Arista CAB-S-S-25G-2.5M-Arista | 25G SFP28 Passive DAC Cable, 2.5m Twinax, 30AWG

Q: Is this cable compatible with 10G SFP+ ports?
A: Yes, the CAB-S-S-25G-2.5M supports both 25G and 10G operation. When used in 10G SFP+ ports, the cable will auto-negotiate to 10G speeds, providing flexible deployment options across mixed 10G/25G environments.

Q: Can this cable be used with non-Arista networking equipment?
A: While this cable is designed and coded for Arista platforms, third-party compatible versions are available that work with Cisco, Juniper, Dell, and other vendors. For multi-vendor environments, ensure you source cables with appropriate EEPROM coding for your specific switch platforms.

Q: What is the maximum distance for 25G passive DAC cables?
A: Passive copper DAC cables for 25G applications are typically available in lengths up to 5 meters. For distances beyond 5 meters, consider active optical cables (AOCs) or fiber optic transceivers, which support extended reach while maintaining 25G performance.

Q: Does this cable require Forward Error Correction (FEC)?
A: The CAB-S-S-25G-2.5M is a CA-S classification cable under IEEE 802.3by, which has specific FEC requirements. The cable is designed to work with Arista switches that automatically configure the appropriate FEC settings for optimal signal integrity at 25G speeds.

Q: What are the typical use cases for this cable length?
A: The 2.5-meter length is ideal for top-of-rack connections, switch-to-server links within the same cabinet, or connections between adjacent racks in a data centre. This length provides flexibility for cable management while minimizing signal loss compared to longer cables.