Arista CAB-Q-S-5M-Arista | 40G QSFP+ to 4x 10G SFP+ Breakout DAC Cable, 5m

Q: What devices is the CAB-Q-S-5M compatible with?
A: This cable is designed for Arista networking equipment with QSFP+ 40G ports and SFP+ 10G ports. It enables a single 40G QSFP+ port to connect to four separate 10G SFP+ ports, ideal for spine-to-leaf or aggregation layer connectivity in data center environments.

Q: What is the difference between passive and active DAC cables?
A: Passive DAC cables like the CAB-Q-S-5M do not require external power and use copper twinax without signal amplification, making them cost-effective for distances up to 5-7 meters. Active cables include signal boosting circuitry for longer reaches but consume more power and cost more.

Q: Can I mix this cable with other vendors' equipment?
A: While this cable is programmed specifically for Arista platforms, MSA-compliant DAC cables can often work across vendors. However, compatibility depends on EEPROM coding and vendor support policies. Always verify compatibility with your specific switch models before deployment.

Q: What are the typical applications for 40G to 4x10G breakout cables?
A: Common applications include connecting 40G spine switches to multiple 10G leaf switches, aggregating 10G server connections, or providing flexible port density in top-of-rack deployments. This allows network operators to maximize port utilization and reduce costs by using existing 10G infrastructure.

Q: Does this cable support forward error correction (FEC)?
A: Passive copper DAC cables typically do not require FEC for error-free transmission at their specified cable lengths. The cable operates reliably at 40G or 4x10G speeds over 5 meters without additional error correction, though FEC settings are controlled by the connected switch ports.