Arista CAB-Q-Q-100G-1.5-Arista | 100G QSFP28 Passive Twinax DAC Cable, 1.5m

Q: What is the maximum transmission distance for this cable?
A: This passive DAC cable is designed for 1.5-meter short-reach connections, typically used within the same rack or between adjacent racks in data centres. Passive copper cables are not suitable for longer distances; for greater reach, consider active optical cables or fibre transceivers.

Q: Is this cable compatible with all Arista 100G QSFP28 ports?
A: Yes, this cable is designed for use with Arista 100G QSFP28 ports and is compatible with Arista switches and routers that support 100GBASE-CR4 passive copper cables. Always verify compatibility with your specific platform using Arista's Transceiver and Cable Guide.

Q: Does this cable require any power or licensing?
A: No, this is a passive copper cable that draws minimal power (typically 0.5W per end) directly from the switch port and requires no separate power supply or software licensing.

Q: Can this cable be used for breakout configurations?
A: No, this cable provides native 100G QSFP28 to QSFP28 connectivity. For breakout applications (e.g., 100G to 4x25G), you would need a specific breakout cable such as the CAB-Q-4S-100G series.

Q: What are the advantages of passive DAC cables over active optical cables?
A: Passive DAC cables offer lower cost, reduced power consumption, and simplified deployment for short-reach connections. They are ideal for intra-rack and adjacent-rack connectivity where distances do not exceed 5 meters, providing a reliable and economical alternative to optical transceivers.