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QSFP28 Cable Assembly Overview and Applications

The QSFP28 (Quad Small Form-factor Pluggable 28) cable assembly is a high-speed interconnect solution designed to meet the growing demands of data centers and high-performance computing environments. With its compact form factor and ability to support data rates of up to 100 Gbps, the QSFP28 cable assembly has become a critical component in modern networking infrastructure.

What is a QSFP28 Cable Assembly?

A QSFP28 cable assembly consists of a connector and an integrated cable, providing a direct connection between networking equipment. These assemblies are available in both active and passive variants, with passive versions being more cost-effective for shorter distances and active versions incorporating signal amplification for longer reaches.

The QSFP28 form factor maintains the same physical dimensions as its predecessor, the QSFP+, but supports higher data rates through improved electrical specifications and enhanced signal integrity features.

Key Features of QSFP28 Cable Assemblies

QSFP28 cable assemblies offer several important features that make them ideal for high-speed networking applications:

• 4-channel design supporting 25 Gbps per lane
• Total bandwidth of 100 Gbps (4×25 Gbps)

Keyword: qsfp28 cable assembly

• Backward compatible with QSFP+ ports
• Low power consumption compared to alternative solutions
• Hot-pluggable for easy installation and maintenance
• Available in various lengths (typically 1m to 5m for passive cables)

Types of QSFP28 Cable Assemblies

There are several types of QSFP28 cable assemblies available to meet different networking requirements:

1. Direct Attach Copper (DAC) Cables

These are passive copper cables with QSFP28 connectors on both ends, ideal for short-distance connections within racks or between adjacent racks in data centers.

2. Active Optical Cables (AOC)

AOCs incorporate optical fibers with built-in transceivers, offering longer reach than DAC cables while maintaining the simplicity of a plug-and-play solution.

3. Breakout Cables

These cables allow a single QSFP28 port to connect to multiple SFP28 or SFP+ ports, providing flexibility in network design.

Applications of QSFP28 Cable Assemblies

QSFP28 cable assemblies find extensive use in various networking scenarios:

• Data Center Interconnects: Connecting switches, routers, and servers in high-density environments
• High-Performance Computing: Providing low-latency connections in cluster computing
• Cloud Infrastructure: Supporting the high-bandwidth requirements of cloud service providers
• Telecommunications: Enabling high-speed backhaul connections
• Storage Area Networks: Facilitating fast data transfer between storage systems

Advantages Over Alternative Solutions

Compared to other high-speed interconnect options, QSFP28 cable assemblies offer several benefits:

• Higher port density than SFP28 solutions
• Lower cost per gigabit than many optical alternatives
• Simplified deployment with plug-and-play functionality
• Reduced power consumption compared to discrete transceiver solutions
• Excellent signal integrity for reliable high-speed data transmission

Future Outlook