InfiniBand/fibre optic cable BlueOptics 40G-QSFP-QSFP-C-3M-BL 3m Male/Male

The BlueOptics 40G-QSFP-QSFP-C-3M-BL is a 3-metre direct-attach twinax cable with QSFP connectors on both ends designed for short-range, high-speed connections in racks and between adjacent racks. It supports 40GBase-CR4 electrical signalling and is suitable for Ethernet, FCoE, Fibre Channel and InfiniBand applications up to 40 Gbit/s over a 3 m distance. The cable is a passive 30 AWG twinax solution that provides low latency and low power consumption for professional data centre and high-performance computing environments.

Advantages

This 3 m QSFP-to-QSFP direct-attach cable delivers predictable 40 Gbit/s throughput with minimal latency and reduced power draw compared with active optical alternatives. Constructed from high-quality components and designed to comply with MSA guidelines, it offers reliable electrical transmission for short links, compatibility with major hardware platforms that support passive 40G DACs, and long service life under normal operating conditions. The passive design eliminates active electronics in the cable, lowering failure modes and production cost while simplifying deployment.

Suitable for

• Interconnecting QSFP ports within the same rack or between adjacent racks
• 40 GbE links for switches, routers and servers in data centres
• High-performance computing clusters using InfiniBand or Fibre Channel over short distances
• Storage systems and SAN links requiring low-latency, high-bandwidth connectivity

Key specifications

• Cable type: Passive twinax (direct attach copper)
• Connector type: QSFP to QSFP (male to male)
• Length: 3 metres
• Data rate: Up to 40 Gbit/s (40GBase-CR4 compatible)
• Wire gauge: 30 AWG
• Applications supported: Ethernet, FCoE, Fibre Channel, InfiniBand

How to use

Power down or follow hot-plug instructions for your hardware platform before inserting the cable if required by the vendor. Align and fully seat the QSFP connector latches in the QSFP ports on both ends until the connector clicks into place. Verify link status via the host device LEDs or management interface and confirm negotiated speed (40G) and protocol compatibility. To remove, depress the latch and withdraw the connector straight out to avoid damaging port guides or cable ends. Handle the cable by the connector housings; avoid excessive bending near the connectors and do not kink the twinax assembly to maintain signal integrity.

Recommendations

Use this passive QSFP-to-QSFP 3 m twinax cable for short, rack-level connections where low latency, low power consumption and predictable 40G throughput are required. Confirm that the target hardware officially supports passive 40G DACs and the 40GBase-CR4 specification before deployment. For longer distances or different port types, consider active optical modules or appropriate fibre optic cabling.