Arista CAB-SFP-SFP-5M-Arista | 10G SFP+ Passive DAC Twinax Cable, 5m

Q: What is the difference between passive and active DAC cables?
A: Passive DAC cables like the CAB-SFP-SFP-5M use copper conductors without active electronics, making them cost-effective and low-power for distances up to 5 meters. Active DAC cables include signal conditioning electronics for longer distances (typically 7-15 meters) but consume more power.

Q: Is this cable compatible with non-Arista equipment?
A: While this cable is designed and programmed for Arista equipment, compatibility with other vendors depends on whether the switch supports third-party or unlocked SFP+ DAC cables. Always verify compatibility with your specific hardware before purchase.

Q: Can I use this cable for 1G connections?
A: Yes, 10G SFP+ DAC cables are typically backward compatible with 1G SFP ports, though this depends on the switch platform. Check your Arista switch documentation to confirm 1G/10G auto-negotiation support.

Q: What is the maximum reliable distance for this cable?
A: This cable is rated for 5 meters. For longer distances within a rack or between adjacent racks, consider active DAC cables (7-15m) or fiber optic SFP+ transceivers with LC patch cables for distances beyond 15 meters.

Q: Does this cable require any special configuration?
A: No, the cable is pre-programmed with EEPROM data and is plug-and-play. Simply insert both SFP+ connectors into compatible ports, and the link should establish automatically.