BlueOptics JL273A-BL InfiniBand Fibre Optic Cable 5m QSFP28 Male

The BlueOptics JL273A-BL InfiniBand Fibre Optic Cable 5m QSFP28 Male is a 5-metre direct attach cable designed for short-reach, high-speed connections in data centres and network racks. Fitted with QSFP28 male connectors on both ends, it supports 100G data rates and is suitable for use with switches, routers and storage systems that accept QSFP28 interfaces. The cable implements a passive twinax/direct attach approach intended for low-latency electrical connections over a 5 metre span while maintaining mechanical compatibility with QSFP28 ports.

Advantages

This cable provides a straightforward, low-power solution for linking rack-mounted hardware where short-distance, high-throughput connections are required. Being MSA-compliant and manufactured using established component sources, it is built to match QSFP28 mechanical and electrical form factors for interoperability. The passive design minimizes power draw and latency compared with active optical transceivers for equivalent short-reach links.

Suitable for

• Connecting QSFP28 ports between switches in the same rack
• Short links between adjacent racks and top-of-rack aggregation
• Direct connections to storage systems and routers that support QSFP28
• 100G Ethernet, FCoE and InfiniBand applications over short distances

Key specifications

• Connector type: QSFP28 male to QSFP28 male
• Cable length: 5 metres
• Maximum data rate: 100 Gbit/s per link
• Cable type: passive direct attach / twinax suitable for short-reach electrical transmission
• Wire gauge (where applicable): 26 AWG for twinax sections
• Form factor compliance: QSFP28 MSA-compatible

How to use

Insert each QSFP28 connector into the corresponding QSFP28 port until the latch engages. Verify that connected devices are powered and configured to use a passive DAC link for the intended protocol (for example 100G Ethernet or InfiniBand). Check link status indicators on both ends to confirm successful negotiation and data transmission. For initial deployment or replacement, perform a short validation by transferring test traffic or using switch diagnostic tools to confirm expected throughput and error rates.

Recommendations

Use the cable for short-distance, high-bandwidth interconnects within racks or between adjacent racks; avoid installing this passive direct attach cable in runs exceeding the specified 5 m length and keep bend radius within manufacturer guidelines to prevent signal degradation. Ensure the host hardware and firmware explicitly support passive QSFP28 DACs before production deployment.