StarTech.com QSFP4SFPPC3M 3M 40Gbps Passive Twinax QSFP+ to 4x SFP+ DAC
The StarTech.com QSFP4SFPPC3M is a 3-meter MSA-compliant passive Twinax direct-attach cable, engineered to bridge 40Gbps QSFP+ network equipment with four 10Gbps SFP+ compatible servers or routers, ensuring high-speed, cost-effective data transfer within your infrastructure.
- 40Gbps Breakout Connectivity: Enables a single 40G QSFP+ port to connect to four 10G SFP+ ports, optimizing port utilization and simplifying high-density network cabling.
- 3-Meter Passive Twinax Design: Provides a reliable, low-power, and cost-effective solution for short-distance, intra-rack or adjacent-rack server and switch interconnects.
- MSA Compliant Interoperability: Guarantees compatibility with a broad range of 40G QSFP+ and 10G SFP+ network equipment, reducing vendor lock-in and procurement complexities.
- Hot-Pluggable Functionality: Allows for seamless upgrades and replacements without requiring network shutdowns, minimizing operational disruptions and maintaining uptime.
Product Overview
Product Overview
The StarTech.com QSFP4SFPPC3M is a 3-meter passive Twinax direct-attach cable, specifically designed to provide 40Gbps connectivity from a single QSFP+ port to four distinct 10Gbps SFP+ ports. This breakout cable facilitates high-density server and switch connections within data center racks, ensuring efficient data flow.
Engineered for MSA compliance, this cable guarantees broad interoperability with various networking hardware, reducing compatibility issues and simplifying infrastructure planning. Its hot-pluggable design supports frictionless upgrades and maintenance, minimizing network downtime and protecting operational continuity.
- High-Speed Data Transfer: Delivers 40Gbps data rates, ensuring rapid and efficient communication between network devices and servers to support demanding applications.
- Breakout Configuration: Connects one 40Gbps QSFP+ port to four 10Gbps SFP+ ports, maximizing existing network hardware utilization and reducing the need for additional switch ports.
- Passive Twinax Design: Offers a low-power, cost-effective, and reliable cabling solution for short-distance interconnects, reducing energy consumption and operational expenses.
- MSA Compliant: Ensures universal compatibility with industry-standard QSFP+ and SFP+ transceivers and equipment, providing procurement flexibility and protecting your hardware investments.
- Operational Value: Backed by a lifetime warranty, this cable provides long-term reliability and reduces total cost of ownership, ensuring sustained network performance without frequent replacements.
This StarTech.com DAC is an essential component for businesses requiring high-performance, reliable, and cost-effective network interconnects within their data center or server room infrastructure.
Technical Specifications
1Performance & Business Impact
2Connectivity & I/O
3Physical & Environmental
4Lifecycle, Warranty & Compliance
Full Specifications
Features10
Weight & dimensions1
Certificates2
Packaging content1
Operational conditions1
Packaging data1
Logistics data1
Downloads1
What This Solves
High-Density Server Interconnects
In data center racks, connecting multiple 10Gbps servers to a single 40Gbps switch port can be complex. This cable provides a direct, efficient breakout connection, simplifying cabling and maximizing port utilization.
Data center operators, co-location facilities, enterprise infrastructure teams
Intra-Rack Network Expansion
Expanding network capacity within a single server rack often requires high-speed, short-distance links between switches and other network devices. The 3-meter length facilitates reliable, high-bandwidth connections for adjacent equipment.
Network operations centers, IT infrastructure teams, facilities management
Cost-Effective 40G to 10G Bridging
Upgrading to 40Gbps core networking while retaining existing 10Gbps server infrastructure demands a cost-efficient bridging solution. This passive DAC offers a low-power alternative to active transceivers for short-reach links.
Mid-market businesses, growing enterprises, organizations optimizing network spend
Key Features
Data transfer rate: 40000 Mbit/s
Ensures high-speed communication for demanding applications, preventing network bottlenecks and maintaining peak operational efficiency.
Connector 1: QSFP+
Provides a standardized, high-bandwidth interface for connecting to 40Gbps network switches and routers, enabling robust core network links.
Connector 2: 4x SFP+
Allows a single 40Gbps port to break out into four 10Gbps connections, maximizing port density and connecting multiple servers or devices efficiently.
Cable length: 3 m
Offers optimal reach for intra-rack or adjacent-rack connections, reducing cable clutter and simplifying physical network organization.
Plug and Play: Yes
Enables immediate deployment without complex configuration, minimizing installation time and reducing the need for specialized IT intervention.
Compatible With
Networking Equipment
40Gbps QSFP+ switches, 10Gbps SFP+ network cards, routers, managed switches from major vendors
Server Infrastructure
Rack servers, blade servers, storage arrays equipped with 10Gbps SFP+ network interface cards
Data Center Racks
Standard 19-inch server racks and cabinets, providing direct connectivity between adjacent devices
Storage Area Networks (SAN)
Fibre Channel over Ethernet (FCoE) and iSCSI storage systems requiring high-bandwidth links
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of network equipment is compatible with this breakout cable?
This cable is compatible with any MSA-compliant network equipment featuring 40Gbps QSFP+ ports and 10Gbps SFP+ ports, including switches, routers, and network interface cards from various manufacturers.
Can this cable be used for longer distances than 3 meters?
This specific cable is a 3-meter passive Twinax direct-attach cable, designed for short-distance, intra-rack connections. For longer distances, active optical cables (AOCs) or fiber optic transceivers would be required.
Does this cable require any special drivers or software for operation?
No, as a passive direct-attach cable, it operates on a plug-and-play basis and does not require any additional drivers, software, or configuration, simplifying deployment.
What is the primary benefit of using a passive Twinax cable over active optical cables (AOCs) for short links?
Passive Twinax cables like this one are more cost-effective and consume significantly less power than AOCs, making them an economical and energy-efficient choice for short-distance, high-speed interconnects within a rack.
Warranty & Returns
Manufacturer Warranty
Lifetime
Warranty is provided directly by the manufacturer and covers defects in materials and workmanship under normal use.
Return Policy
Returns subject to manufacturer approval
Hardware returns are governed by the manufacturer's return policy. Some products are non-returnable or subject to restocking fees. Defective items are handled under the manufacturer warranty. Contact Zent Networks before initiating any return.