HPE 1m 100GbE QSFP28 to 4x25GbE SFP28 Copper Cable

Overview

The HPE Q9S72A is a 1 meter Direct Attach Copper cable designed to connect a single 100 Gigabit Ethernet QSFP28 port to four 25 Gigabit Ethernet SFP28 ports. It enables efficient bandwidth breakout within a rack, delivering up to 100 Gbps aggregate throughput or 25 Gbps per lane with minimal latency. This cable is ideal for linking top-of-rack switches to servers, storage arrays, or network adapters housed in the same cabinet, simplifying network infrastructure while reducing costs compared to optical transceivers.

Key features

• Breaks out one 100 GbE QSFP28 port into four separate 25 GbE SFP28 connections, allowing flexible bandwidth distribution.
• Passive Direct Attach Copper design eliminates the need for external power, reducing energy consumption and heat generation.
• Compact 1 meter length keeps cable runs short, improving airflow and minimizing clutter in dense rack environments.
• Compliance with the SFF-8665 standard ensures reliable interoperability with HPE networking equipment and other compatible devices.
• Plug-and-play installation streamlines setup, requiring no additional configuration for immediate use.
• Lower latency and cost compared to fiber optic alternatives make it a practical choice for high-performance computing and virtualized data centers.

Key specs

• Cable length: 1 meter
• Interface: QSFP28 to 4x SFP28
• Data rate: 100 Gbps aggregate, 25 Gbps per lane
• Cable type: Passive Direct Attach Copper
• Standard compliance: SFF-8665
• Connector type: QSFP28 on one end, four SFP28 on the other

Connectivity and compatibility

This cable is designed to work seamlessly with HPE switches, servers, and network adapters that support QSFP28 and SFP28 ports. Its adherence to the SFF-8665 specification guarantees compatibility with a wide range of devices following the same standard, making it a versatile choice for upgrading or expanding existing network setups.

Ideal uses and environments

The Q9S72A cable fits well in data centers and enterprise environments where high bandwidth and low latency are critical. It is particularly suited for dense virtualized environments, high-performance computing clusters, and cloud platforms where efficient rack-level connectivity and cable management are priorities. Its short length and passive design help maintain optimal airflow and reduce power consumption in tightly packed racks.