Arista CAB-Q-Q-100G-1M-Arista | 100G QSFP28 Passive DAC Cable, 1m

Q: What is the difference between passive and active DAC cables?
A: Passive DAC cables like the CAB-Q-Q-100G-1M use copper twinax without signal amplification, making them ideal for distances up to 3 meters. They consume less power (typically under 1.5W per end) and are more cost-effective than active cables or optical transceivers for short-reach connections.

Q: Is this cable compatible with non-Arista equipment?
A: While designed and coded for Arista switches, QSFP28 DAC cables often work with other vendors' equipment that supports 100G QSFP28 ports and follows MSA standards. However, compatibility should be verified with the specific equipment manufacturer, as some devices may require vendor-specific coding.

Q: Can this cable be used for 40G connections?
A: No, the CAB-Q-Q-100G-1M is specifically designed for 100G operation using four 25 Gbps lanes. For 40G connectivity, you would need a QSFP+ 40G DAC cable which operates at four 10 Gbps lanes instead.

Q: What are the main applications for this cable?
A: This cable is ideal for high-density data center top-of-rack to spine switch connections, server-to-switch interconnects, and storage network applications where equipment is located in the same rack or adjacent racks within 1 meter distance.

Q: Does this cable require any special licensing or configuration?
A: No, the CAB-Q-Q-100G-1M is a passive cable assembly that requires no licensing, software configuration, or power management. Once plugged in, it is automatically recognized by compatible Arista switches and begins operating at negotiated speeds.