Direct Attach Breakout Cable BlueOptics 40GBASE-CR4 to 4×10GBASE-CR SFP+ QSFP, passive, 5 m, AWG26

The BlueOptics Direct Attach Breakout Cable converts a single 40GBASE-CR4 QSFP interface into four independent 10GBASE-CR SFP+ links over copper. This passive 5 m DAC with AWG26 conductors is intended for short-reach interconnects in data centre environments, enabling a 40G port to be split into four 10G connections without additional optics or transceivers. The cable supports direct server, switch and storage connections where compact, cost-efficient copper cabling is required.

Advantages

This passive breakout cable delivers a simple and reliable physical-layer solution for 40G-to-10G conversion. Being a direct-attach copper assembly, it requires no external power or active components and offers low latency and predictable signal behaviour. The 5 m length and AWG26 conductors provide adequate margin for typical top-of-rack and aggregation runs while keeping cabling density low. The integrated QSFP to 4×SFP+ form factor simplifies rack wiring and reduces the need for separate transceivers.

Suitable for

• Short-reach connections between 40G QSFP ports and 10G SFP+ ports in switches and servers
• Top-of-rack and aggregation layer deployments in data centres
• High-density rack installations requiring breakout from a single 40G uplink
• Storage networks and access links where copper DACs are preferred for cost and simplicity

Key specifications

• Cable type: passive direct-attach breakout cable (DAC)
• Connector configuration: 1×QSFP (40GBASE-CR4) to 4×SFP+ (10GBASE-CR)
• Length: 5 metres
• Conductor gauge: AWG26
• Media: copper twinaxial assembly for short-reach links
• Physical form factor: QSFP to 4×SFP+ cassette-style breakout

How to use

Insert the QSFP end of the breakout cable into the 40GQSFP port on the switch or host, and plug each SFP+ connector into the corresponding 10G ports on the target devices. Ensure ports are powered down or follow hot-swap guidance from your equipment vendor if inserting or removing under load. Verify link status through the devices' management interfaces and configure interfaces as 10G as required. No external transceivers, optical modules, or power sources are necessary for operation.

Usage recommendations

For reliable performance, use the cable within rack or short aggregation runs up to the specified 5 m length and avoid tight bends or repeated flexing near the connectors. Confirm compatibility with device vendors' port specifications for passive DACs and maintain good airflow around connectors to prevent overheating in dense deployments.