Cable length: 1 m
• Connector A: QSFP56 (male)
• Connector B: 4× SFP56 (male)
• Aggregate bandwidth: 200 Gbit/s (4×50 Gbit/s channels)
• Cable type: Passive twinax copper (26 AWG)
• Colour: Black
• Typical power consumption: very low (passive design)

How to use

Insert the QSFP56 end into a compatible QSFP56 port and the four SFP56 ends into the corresponding SFP56 ports on the target device. Ensure both devices support passive DAC operation and align connectors carefully to avoid damaging ports. No additional configuration is required at the cable level beyond verifying link settings and protocols on the connected devices.

What to consider before purchase

• Verify that both network devices support passive QSFP56-to-4×SFP56 DAC connections
• Confirm that 1 m passive twinax length fits your rack or port layout
• Ensure the required protocols (Ethernet, Fibre Channel, InfiniBand, etc.) and speeds are supported by the hardware
• Check physical port compatibility (QSFP56 and SFP56) on both ends

Recommendations

Use this cable for short, high-speed interconnects inside racks or between adjacent racks. Keep cable runs short and free from sharp bends; store and install according to vendor port-protection guidance to preserve connector integrity and ensure reliable 200 Gbit/s operation.