100G QSFP28 Cable Overview and Applications

# 100G QSFP28 Cable Overview and Applications

## Introduction to QSFP28 Cables

The QSFP28 (Quad Small Form-factor Pluggable 28) cable is a high-speed interconnect solution designed to support 100 Gigabit Ethernet (100GbE) and other high-bandwidth applications. These cables have become essential components in modern data centers, high-performance computing environments, and telecommunications networks.

## Technical Specifications

QSFP28 cables offer several key technical advantages:

– Data rate: 100 Gbps (4 channels of 25 Gbps or 2 channels of 50 Gbps)
– Form factor: Compact and hot-pluggable
– Reach: Typically up to 5 meters for passive copper cables
– Power efficiency: Lower power consumption compared to optical alternatives
– Compatibility: Backward compatible with QSFP+ ports

## Types of QSFP28 Cables

There are several variants of QSFP28 cables available:

### 1. Passive Copper Cables

These are the most cost-effective solution for short-reach applications (typically up to 5 meters). They consist of four twinaxial copper pairs and are ideal for rack-to-rack connections.

### 2. Active Copper Cables

Active copper cables incorporate signal conditioning electronics to extend the reach up to 7-10 meters while maintaining signal integrity.

### 3. Active Optical Cables (AOC)

AOCs use optical fibers with integrated transceivers to achieve longer distances (up to 100 meters) while maintaining the QSFP28 form factor.

### 4. Breakout Cables

These cables allow one QSFP28 port to connect to four SFP28 ports (4x25G) or two QSFP28 ports (2x50G), providing flexibility in network design.

## Applications of QSFP28 Cables

QSFP28 cables find applications in various high-speed networking scenarios:

### Data Center Interconnects

– Server-to-switch connections
– Top-of-rack (ToR) to aggregation switch links
– Spine-leaf architecture implementations

### High-Performance Computing

– Cluster interconnects
– Storage area networks
– Supercomputer backplanes

### Telecommunications

– 5G infrastructure
– Metro and core network connections
– Cloud service provider networks

## Advantages Over Other Solutions

QSFP28 cables offer several benefits compared to alternative solutions:

– Higher density: More ports per rack unit compared to SFP28 solutions
– Lower latency: Direct-attach cables provide minimal signal delay
– Cost-effective: Especially for short-reach applications
– Simplified deployment: No separate transceivers required for passive solutions

## Future Outlook

As network bandwidth demands continue to grow, QSFP28 cables will remain relevant for the foreseeable future. The technology is evolving to support even higher data rates while maintaining backward compatibility, ensuring its position as a key component in high-speed networking infrastructure.