Passive Direct Attach Breakout Cable BlueOptics DAC-QSFP-4SFP-10G-1M 100GBASE-CR4 4x25GBASE-CR, 1 m, blue

BlueOptics DAC-QSFP-4SFP-10G-1M is a passive direct-attach breakout cable engineered for short-reach high-density interconnects. The 1 m cable provides a QSFP interface on one end and four independent SFP interfaces on the other, enabling a single 100GBASE-CR4 port to split into four 25GBASE-CR electrical lanes. Its passive construction offers a low-latency, cost-effective connection for aggregation and server-to-switch links in data center and rack environments when used with compatible ports.

Advantages

This breakout cable delivers a compact and economical solution for consolidating high-throughput links without active electronics. By splitting a QSFP 100G connection into four 25G channels, it reduces cabling complexity and saves port density on switches and servers. The passive design eliminates the need for power at the cable, lowers latency compared with active optics, and minimizes maintenance points due to its simple, robust construction.

Suitable for

• Short-reach aggregation between top-of-rack switches and spine switches
• Direct server-to-switch connections in dense rack deployments
• High-density port consolidation where 100G to 4×25G breakout is required
• Lab and testing environments requiring reliable electrical breakout links

Key specifications

• Cable type: Passive direct-attach breakout cable
• Length: 1 meter
• Connector configuration: QSFP (one end) to 4 × SFP (other end)
• Supported signaling: 100GBASE-CR4 on QSFP side; 4 × 25GBASE-CR lanes to SFPs
• Latency: Low, typical of passive electrical interconnects
• Color: Blue (cable jacket)
• Suitable for short-reach, copper electrical connections within racks

How to use

Install the QSFP connector into the 100G-capable QSFP port on your switch or transceiver module and plug each SFP connector into the corresponding 25G SFP ports on target devices. Ensure that both ends support passive DAC connections and the switch/router firmware recognizes breakout operation for dividing a 100G port into four 25G lanes. Route the cable within the rack to avoid sharp bends and excessive mechanical stress, and secure it with cable management to maintain signal integrity.

Usage recommendations

Verify compatibility with your network equipment vendor’s supported direct-attach breakout configurations and ensure appropriate firmware or port settings are applied. Use this passive DAC for short-distance electrical connections inside racks or between adjacent racks; do not rely on it for longer distances or environments that require optical or active conversion.