Description
Lenovo 3M Passive QSFP28 to 4xSFP28 DAC
Designed for high-density data center deployments, the Lenovo 3M Passive QSFP28 to 4xSFP28 DAC delivers reliable, high-speed interconnects between QSFP28-enabled servers and storage devices and multiple SFP28 ports. This 9.84-foot copper DAC is a cost-effective, low-latency solution for short-reach, rack-to-rack, and blade enclosure applications where performance and simplicity matter most. With a true plug-and-play design, it eliminates active components and extra power needs, reducing heat output and enabling clean cable management in dense data center environments. The Lenovo 3M Passive QSFP28 to 4xSFP28 DAC provides a robust bridge from a single QSFP28 port to four SFP28 ports, delivering dependable 100 Gbps aggregate bandwidth for demanding workloads such as virtualization, AI inference, and modern storage networks.
- High-density 100G connectivity: This DAC bundles four 25 Gbps SFP28 lanes behind a single QSFP28 interface, delivering up to 100 Gbps of aggregate bandwidth. It is ideal for data center topologies that require rapid, scalable transitions from a single 100G uplink to multiple 25G downlinks while preserving signal integrity over a short reach. The design supports common 25G/100G network architectures, enabling seamless integration with Lenovo servers, switches, and storage arrays that rely on QSFP28-to-SFP28 interconnects.
- Precise short-reach performance: Built for within-rack and cross-ran connections, this 3-meter (9.84 ft) cable optimizes geometry and conductor layout to minimize insertion loss and crosstalk. The result is predictable, low-latency performance that data center operators demand when moving large data sets between compute and storage nodes. Its passive copper construction ensures fast signal response times with minimal power consumption, keeping switchgear and servers cooler and more energy-efficient.
- Passive copper DAC with simple, reliable operation: Unlike active cables, the Lenovo 3M Passive QSFP28 to 4xSFP28 DAC has no electrical or computational components in the cable. This means no power draw, fewer points of failure, and straightforward installation. The passive design also reduces overall heat generation in densely packed racks, helping to maintain stable ambient operating conditions for networking gear during peak workloads.
- Robust compatibility and plug-and-play reliability: The cable is engineered to align with industry-standard QSFP28 and SFP28 interfaces, ensuring compatibility across Lenovo data center platforms and a wide range of 25G-capable networking devices. It supports standard 4-lane QSFP28 to 4xSFP28 mappings, enabling quick deployment without specialized configuration. This makes it an excellent choice for data center refreshes, rack upgrades, or new builds that require a cost-efficient, dependable 100G-to-four-25G interconnect solution.
- Streamlined data-center cabling and management: By consolidating four 25G paths behind a single QSFP28 connector, this DAC reduces cable clutter and simplifies port mappings in high-density deployments. The 9.84-foot length provides flexibility for neatly routing cables within racks, while its rugged construction resists kinks and wear in busy data center environments. This cable is designed to support a wide range of workloads—from latency-sensitive analytics to high-throughput virtualization—without compromising signal integrity or setup speed.
Technical Details of Lenovo 3M Passive QSFP28 to 4xSFP28 DAC
- Cable type: Passive QSFP28 to 4xSFP28 DAC
- Length: 9.84 ft (3.0 m)
- End connectors: One QSFP28 end and four SFP28 ends
- Data rate: Up to 100 Gbps total (4 × 25 Gbps per lane)
- Cable construction: Copper conductor with shielding designed for short-reach interconnects
- Operation: Passive, no active electronics or power requirements
How to install Lenovo 3M Passive QSFP28 to 4xSFP28 DAC
- Power down and unplug equipment before installation to prevent accidental damage and ensure safety during handling.
- Inspect all connectors for dust, debris, or damage. Handle the cable by the connector housings to avoid stressing the ferrules or optical elements inside.
- Insert the QSFP28 end firmly into the host device’s QSFP28 port until the latch engages securely.
- Route the four SFP28 ends to the target devices, ensuring that each SFP28 port is clean and free of obstructions. Connect each end to its corresponding SFP28 port with care to avoid bending or twisting.
- Power on the equipment and verify link status on all four SFP28 connections. If needed, configure the network interfaces to operate at 25 Gbps per lane and confirm proper lane mapping to achieve the expected 100 Gbps aggregate link.
Frequently asked questions
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Q: Is this cable active or passive?
A: It is a passive copper DAC with no active electronics or power requirements, designed for short-reach interconnects inside data centers. -
Q: What is the length and what environments is it best suited for?
A: The cable length is 9.84 feet (3.0 meters), making it ideal for within-rack and cross-rack deployments where concise, high-speed interconnections are needed between QSFP28 ports and multiple SFP28 ports in a dense data center. -
Q: What bandwidth does this DAC support?
A: It provides up to 100 Gbps total bandwidth by aggregating four 25 Gbps lanes (4x25G) through a single QSFP28 end into four SFP28 ends. -
Q: Is it compatible with Lenovo hardware?
A: Yes. The cable is designed to work with Lenovo servers, switches, and other network devices that feature QSFP28 and SFP28 interfaces, offering plug-and-play interoperability in Lenovo-powered data centers. -
Q: When should I choose a DAC like this over active cables?
A: Passive DACs are preferred for short-reach, cost-effective, low-power interconnects with minimal latency and high reliability. They are typically used inside racks or across adjacent modules where copper cabling can efficiently carry 100 Gbps of traffic without extra power or active signal processing.
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