25G SFP28 DAC Cable SFP28 to SFP28 3m - Passive Twinax

In this review the 25G SFP28 DAC Cable is evaluated as a practical, no-frills link for short rack and adjacent-rack connections. It is aimed at network engineers and data center technicians who need a reliable, low-latency 25G direct-attach copper solution without the cost or complexity of optics. The single biggest reason to buy is straightforward compatibility with common SFP28 ports and Cisco SFP-H25G-CU3M environments, delivering a simple, tested 25G copper connection that just works for short runs.

Key Features

• 25G Ethernet support: Provides a full 25GBASE-CU copper connection for high-throughput short links inside racks or between adjacent racks.
• Passive twinax design: The passive SFP28 to SFP28 twinax cable keeps power draw and latency low, making it suitable for high-performance switching and server links.
• Cisco compatibility: Marketed as compatible with Cisco SFP-H25G-CU3M ports and common SFF-8402/SFF-8432 interfaces for plug-and-play deployment.
• 3 meter length: The 3m (9.8ft) length covers typical rack-to-rack and in-rack cabling runs while avoiding excess cable slack.
• Quality tested: Each cable is tested for interoperability in host devices, reducing the risk of link failures or negotiation issues in targeted switch environments.
• Quad-shielded 30AWG twinax: The durable construction and shielding help maintain signal integrity up to the rated speed.

Who It's For

This cable is best for data center operators, network administrators, and systems integrators who need a cost-effective 25G copper link for short distances and who prefer the simplicity of a passive direct-attach cable over SFP28 optics. It fits well where multiple identical, short, high-bandwidth links are needed between switches, servers, or network adapters.

It is not intended for long-distance runs or situations that require hot-pluggable fiber transceivers or active optical modules. If your infrastructure requires longer reach, pluggable optics, or active cable features, look for fiber SFP28 modules or active DACs instead.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Simple passive twinax design delivers low latency and stable 25G links for short distances.
• Compatibility with common SFP28 interfaces and Cisco SFP-H25G-CU3M style ports enables easy integration into many environments.
• Each unit is tested for interoperability, which reduces deployment troubleshooting.
• Robust quad-shielded 30AWG construction supports signal integrity in dense racks.

Cons

• Passive copper is limited to very short links; it will not replace fiber for long-reach connections.

Specifications

Form Factor	SFP28 to SFP28 direct attach copper
Length	3 m (9.8 ft)
Data Rate	Up to 25.78125 Gbps
Cable Type	Passive quad-shielded 30AWG twinaxial
Compatibility	Compatible with Cisco SFP-H25G-CU3M and SFF-8402/SFF-8432 ports
Use Case	Short rack and adjacent-rack 25G connections

Our Verdict

The 25G SFP28 DAC Cable is a sensible choice for on-rack and adjacent-rack 25G links where cost, low latency, and compatibility matter. Its tested interoperability and passive twinax design make it good value for operators who need dependable short-range 25G connections without the expense of optics. For longer reaches or fiber-only environments, select a different transceiver type.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this cable compatible with Cisco switches?
Yes, it is compatible with switches that accept SFP28 copper modules and is marketed as compatible with Cisco SFP-H25G-CU3M style ports.

What maximum distance does it support?
As a passive DAC, it is intended for very short links such as in-rack or adjacent-rack runs; the supplied length is 3 m (9.8 ft).

Will it work with 32G Fiber Channel or InfiniBand?
The cable is constructed to support multiple platforms including 25G Ethernet and has multi-platform support listed for related standards; confirm device compatibility before deploying in non-Ethernet networks.