{"product_id":"100g-qsfp28-dac-cable-2m-reliable-100gbase-cr4-twinax-link","title":"100G QSFP28 DAC Cable 2m - Reliable 100GBASE-CR4 Twinax Link","description":"\u003cp\u003eIn this review of the 100G QSFP28 DAC Cable 2m, the bottom line is simple: it is a no-nonsense, cost-effective option for engineers and network admins who need a short-reach 100-Gigabit copper connection between QSFP28 ports. The reviewer found the cable well suited to rack-to-rack and intra-rack links where passive twinax is preferred, and the single biggest reason to buy is its combination of compatibility with Intel QSFP-100G-CU2M and factory signal integrity testing that reduces deployment risk.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e100GBASE-CR4 capability:\u003c\/strong\u003e Provides a native 100-Gigabit copper connection suitable for very short links between QSFP28 ports.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eQSFP28 to QSFP28 form factor:\u003c\/strong\u003e Direct attach twinax ends make it plug-and-play for switches and devices with QSFP28 cages, avoiding separate transceivers.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePassive 2-meter length:\u003c\/strong\u003e The 2 m (6.5 ft) length is ideal for within-rack or adjacent-rack connections where longer active optics are unnecessary.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e30 AWG twinax construction:\u003c\/strong\u003e Thicker gauge ensures consistent electrical characteristics across the short link for reliable throughput.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCompatibility and testing:\u003c\/strong\u003e Built to be compatible with Intel QSFP-100G-CU2M and each cable is TDR and VNA tested in the manufacturer's lab and switch-verified before delivery.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eManufacturer support:\u003c\/strong\u003e Supplied by a direct-attach copper cable manufacturer that offers custom service for special lengths or labels.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWho It's For\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis cable is best for network engineers, datacenter technicians, and systems integrators who need a cost-conscious 100G link between QSFP28 ports inside racks or to adjacent racks. It fits scenarios where optical transceivers are not required and where the physical distance is within a couple of meters.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is not intended for long-distance connections or for environments that require active optical cables or fiber runs; those who need extended reach or full optical isolation should consider optical transceivers and fiber patching instead.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePros \u0026amp; Cons\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePros\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eProven compatibility with Intel QSFP-100G-CU2M makes deployment straightforward in mixed environments.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFactory TDR and VNA testing plus individual switch verification reduces early-life failures and troubleshooting time.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePassive twinax design keeps power use and latency low compared with active alternatives.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCons\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLimited to very short links; not suitable if you require runs beyond adjacent racks.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eInterface\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eQSFP28 to QSFP28\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eStandard\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e100GBASE-CR4\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLength\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e2 meters (6.5 ft)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCable Gauge\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e30 AWG\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eType\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePassive Direct Attach Copper Twinax\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCompatibility\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCompatible with Intel QSFP-100G-CU2M\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eOur Verdict\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor short-reach 100G links inside racks or between adjacent racks, this QSFP28 DAC cable is a practical, well-tested choice. The compatibility with common Intel modules and the manufacturer's lab and switch testing make it a dependable and budget-friendly option for datacenter deployments where passive twinax is acceptable and distance requirements are limited.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWill this work with Intel QSFP-100G-CU2M?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes. The cable is listed as compatible with Intel QSFP-100G-CU2M and was validated by the manufacturer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs this an active cable or passive?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIt is a passive direct attach copper twinax cable, so it does not contain active electronics for signal conditioning.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat distances is this intended for?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe 2 m length is intended for very short links such as within racks or between adjacent racks, not for long-distance runs.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"10Gtek","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48249330598107,"sku":"B086D8CLGK","price":33.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0724\/1043\/1707\/files\/61lt7rf74PL._SL1500_e2773711-dfe5-41ab-b891-e5a6856ca0b6.jpg?v=1771095987","url":"https:\/\/gearmusthave.com\/products\/100g-qsfp28-dac-cable-2m-reliable-100gbase-cr4-twinax-link","provider":"GearMustHave","version":"1.0","type":"link"}