BlueOptics X66211A-0.5-BL InfiniBand/fibre optic cable 0.5 m QSFP28 Male/Male

The BlueOptics X66211A-0.5-BL InfiniBand/fibre optic cable is a 0.5 m QSFP28 to QSFP28 connection designed for short-range, high-bandwidth links in racks and adjacent rack rows. It supports 100G data transmission rates and is intended for use in data centers, high-performance computing clusters and other environments that require reliable, low-latency interconnects. The cable follows standard QSFP28 electrical and mechanical specifications to ensure compatibility with hardware platforms that accept QSFP28 direct attach connections.

Advantages

This 0.5 m QSFP28 Male/Male cable provides a compact, low-latency connection with minimal power overhead compared to active transceivers. Its passive twinax construction is suited for short-distance electrical signal transmission while maintaining support for 100G Ethernet, FCoE, Fibre Channel and InfiniBand protocols where the host interfaces are compatible. The cable is built to meet multi-vendor interoperability norms and industrial standards for consistent performance and long service life in high-availability installations.

Suitable for

• Short-reach connections between switches, routers and storage in rack and adjacent rack scenarios
• High-performance computing clusters requiring InfiniBand or 100G interconnects
• Data center top-of-rack and end-of-row links that accept QSFP28 passive direct attach cables

Key specifications

• Connector type: QSFP28 male to QSFP28 male
• Length: 0.5 meter
• Supported data rates: up to 100 Gbit/s
• Cable type: passive twinax copper (30 AWG conductors)
• Protocol support: Ethernet (100GBase-CR4), FCoE, Fibre Channel, InfiniBand (where supported by host hardware)
• Compliance: MSA-compliant QSFP DAC electrical/mechanical specification; manufactured to meet CE and RoHS-related industry requirements

How to use

Install the cable by aligning each QSFP28 plug with the corresponding QSFP28 port on the devices to be connected and inserting until the latch engages. Use the cable for short-distance links within the same rack or between adjacent racks, ensuring both connected devices officially support passive QSFP28 direct attach cables and the target protocol (for example 100GBase-CR4). Avoid routing that subjects the cable to excessive bending or mechanical stress; maintain the minimum bend radius recommended by the equipment vendor. For troubleshooting, verify link status LEDs on connected devices and consult host hardware compatibility lists if the link does not come up.

Recommendations

For reliable operation, verify that your switches, routers or storage systems explicitly support passive QSFP28 DACs for 100GBase-CR4 or InfiniBand. Use 0.5 m passive twinax connections for short, low-latency runs inside racks; for longer distances consider active DAC or optical transceivers and fiber. Store and route the cable to avoid sharp bends and mechanical strain, and test sample cables in your environment if vendor compatibility is critical.