BlueOptics InfiniBand/fibre optic cable 5 m QSFP28 4xSFP28 Black

The BlueOptics InfiniBand/fibre optic cable 5 m QSFP28 4xSFP28 Black is a 5-metre high-speed direct attach cable with a QSFP28 plug on one end and four SFP28 plugs on the other. Designed for short-reach connections in racks and adjacent racks, this passive twinax copper solution supports aggregate link speeds up to 100 Gbit/s and is suitable for Ethernet, Fibre Channel, FCoE and InfiniBand protocols where the connected hardware supports passive DAC links. The cable uses 26 AWG conductors and follows MSA-compatible mechanical and electrical specifications to ensure interoperability with major networking platforms.

Advantages

This QSFP28 to 4xSFP28 cable provides a compact and reliable way to break out a 100G QSFP28 port into four independent 25G SFP28 ports without active transceivers. The passive twinax construction yields low latency and low power consumption compared with active optical transceivers. MSA-compliant dimensions and pinout improve compatibility with switches, routers and storage systems that accept passive DACs. The 5 m length is suited to common rack and neighbouring-rack layouts and the durable cable assembly is intended for long service life in data centre environments.

Suitable for

• Breaking out a 100G QSFP28 port into 4x25G SFP28 ports in top-of-rack and aggregation setups
• Short-distance connections inside racks or between adjacent racks
• High-throughput links for Ethernet, FCoE, Fibre Channel or InfiniBand where passive DACs are supported
• Interconnecting switches, routers and storage arrays that accept QSFP28 and SFP28 passive interfaces

Key specifications

• Cable type: passive twinax (Direct Attach Cable)
• Connector A: QSFP28 (male)
• Connector B: 4 × SFP28 (male)
• Length: 5 metres
• Aggregate data rate: up to 100 Gbit/s (4×25G lanes)
• Wire gauge: 26 AWG
• Standards: MSA-compliant form factor and electrical signalling for QSFP28/SFP28 passive links

How to use

Before installation, verify that both ends of the link support passive DAC operation and the intended protocol (Ethernet, FCoE, Fibre Channel or InfiniBand). Power down or follow hot-plug guidance of your devices, align the QSFP28 plug with the QSFP28 socket and insert until it seats securely, then connect the four SFP28 plugs to the corresponding SFP28 ports. Apply gentle strain relief and route the cable to avoid sharp bends; maintain the manufacturer’s recommended bend radius. After connecting, check link status on the devices and confirm negotiated speeds and lane mapping in the switch/router interfaces.

Recommendations

Use this passive 5 m QSFP28 to 4xSFP28 cable for short, high-density connections where low latency and low power are priorities. Confirm hardware compatibility with passive DACs in advance and avoid exceeding the recommended bend radius or exposing the assembly to mechanical stress to preserve long-term performance.