Arista CAB-Q-4S-100G-3M-Arista | 100G QSFP28 to 4x 25G SFP28 Breakout Cable, 3m

Q: What is the difference between this breakout cable and a standard 100G DAC?
A: This breakout cable splits one 100G QSFP28 connection into four independent 25G SFP28 connections, allowing you to connect a single 100G switch port to four separate 25G devices or ports. It provides greater flexibility for mixed-speed environments and incremental migration strategies compared to a standard point-to-point 100G DAC.

Q: Is this cable compatible with all Arista switches that have QSFP28 ports?
A: Yes, this cable is compatible with Arista switches featuring 100G QSFP28 ports. The cable's EEPROM is programmed for Arista platform recognition and has been tested for compatibility with current Arista networking equipment. Always verify your specific switch model supports breakout cable functionality.

Q: Can I use this cable in industrial or outdoor environments?
A: No, this cable is designed for commercial temperature environments (0°C to 70°C) and is intended for indoor data center or network closet deployments. For industrial or extended temperature applications, consider Arista's industrial-rated cabling solutions.

Q: What data rates does this breakout cable support?
A: The cable supports 100G Ethernet (103.125 Gbps) on the QSFP28 side and 4x 25G Ethernet (25.78 Gbps per lane) on the SFP28 side. It complies with 100GBASE-CR4 and 25GBASE-CU standards for maximum interoperability and performance.

Q: Does this passive cable require external power?
A: No, as a passive direct attach copper cable, it draws minimal power directly from the host switch ports (max 1.5W per end) and does not require external power supplies or active signal amplification, making it an energy-efficient choice for short-reach connections.