StarTech.com 40GbE QSFP+ to 4x 10GbE SFP+ Active Optical Breakout Cable 3M QSFP4X10GAO3
The StarTech.com QSFP4X10GAO3 is a 3-meter active optical breakout cable engineered to establish high-performance 40 Gigabit Ethernet links, splitting a single QSFP+ port into four 10 Gigabit SFP+ connections for efficient network scaling.
- High-Speed Breakout: Connects one 40GbE QSFP+ port to four 10GbE SFP+ ports, enabling flexible network segmentation and increased port density without additional hardware.
- Active Optical Design: Utilizes active optical technology for reliable, extended-reach data transmission up to 3 meters, reducing signal degradation over longer distances.
- Cisco Compatibility: Designed, programmed, and tested for seamless interoperability with Cisco® brand compatible servers and routers, ensuring frictionless integration into existing infrastructure.
- Hot-Pluggable Deployment: Supports hot-pluggable installation, allowing for upgrades and replacements without requiring network downtime or service interruptions.
Product Overview
Product Overview
The StarTech.com QSFP4X10GAO3 is a 3-meter active optical breakout cable designed for high-performance networking, converting a single 40 Gigabit Ethernet QSFP+ port into four independent 10 Gigabit SFP+ connections. This enables efficient utilization of existing network hardware and simplifies infrastructure scaling.
Engineered to be 100% compatible with Cisco QSFP-4X10G-AOC3M, this cable ensures reliable integration into enterprise environments. Its active optical design provides superior signal integrity over longer distances compared to passive copper, reducing electromagnetic interference and enhancing network stability.
- Network Segmentation: Splits a single 40GbE QSFP+ port into four 10GbE SFP+ connections, allowing for granular network segmentation and optimized resource allocation.
- Enhanced Reach: Provides a 3-meter active optical link, extending connectivity options within data centers or server rooms without compromising data integrity.
- Cisco Ecosystem Integration: Fully compatible with Cisco® brand servers and routers, ensuring reliable performance and reducing compatibility issues in mixed vendor environments.
- Reduced Latency: Delivers high-speed 40 Gbit/s data transfer, minimizing latency for critical applications and improving overall network responsiveness.
- Operational Efficiency: Supports hot-pluggable installation, simplifying maintenance and upgrades while minimizing service interruptions for business-critical operations.
This active optical breakout cable is an essential component for businesses seeking to optimize their high-speed network infrastructure with proven reliability and compatibility.
Technical Specifications
1Performance & Business Impact
2Connectivity & I/O
3Physical & Environmental
4Lifecycle, Warranty & Compliance
Full Specifications
Features9
Weight & dimensions1
Certificates2
Operational conditions1
Packaging data1
Logistics data1
Downloads1
What This Solves
High-Density Data Center Interconnects
In modern data centers, optimizing rack space and port utilization is critical for operational efficiency. This cable enables the breakout of a single 40GbE port into four 10GbE links, maximizing connectivity to multiple servers or storage devices within a rack.
Data center operators, co-location facilities, enterprise infrastructure teams, virtualized server environments
Network Core to Access Layer Connectivity
Connecting high-speed core network switches to multiple access layer switches or server racks often requires flexible bandwidth options. This cable provides a direct, high-throughput link from a 40GbE core port to four 10GbE access ports, streamlining network architecture.
Campus networks, large office buildings, distributed branch networks, IT operations teams
Storage Area Network (SAN) Expansion
Expanding storage area networks (SANs) or connecting high-performance storage arrays to multiple servers demands reliable, high-bandwidth links. The QSFP4X10GAO3 facilitates direct, low-latency connections between storage controllers and server NICs, enhancing data access speeds.
Healthcare systems, financial trading firms, manufacturing facilities, organizations with large databases
Key Features
40 Gbit/s Data Transfer Rate
Ensures rapid data movement across the network, reducing latency for critical applications and improving overall system responsiveness.
QSFP+ to 4x SFP+ Breakout Configuration
Maximizes port density and optimizes bandwidth utilization by converting one high-speed port into four lower-speed connections, reducing hardware costs.
3 Meter Active Optical Cable (AOC)
Provides reliable, extended-reach connectivity without signal degradation, allowing for flexible equipment placement within server rooms or data centers.
Cisco QSFP-4X10G-AOC3M Compatibility
Guarantees seamless integration and reliable performance within existing Cisco-based network infrastructures, minimizing deployment complexities.
Hot-Pluggable Design
Enables network administrators to install or replace cables without powering down equipment, ensuring continuous uptime for business-critical operations.
Compatible With
Networking Equipment
Routers, managed switches, network interface cards (NICs), firewalls from Cisco, Juniper, HPE, Dell
Servers & Storage
Rack servers, blade servers, network-attached storage (NAS), storage area networks (SAN) with QSFP+/SFP+ ports
Data Center Infrastructure
Top-of-rack (ToR) switches, aggregation switches, core routers, patch panels
High-Performance Computing (HPC)
InfiniBand-enabled clusters, GPU servers, specialized scientific computing hardware
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary advantage of an Active Optical Cable (AOC) over Direct Attach Copper (DAC) for this breakout configuration?
An AOC like the QSFP4X10GAO3 offers longer reach (3 meters in this case) and is lighter and thinner than DAC cables, making cable management easier. AOCs are also less susceptible to electromagnetic interference, ensuring more reliable data transmission in noisy environments.
Is this cable compatible with non-Cisco networking equipment?
While specifically tested for Cisco compatibility, this cable complies with MSA (Multi-Source Agreement) industry standards. This means it is generally compatible with other brands of networking equipment that adhere to these same QSFP+ and SFP+ standards.
Can this cable be used to connect a 10GbE switch to a 40GbE switch?
Yes, this breakout cable is designed for exactly that purpose. It allows a single 40GbE QSFP+ port on a core switch to connect to four separate 10GbE SFP+ ports on access switches, servers, or other network devices, facilitating efficient network scaling.
What are the environmental operating conditions for this cable?
The StarTech.com QSFP4X10GAO3 is designed to operate reliably in temperatures ranging from 0 to 70 °C (32 to 158 °F). This wide operating range ensures stable performance in typical data center and server room environments.
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.