Panduit QSFP28 100G Direct Attach Copper, Black, 3 meters

In fast-paced data centers where every millisecond and every watt matters, Panduit QSFP28 100G Direct Attach Copper (DAC) cables offer a dependable, high-performance solution for short-range interconnects. This 3-meter, black twinaxial cable delivers 100 Gbps across QSFP28 ports with low latency, excellent signal integrity, and a compact, shielded design that reduces crosstalk and electromagnetic interference. Built for dense deployments, it enables quick, tool-free installation in racks and cabinets, helping IT teams accelerate server-to-switch or switch-to-switch connectivity without the complexity and cost of optical transceivers for short runs. The rugged copper construction, combined with bendable flexibility and a sleek black finish, makes this Panduit DAC ideal for top-of-rack, spine-leaf, or edge interconnects where performance and reliability are non-negotiable.

Designed to simplify data-center upgrades and daily maintenance, the Panduit QSFP28 100G DAC is engineered for hot-plug readiness and repeatable mating cycles. The QSFP28 connectors on both ends support straightforward installation and removal, allowing network administrators to perform swaps or upgrades during maintenance windows with minimal disruption. Beyond speed, this direct-attach solution emphasizes stability under load, with tightly controlled impedance and shielded conductors that preserve signal integrity even in high-density environments. The 3-meter length is a practical middle ground that minimizes excess cabling while maintaining flexible topology, so IT teams can optimize airflow, reduce cable clutter, and keep racks organized as their 100G deployments grow.

• The Panduit QSFP28 100G Direct Attach Copper twinaxial cable provides true 100 Gbps performance for short-range interconnects, delivering low-latency data transfers between switches, servers, and storage arrays. Its copper-based design is a cost-efficient alternative to fiber for connections within a single rack or between adjacent racks, enabling high-density density deployments without compromising throughput or reliability. The direct-attach configuration eliminates the need for separate transceivers in many applications, simplifying the hardware stack while maintaining robust signal integrity across the link. For data centers prioritizing fast rollout and predictable performance, this DAC cable from Panduit is a compelling choice that aligns with modern 100G fabric strategies.
• Flexible, bendable construct with shielding and a black housing designed to minimize crosstalk and EMI while fitting into tight rack layouts. The twinaxial copper design supports tighter bend radii than traditional fiber interconnects, making it suitable for crowded backplanes and dense cable management scenarios. The robust shielding helps preserve signal quality as cable runs weave through server trays, blade enclosures, and top-of-rack switches. The black finish offers a clean, professional look that blends with most data-center hardware and labeling schemes, contributing to an organized, easy-to-manage infrastructure as you scale your 100G network.
• Effortless installation and hot-plug capability for rapid network expansion or maintenance. The QSFP28 connectors are designed for repeatable mating and quick insertion/removal, reducing downtime during upgrades or swaps. This makes it ideal for live data-center environments where minimizing service interruptions is critical. The cable’s mechanical design ensures secure engagement with the port latches, so you can rely on stable connections even in vibration-prone cabinet spaces. Whether you’re performing a routine cabling refresh or implementing a new 100G spine-leaf fabric, this DAC cable supports efficient, agentless maintenance workflows.
• Optimized for data-center efficiency and cost savings. By delivering high-speed 100G connectivity over a copper medium for short distances, this cable minimizes the need for expensive optical transceivers and complex active components in many deployments. The 3-meter length reduces unnecessary slack, helping to maintain clean cable management, improve airflow, and lower cooling load within dense racks. Shielded copper construction further helps maintain consistent performance under load, while the direct-attach form factor simplifies procurement and inventory management for IT teams managing large-scale 100G rollouts.
• Reliability you can trust from Panduit. Panduit is renowned for enterprise-grade interconnects that deliver consistent quality and long service life. This 100G QSFP28 Direct Attach Copper is built to exacting standards to ensure compatibility across a broad ecosystem of switches and servers that support QSFP28 100G ports. Its combination of durable copper conductors, precise impedance control, and shielded design provides predictable performance and a low total cost of ownership, helping data centers scale confidently as they move toward higher-bandwidth workloads and more demanding traffic profiles.

Technical Details of Panduit QSFP28 100G Direct Attach Copper, Black, 3 meters

• Cable type: Direct Attach Copper (DAC) twinaxial
• Connector: QSFP28 on both ends
• Length: 3 meters
• Color: Black
• Data rate: 100 Gbps per link
• Applications: Data center interconnects within 3–10 meters, ideal for rack-to-rack or top-of-rack to switch connections

how to install Panduit QSFP28 100G Direct Attach Copper, Black, 3 meters

• Power down or follow your organization's hot-swap guidelines for the devices you will connect, if required by policy or hardware.
• Identify the QSFP28 ports on the devices to be linked (for example, a switch and a server or another switch).
• Orient the cable so that the QSFP28 connectors line up with the ports; ensure there is no bending of the connectors themselves.
• Carefully insert each QSFP28 end into the corresponding port until the locking mechanism engages with a definitive click. Do not force the connector; if it does not seat easily, remove and reinsert correctly.
• Route the cable to minimize sharp bends and avoid pinching or twisting; follow the recommended bend radii to preserve signal integrity over the 3-meter length.
• Power up the devices and verify the link status via the devices’ management interfaces. Run a basic throughput test to confirm a stable 100G link, and monitor for any errors or retransmissions during initial traffic.
• Label the installation for easy future maintenance and document port mappings to support scalable growth of your 100G fabric.

Frequently asked questions

• Q: What is a QSFP28 Direct Attach Copper cable? A: It is a short-range, high-speed copper twinaxial cable with QSFP28 connectors on both ends designed to deliver up to 100 Gbps per link for data center interconnects.
• Q: How long is the cable? A: This model is 3 meters in length, offering a balance between reach and cable management within racks and between adjacent devices.
• Q: Is the cable hot-pluggable? A: Yes. QSFP28 DACs are designed for hot-plug operation on compatible ports, enabling easier maintenance and upgrades.
• Q: Can I bend the cable? A: The cable is designed to be bendable to accommodate tight rack layouts, but you should follow the recommended bend radii to avoid degrading signal integrity.
• Q: What devices are compatible? A: It works with devices that support QSFP28 100G ports, including switches, routers, and servers from various vendors. Always verify vendor compatibility and recommended topologies for your specific hardware.
• Q: Is this more cost-effective than fiber? A: For short-distance, high-speed links within a rack or between adjacent racks, DAC cables often provide a more economical and simpler solution than fiber with optical transceivers, while delivering very low latency and reliable performance.