
StarTech.com 5M 40G Active QSFP+ Direct Attach Cable QSFPH40GACU5
The StarTech.com QSFPH40GACU5 is a 5-meter active direct attach copper QSFP+ cable engineered for 40 Gigabit Ethernet applications, ensuring high-speed, reliable interconnectivity within demanding data center environments.
- 40GbE Performance: Delivers 40 Gigabit Ethernet speeds, eliminating network bottlenecks and supporting high-bandwidth data center operations.
- Cisco Compatibility: Designed and tested to work seamlessly with Cisco QSFP-H40G-ACU5M compatible switches and routers, ensuring frictionless integration.
- Active DAC Design: Utilizes active twinax copper technology, enabling reliable 5-meter connections while maintaining low power consumption compared to optical transceivers.
- Hot-Swappable: Allows for quick upgrades and replacements without requiring system shutdowns, minimizing operational disruption and maximizing uptime.
Product Overview
Product Overview
The StarTech.com QSFPH40GACU5 is a 5-meter active direct attach copper QSFP+ cable, purpose-built for 40 Gigabit Ethernet applications with a data transfer rate of 40,000 Mbit/s. It features male QSFP+ connectors on both ends, providing a direct, high-speed link between compatible networking hardware.
This cable is designed for 100% compatibility with Cisco QSFP-H40G-ACU5M, ensuring reliable performance within existing Cisco infrastructures while complying with MSA industry standards for broad interoperability. Its hot-swappable design facilitates easy maintenance and upgrades without service interruption.
- 40 Gigabit Ethernet: Supports 40GbE applications, providing the necessary bandwidth for high-density server connections and core network links, preventing data transfer bottlenecks.
- 5-Meter Reach: Offers a practical 5-meter length for connecting adjacent racks or devices within the same rack, optimizing cable management and reducing infrastructure complexity.
- Active Copper Design: Leverages active twinax copper, delivering a low-latency, low-power alternative to fiber optics for short-distance high-speed interconnects, reducing operational costs.
- Cisco Certified Compatibility: Programmed and tested for full compatibility with Cisco QSFP-H40G-ACU5M, ensuring seamless integration and reliable performance within Cisco networking environments.
- RoHS & CE/FCC Compliance: Adheres to environmental and safety regulations, providing assurance of product quality and suitability for enterprise deployments.
This active QSFP+ cable is an essential component for businesses requiring high-speed, reliable, and compliant 40 Gigabit Ethernet connectivity within their data centers.
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-Speed Data Center Interconnects
Modern data centers require robust, high-bandwidth connections between switches, servers, and storage to handle increasing data volumes. This 40GbE active direct attach cable provides a reliable, low-latency link for critical infrastructure components.
Data center operators, co-location facilities, enterprise infrastructure teams, cloud service providers
Rack-to-Rack Network Expansion
Expanding network capacity often involves connecting switches in adjacent racks or within the same rack to form larger aggregation layers. The 5-meter length of this QSFP+ cable is ideal for establishing these short-distance, high-speed connections efficiently.
IT operations teams, network engineers, facilities management, infrastructure upgrade projects
Cost-Optimized 40GbE Deployment
Implementing 40 Gigabit Ethernet can be costly, especially with optical transceivers and fiber cabling for short distances. This active copper DAC offers a more economical solution for high-speed connectivity without compromising performance.
Budget-conscious IT departments, SMBs scaling network infrastructure, organizations optimizing TCO for data center links
Key Features
5-Meter Cable Length
Provides flexible reach for connecting devices within the same rack or adjacent racks, simplifying physical network layouts.
40000 Mbit/s Data Transfer Rate
Ensures ultra-fast data transmission, eliminating bandwidth bottlenecks for critical applications and large file transfers.
Active Twinax Copper Design
Delivers reliable signal integrity over 5 meters while consuming less power than optical alternatives, reducing operational energy costs.
QSFP+ Male Connectors
Guarantees direct compatibility with standard QSFP+ ports on switches, routers, and network cards, enabling straightforward installation.
Hot-Swappable Capability
Allows for cable replacement or upgrades without powering down connected equipment, minimizing service interruptions and maximizing network uptime.
Compatible With
40 Gigabit Ethernet Switches
Cisco Nexus, Juniper QFX, Arista 7000 series, HPE FlexFabric, Dell PowerSwitch
Network Interface Cards (NICs)
Intel Ethernet Network Adapters, Mellanox ConnectX, Broadcom NetXtreme
Servers & Storage Arrays
HPE ProLiant, Dell PowerEdge, Lenovo ThinkSystem, NetApp, Pure Storage
Data Center Infrastructure
Server racks, patch panels, network distribution frames, high-performance computing clusters
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary advantage of an active direct attach cable (DAC) over a passive DAC?
Active DACs, like the StarTech.com QSFPH40GACU5, incorporate signal conditioning electronics to boost the signal, allowing for longer cable lengths (up to 7 meters for 40G) compared to passive DACs, which are typically limited to 1-3 meters. This extends deployment flexibility while maintaining copper's cost benefits.
Is this cable compatible with non-Cisco 40GbE equipment?
Yes, while designed and tested for Cisco QSFP-H40G-ACU5M compatibility, this cable also complies with MSA (Multi-Source Agreement) industry standards. This ensures broad interoperability with other brands of QSFP+ compliant 40 Gigabit Ethernet switches and network adapters.
What is the jacket material of this cable?
The StarTech.com QSFPH40GACU5 features a durable Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) jacket. This material provides good flexibility and protection for the copper conductors within typical data center and server room environments.
Can this cable be used for InfiniBand applications?
Yes, the product specifications indicate that this cable supports the InfiniBand protocol. This makes it suitable for high-performance computing (HPC) clusters and other environments requiring extremely low-latency, high-bandwidth interconnects beyond standard Ethernet.
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.