Arista CAB-Q-4S-100G-1M-Arista | 100G to 4x25G Breakout DAC Cable, Passive, 1m

Q: What is the primary use case for this breakout cable?
A: This breakout cable is ideal for connecting a 100G QSFP28 port on a top-of-rack switch to four separate 25G SFP28 devices such as servers, storage arrays, or lower-tier switches. It enables efficient bandwidth distribution in data center leaf-spine architectures and high-density server deployments.

Q: Is this cable compatible with all Arista switches that support QSFP28 and SFP28?
A: Yes, the CAB-Q-4S-100G-1M is compatible with Arista switches featuring 100G QSFP28 ports and devices with 25G SFP28 ports. It works with Arista 7000, 7050, 7060, 7280, and 7500 series platforms that support these form factors. Always verify port compatibility in your specific switch datasheet.

Q: What are the advantages of passive DAC cables over active cables or fiber optics?
A: Passive DAC cables offer lower cost, zero power consumption, and reduced latency compared to active cables or fiber transceivers. They are ideal for short-reach connections up to 1-3 meters within racks or adjacent racks, providing reliable performance without additional cooling requirements or complexity.

Q: Can I use this cable to connect non-Arista equipment?
A: While this cable is coded for Arista equipment, many compatible alternatives work with multi-vendor environments. However, for guaranteed compatibility and to avoid potential issues with digital diagnostics or EEPROM coding, it is recommended to use vendor-specific or MSA-compliant cables tested for your specific equipment.

Q: What is the maximum distance supported by this passive breakout cable?
A: This passive copper breakout cable is designed for 1-meter connections. Passive copper DAC technology is generally reliable for distances up to 3 meters, though longer cables may require active copper or fiber optic solutions to maintain signal integrity at 100G/25G speeds.