{"product_id":"100g-qsfp28-to-4x25g-sfp28-breakout-dac-cable-1m-passive-twinax","title":"100G QSFP28 to 4x25G SFP28 Breakout DAC Cable - 1M Passive Twinax","description":"\u003cp\u003eIn this review the focus is on a practical, rack-level connectivity tool: a 1-meter passive breakout DAC that converts a single 100G QSFP28 port into four 25G SFP28 ports. The bottom line is that this cable is for engineers and data center operators who need a low-cost, short-reach solution for high-density switching and server interconnects; the single biggest reason to buy is straightforward compatibility with Cisco QSFP-4SFP25G-CU1M style ports and factory signal validation that reduces integration hassle.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e100Gb\/s breakout:\u003c\/strong\u003e Converts a single QSFP28 port into four independent 25G SFP28 links for flexible aggregation and server connectivity.\u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePassive twinax construction:\u003c\/strong\u003e Offers a cost-effective, low-power option for very short links within racks and across adjacent racks.\u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e1-meter length:\u003c\/strong\u003e The 1 m (3.3 ft) reach is ideal for top-of-rack and adjacent-rack connections without excess cabling clutter.\u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e30 AWG cable:\u003c\/strong\u003e Thin twinax conductors help minimize bulk and allow neat routing in dense cable environments.\u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCompatibility testing:\u003c\/strong\u003e Each cable is individually tested on switches in a lab environment and passes TDR and VNA validation for signal integrity.\u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eManufacturer support:\u003c\/strong\u003e Supplied by a direct attach cable manufacturer who offers customization and understands DAC requirements.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWho It's For\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis breakout cable suits network engineers, data center operators, and systems integrators who need a reliable short-reach connection between 100G QSFP ports and multiple 25G SFP ports on switches, servers, or NICs. It is particularly useful for consolidating links when migrating server ports to higher density switch fabrics.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThose who need long-reach optics, hot-pluggable active cables, or fiber-based connections should look elsewhere; this passive twinax is intended for short intra-rack connections and is not a replacement for fiber over longer distances or where electrical isolation is required.\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\u003eCost-effective passive design for short links that reduces power and complexity compared with active optics.\u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eClear compatibility with Cisco-style QSFP-4SFP25G-CU1M ports and positive customer reports on interoperability with other vendors.\u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eIndividually tested in a signal integrity lab with TDR and VNA verification, lowering the risk of link issues on deployment.\u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eCompact 30 AWG twinax enables neat routing in dense rack environments.\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 distances; the 1 m length and passive nature make it unsuitable for longer, cross-room links.\u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eNo hot-swap electrical amplification since the cable is passive, which can limit margin in noisy or marginal port conditions.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eData Rate\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e100 Gb\/s\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eForm Factor\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eQSFP28 to 4 x SFP28\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLength\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1 meter (3.3 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 Cisco QSFP-4SFP25G-CU1M style ports\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOperating Temp\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eStandard 0 to 70 C; Industrial -20 to 80 C\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eOur Verdict\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 1-meter QSFP28 to 4x25G SFP28 passive DAC is a solid value for data center racks that need short, cost-conscious breakout links. Network teams seeking simple, proven compatibility and low-power connections will appreciate the lab testing and individual switch validation, while those needing longer reach or active amplification should choose a different solution.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWill this cable work with Cisco QSFP-4SFP25G-CU1M ports?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes, the cable is designed to be fully compatible with Cisco QSFP-4SFP25G-CU1M style QSFP28 ports and is tested for interoperability.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs this cable suitable for connections longer than 1 meter?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNo, this passive twinax is intended for very short links; for longer distances use fiber or active solutions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDoes the cable require configuration or special firmware?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNo special configuration is required; it is a passive direct attach cable and operates as a plug-and-play electrical connection when inserted into supported ports.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"10Gtek","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48197482217691,"sku":"B075N8667Z","price":45.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0724\/1043\/1707\/files\/71TCI-f9XVL._SL1500.jpg?v=1770354916","url":"https:\/\/gearmusthave.com\/products\/100g-qsfp28-to-4x25g-sfp28-breakout-dac-cable-1m-passive-twinax","provider":"GearMustHave","version":"1.0","type":"link"}