Cisco 40GBASE-CR4 QSFP+ 5m Passive Twinaxial InfiniBand Network Cable, Black

Cisco 40GBASE-CR4 QSFP+ Passive Twinaxial InfiniBand Network Cable – Black

The Cisco 40GBASE-CR4 QSFP+ Passive Twinaxial InfiniBand Network Cable is a high‑performance, short‑reach interconnect solution designed for data centers and enterprise networks that require reliable, low‑latency connectivity between switches, routers, or servers. This cable delivers a robust 40 Gb/s data transfer rate, enabling seamless communication across the most demanding network architectures.

Key Technical Specifications

• Data Transfer Rate: 40 Gb/s – compliant with the 40GBASE‑CR4 standard, ensuring maximum throughput for modern workloads.
• Cable Length: 5 m – a compact length that minimizes cable clutter while maintaining signal integrity over typical rack‑to‑rack or server‑to‑switch distances.
• Connector Configuration: Dual QSFP+ (2×QSFP+) on one end and single QSFP+ (1×QSFP+) on the other, allowing flexible deployment in both point‑to‑point and multi‑port topologies.
• Color: Black – a neutral hue that blends seamlessly with standard networking gear and rack environments.
• Passive Design: No active electronics or power requirements, reducing complexity and cost while providing reliable performance.
• Compliance: Meets the IEEE 802.3ba (40GBASE‑CR4) specification for copper-based direct attach cables.

Design & Construction

The cable employs a twinaxial architecture, featuring two insulated conductors surrounded by a common ground shield. This construction minimizes electromagnetic interference (EMI) and crosstalk, ensuring clean signal transmission even in densely populated data center environments.

Each QSFP+ connector is engineered with precision alignment pins to guarantee secure mating and optimal contact pressure. The connectors are rated for high insertion force tolerance, allowing repeated connections without degradation of performance.

Performance Characteristics

• Signal Integrity: Maintains a low bit error rate (BER) across the full 5 m span, thanks to the cable’s high‑quality copper conductors and robust shielding.
• Latency: Extremely low propagation delay, typically under 10 ns for a 5 m run, making it ideal for latency‑sensitive applications such as high‑frequency trading or real‑time analytics.
• Power Consumption: Passive operation means no power draw from the cable itself; all power is supplied by the connected QSFP+ transceivers.

Compatibility & Use Cases

This cable is engineered to work seamlessly with Cisco’s portfolio of high‑density switches and routers, including:

• Catalyst 3016 series
• Nexus 3016, 3064‑E, 3064PQ, 3064X models
• Other QSFP+ capable devices that support the 40GBASE‑CR4 standard

Typical deployment scenarios include:

• Rack‑to‑rack interconnects within a single chassis or across adjacent racks.
• Server-to-switch uplinks in blade or rack servers that feature QSFP+ ports.
• Data center fabric upgrades where existing copper cabling needs to be replaced with higher bandwidth links without extensive rewiring.

Installation & Maintenance Guidelines

1. Preparation: Verify that the QSFP+ ports on both devices are clean and free of debris. Use a lint‑free cloth to wipe any dust from the connector surfaces.
2. Mating Procedure: Align the cable’s connectors with the device ports, ensuring that the keying tabs match. Gently push until the connectors lock into place; avoid excessive force that could damage the pins.
3. Testing: After installation, run a link integrity test using the device’s diagnostic tools to confirm successful negotiation at 40 Gb/s.
4. Handling: Avoid bending the cable beyond its specified bend radius (typically 30 mm). Store in a flat position when not in use to prevent kinks that could impair signal quality.

Environmental Considerations

The passive copper construction is inherently resistant to temperature fluctuations common in data center environments. The cable’s materials are rated for operation within the standard 0 °C to 70 °C range, ensuring consistent performance across a wide array of deployment conditions.

Summary

The Cisco 40GBASE-CR4 QSFP+ Passive Twinaxial InfiniBand Network Cable – Black delivers uncompromised speed, reliability, and ease of use for high‑bandwidth networking needs. Its compact 5 m length, dual‑to‑single QSFP+ connector configuration, and passive design make it an ideal choice for modern data centers seeking to upgrade or expand their copper interconnect infrastructure without the complexity of active cabling solutions.