InfiniBand/fibre optic cable BlueOptics XQ+DA0003-BL 3 m QSFP28 Male/Male

The BlueOptics XQ+DA0003-BL 3 m is a high-speed InfiniBand/fibre optic direct attach cable with QSFP28 male connectors on both ends. Designed for short-reach links in racks and between adjacent racks, this 3-meter twinax direct attach cable supports 100GBase-CR4 signaling and is compatible with devices that accept QSFP28 interfaces. The cable provides a low-latency, low-power physical interconnect for switches, routers and storage systems in data center environments where reliable 100 Gbit/s connectivity over short distances is required.

Advantages

This QSFP28 male-to-male cable offers passive twinax construction with 26 AWG conductors and MSA-compliant QSFP28 terminations, delivering predictable electrical performance for 100G applications on short links. The passive design keeps power consumption very low and reduces points of failure compared with active modules. Built to industry component standards, the cable is intended for robust mechanical and electrical compatibility with major networking platforms that support 100GBase-CR4 or equivalent QSFP28 direct attach connections.

Suitable for

• Short-reach 100 Gbit/s links inside and between adjacent racks
• Direct QSFP28-to-QSFP28 connections between switches and routers
• High-performance server and storage interconnects supporting 100GBase-CR4 or InfiniBand
• Low-latency links in data center top-of-rack and spine-leaf architectures

Key specifications

• Connector type: QSFP28 male to QSFP28 male
• Length: 3 metres
• Data rate support: up to 100 Gbit/s (100GBase-CR4 / InfiniBand compatible)
• Cable type: passive twinax (direct attach cable)
• Conductor gauge: 26 AWG
• Compliance: MSA-compliant QSFP28 interface
• Typical power consumption: very low (passive operation)

How to use

Insert each QSFP28 connector into the corresponding QSFP28 port on the devices to be linked, ensuring the connector latch engages and the transceivers are fully seated. Verify that both devices are configured to accept passive DAC twinax connections and that their firmware supports 100GBase-CR4 or the required InfiniBand profile. After physical installation, confirm link negotiation and appropriate interface settings on each device and run basic throughput or link diagnostics to validate the connection.

Recommendations

Use this 3 m passive QSFP28 cable for short-distance links within racks or to adjacent racks. Avoid routing the cable through areas with excessive bending or mechanical stress; maintain manufacturer minimum bend radius and secure the cable to prevent strain on the connectors. For longer runs or when active signal conditioning is required, consider optical transceivers or active cables designed for longer distances.