SFP28 Direct Attach Cable BlueOptics JL488A 25GBASE-CR 3 m

The BlueOptics JL488A SFP28 Direct Attach Cable is a 3 m passive copper twinax assembly designed for short-reach 25 Gigabit Ethernet links. Compatible with SFP28 ports, this 25GBASE-CR cable provides a direct, low-latency physical connection between switches, servers and network interface cards in data center and enterprise topologies. The cable is intended for use where a compact, reliable and cost-effective 25G interconnect is required and where optical transceivers are not necessary.

Advantages

This SFP28 direct attach cable offers a simple plug-and-play connection with minimal power consumption, avoiding the need for separate optical modules and fiber patching. The passive twinax design delivers consistent latency and throughput for short-distance 25G links while maintaining signal integrity. The integrated SFP28 connectors and fixed 3 m length reduce installation complexity and cable management effort in rack and shelf deployments.

Suitable for

• Direct server-to-switch connections within racks and across adjacent racks
• Interconnecting top-of-rack (ToR) switches and aggregation switches for 25G links
• High-density switch-to-switch patching in data center leaf-spine architectures
• Connecting network interface cards (NICs) to switches for low-latency workloads

Key specifications

• Form factor: SFP28 direct attach (integrated connectors)
• Data rate support: 25 Gigabit Ethernet (25GBASE-CR)
• Medium: Passive copper twinax cable
• Length: 3 meters
• Typical use: Short-reach interconnects in racks and rows
• Latency: Low inherent latency due to direct copper connection

How to use

Install the cable by inserting each SFP28 connector into the corresponding SFP28 port on your network devices until the latch engages. Ensure both devices are powered off or follow hot-swap guidelines provided by your hardware vendor if inserting while powered. Verify link status through device LEDs or management interfaces and confirm the link negotiates at 25 Gbps. Route the cable to avoid sharp bends and interference from high-power cables to preserve signal quality.

Usage recommendations

Use this 3 m passive SFP28 twinax cable for short, fixed-length 25G connections where cost-effectiveness and low latency are priorities. Avoid using it for longer distances than specified and check device compatibility lists if your switch or server requires vendor-specific acceptance. For environments requiring extended reach or optical isolation, consider optical transceivers with fiber instead.