Arista CAB-Q-S-3M-Arista | 40G QSFP+ to 4x 10G SFP+ Breakout DAC Cable, 3m

Q: What is the difference between this breakout cable and a standard QSFP+ cable?
A: The CAB-Q-S-3M is a breakout cable that splits one 40G QSFP+ connection into four separate 10G SFP+ connections, allowing you to connect a single 40G switch port to four devices with 10G SFP+ ports. Standard QSFP+ cables connect 40G to 40G directly.

Q: Is this cable compatible with other vendors' equipment?
A: While programmed for Arista Networks equipment, this cable follows MSA standards and can work with other vendors' switches and routers that support 40G QSFP+ and 10G SFP+ ports. Compatibility should be verified with your specific hardware.

Q: What are the advantages of using a passive DAC cable over fiber optics?
A: Passive DAC cables are significantly more cost-effective than fiber optic transceivers and cables for short-distance connections up to 3 meters. They require no additional power, have lower latency, and are ideal for rack-to-rack connectivity within data centers.

Q: Can this cable be used for storage network applications?
A: Yes, this cable is suitable for data center storage networks, high-performance computing clusters, and server-to-switch connectivity where 40G to 10G breakout connectivity is required within the 3-meter distance limitation.

Q: Does this cable require any licensing or configuration?
A: No licensing is required. The cable is factory pre-programmed with EEPROM configuration data and is plug-and-play. It will be automatically recognized by compatible Arista switches and routers upon installation.