HP E Copper Cable - 25GBase direct attach cable - 10 ft

HP E Copper Cable – 25GBase Direct Attach Cable (10 ft)

The HP E Copper Cable is a high‑performance Direct Attach Copper (DAC) solution engineered for data center interconnects that demand 25 Gbps throughput. Designed to bridge switches, routers, and servers within the same rack or across adjacent racks, this cable delivers low latency, minimal power consumption, and reliable signal integrity over a 10‑foot span.

Key Technical Specifications

• Speed: 25 Gbps per lane (SFP28 standard)
• Length: 10 ft (approximately 3.05 m) – ideal for intra‑rack or short inter‑rack connections.
• Connector Type: Male SFP28 on both ends, ensuring seamless integration with standard SFP28 ports.
• Construction: Copper twin‑axial cable with a rigid, heat‑shrink jacket that protects against electromagnetic interference (EMI) and mechanical stress.
• Compliance: Meets SFF‑8431 specifications for DAC cables, guaranteeing compatibility across HP Enterprise networking gear.
• Signal Integrity: Low insertion loss (< 0.4 dB), high return loss (> 20 dB) to maintain signal quality over the full length.
• Operating Temperature: –40 °C to +85 °C, suitable for data center environments with stringent thermal requirements.

Design and Build Quality

The cable’s rigid copper core is engineered to resist bending fatigue, ensuring longevity even in high‑traffic racks. The outer jacket is a durable, low‑smoke, halogen‑free (LSZH) material that complies with safety regulations for server rooms and data centers.

Each end features a precision machined SFP28 male connector, providing secure mating with host ports and reducing the risk of misalignment. The connectors are stamped with HP’s trademark to guarantee authenticity and traceability.

Performance Advantages

• Low Latency: DAC cables inherently offer lower latency than optical fiber links because they eliminate the need for transceivers on each end.
• Reduced Power Consumption: No active electronics are required, resulting in a power budget that is significantly lower compared to SFP28 optical modules.
• Cost Efficiency: By combining copper cabling with passive connectors, the overall cost per link is reduced while maintaining high data rates.
• Ease of Deployment: The cable’s fixed length and connector type simplify rack‑level installation, allowing for quick swaps or upgrades without specialized tools.

Typical Use Cases

• Server‑to‑Switch Links: Connecting blade servers to top‑of‑rack (ToR) switches within the same chassis.
• Inter‑Rack Connectivity: Bridging adjacent racks in a high‑density data center where optical fiber runs are impractical.
• High‑Performance Computing Clusters: Providing low‑latency links between compute nodes that require 25 Gbps bandwidth.
• Storage Area Networks (SAN): Linking storage controllers to switches in environments demanding high throughput and minimal jitter.

Installation Guidelines

1. Verify Port Compatibility: Ensure both devices support SFP28 and are configured for 25 Gbps operation.
2. Insert the Cable: Align the male connectors with the host ports, then gently push until a click indicates secure mating.
3. Check Link Status: Use network management software to confirm that the link is up and operating at 25 Gbps.
4. Secure the Cable: Employ cable ties or rack‑level cable management to prevent strain on the connectors.

Quality Assurance

Each cable undergoes rigorous testing for insertion loss, return loss, and mechanical durability. HP’s quality control processes include environmental stress screening (ESS) to ensure reliability under temperature extremes typical of data center operations.

Conclusion

The HP E Copper Cable – 25GBase DAC (10 ft) delivers a blend of high speed, low latency, and robust build quality that is essential for modern data centers. Its male SFP28 connectors, copper construction, and compliance with industry standards make it an optimal choice for short‑range, high‑bandwidth interconnects where performance and reliability are paramount.