{"product_id":"100gb-s-qsfp28-dac-cable-2m-passive-100gbe-direct-attach","title":"100Gb\/s QSFP28 DAC Cable 2m - Passive 100GbE Direct Attach","description":"\u003cp\u003eIn this review of the 100Gb\/s QSFP28 DAC Cable 2m, the bottom line is simple: network engineers and data center technicians who need a reliable, low-latency direct attach copper link for short runs will find a dependable option here. The cable is targeted at setups that require 100GbE connectivity between compatible QSFP28 ports and the single biggest reason to buy is its combination of lab-tested signal integrity and vendor compatibility, which reduces risk when deploying high-speed connections.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e100Gb\/s QSFP28 Passive Copper:\u003c\/strong\u003e Provides a cost-effective short-reach 100GbE link without active components, keeping power and complexity low.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e2-Meter Length:\u003c\/strong\u003e Offers a practical distance for adjacent racks or within-rack interconnects while avoiding excess slack in cable runs.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e30AWG Construction:\u003c\/strong\u003e Delivers a balance of flexibility and conductor performance that is common for DACs in modern gear.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTested Signal Integrity:\u003c\/strong\u003e Each cable passed TDR and VNA testing in 10Gtek's Signal Integrity Lab, reducing the chance of link problems.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eIndividual Switch Testing:\u003c\/strong\u003e Every unit is tested on switches before delivery, which helps ensure out-of-box compatibility with supported hardware.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCompatibility with Mellanox ETH MCP1600-C002E30N:\u003c\/strong\u003e Explicit compatibility information makes it easier to choose the right DAC for Mellanox-based environments.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch2\u003eWho It's For\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis cable is aimed at IT professionals running 100GbE infrastructures who want a simple, passive copper option for short-distance links. It suits connections between switches, top-of-rack ports, and high-performance servers where a direct, low-latency connection is preferred over optical transceivers.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eUsers who need longer runs, hot-pluggable optical flexibility, or active signal conditioning should look elsewhere; for those needs, optical modules and fiber cabling remain better choices despite higher component cost.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003ePros \u0026amp; Cons\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePros\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eReliable passive 100GbE connectivity that works with Mellanox and other compatible devices according to customer reports.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLaboratory TDR and VNA testing plus individual switch testing reduce deployment risk.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eReasonable 2m length for rack-to-rack and within-rack links without excessive cable management issues.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLow power profile as a passive DAC compared with active optical alternatives.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCons\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLimited to short-reach applications; not suitable for longer data center spans where fiber is required.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePassive copper cannot match the reach or flexibility of some active optics in mixed environments.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch2\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eData rate\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e100Gb\/s\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eConnector type\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eQSFP28 to QSFP28\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLength\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e2-Meter\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGauge\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e30AWG\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSupply voltage\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSingle 3.3V\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBit error rate\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBetter than 1E-15\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCompatibility note\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMellanox ETH MCP1600-C002E30N\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\u003ch2\u003eOur Verdict\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe 100Gb\/s QSFP28 2m passive DAC is a practical, cost-effective choice for short-distance 100GbE links where compatibility and tested signal integrity matter. Network teams that run Mellanox or similar QSFP28 systems will appreciate the lab and switch testing that reduce deployment headaches, making it a good value for rack-level interconnects.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs this cable compatible with Mellanox switches?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes, it is explicitly compatible with Mellanox ETH MCP1600-C002E30N and is reported to work with other Mellanox devices in customer feedback.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan this replace optical transceivers for all 100GbE runs?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNo, passive DACs are best for short-reach connections; optical transceivers and fiber are better for longer distances or when optical reach is required.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHas this cable been tested for signal quality?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes, each cable passed TDR and VNA testing in 10Gtek's Signal Integrity Lab and is individually tested on switches before delivery.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"10Gtek","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48601735921883,"sku":"B01HYWZXN0","price":33.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0724\/1043\/1707\/files\/61lt7rf74PL._SL1500_5cde79be-ba08-4d0b-a0ef-4ade55ecd73e.jpg?v=1778362180","url":"https:\/\/gearmusthave.com\/products\/100gb-s-qsfp28-dac-cable-2m-passive-100gbe-direct-attach","provider":"GearMustHave","version":"1.0","type":"link"}