3m 40G QSFP+ to 4x10G SFP+ Breakout DAC: High-Stability 40G Migration
Op2Link high-speed cable (DAC) is exterminated with a QSFP+ connector on one end, and four 10G SFP+ connectors on the other end to connect 40G devices and 10G devices, suitable for 10G and 40G network connections. By using passive copper technology to provide reliable transport connections without the need for an additional power supply. The DAC cables provide a cost-effective solution for interconnecting equipment in telecommunication carrier’s server room or data center for short distance transmission.
Technical Performance & Material Advantage
At 3 meters, the choice of wire gauge (AWG) is critical to combat signal attenuation.
| Feature | 40G Breakout DAC (3m, AWG24) | 40G Breakout DAC (3m, AWG30) |
| Wire Thickness | AWG24 (Thicker Conductor) | AWG30 (Thinner Conductor) |
| Insertion Loss | Lower (Better Signal Margin) | Higher (Edge of threshold) |
| Durability | High (Robust Industrial Grade) | Moderate (Easier to bend) |
| Power Consumption | 0W (Passive) | 0W (Passive) |
| Latency | Nanoseconds (Near Zero) | Nanoseconds (Near Zero) |
| Standard | SFF-8436 / SFF-8431 | SFF-8436 / SFF-8431 |
10G QSFP28 DAC Features
lHot-plug stoppable
l3X Port Density over SFP / SFP+
lOptimized NEXT & Return Loss
lLow cost and low power solution compared to fiber optical cable
lCompliant with Q SFP+ MSA and SFF-8436
lCompliant with IEEE 802.3ba/ Infiniband QDR specifications
lEnhanced EMI/EMC performance
lSupports serial ID functionality thru EEPROM
lPassive cable assembly supports distances up to 7 meters
l30AWG to 24AWG cable sizes available
lRoHS compliant and Halogen-Free option available
3M QSFP DAC Applications
lSwitches / Routers / HBAs/SAN, NIC cards
lServer & Storage Devices
lData Center Networking
lHigh Performance Compute
lFiber Channel
lInfiniBand QDR/DDR
l10Gbs/40Gbs Ethernet
The 40G to 4x10G Breakout DAC is the standard for Legacy Migration. It allows you to maximize the high-density ports of a new 40G Core switch while still utilizing existing 10G server infrastructure.
Compatible with Different Switches
This DAC Cable feature with 40G QSFP fiber transceiver, which could be compatible with different switches brands, likes Cisco, Juniper, H3C, Huawei, Alcatel, Allied Telesis, Zyxel, Brocade, Mikrotik, Extreme, Blade, D-linnk Netgear, Finisar, ZTE, Linksys, SMC, Ruijie, Avaya, 3com, Enterasys, Redeback, Planet etc.
Superior Energy Saving: Low Consumption of Direct Attach Copper Cable
The 40G QSFP to 4*10G SFP+ DAC cable are engineered with a focus on low power consumption, delivering energy-efficient networking solutions without compromising performance. By optimizing efficiency and reducing energy usage, the branch DAC copper cable offer a sustainable solution. Additionally, their reliability and seamless integration capabilities ensure that can enhance network infrastructure without sacrificing efficiency. By choosing branch Direct Attach Copper Cable with low power consumption, can create a more energy-efficient and sustainable networking environment while achieving cost savings.

Cost-Effective Networking Solution
One of the main functions of DAC cables is to provide cost-effective networking solutions for short distance connections. As an alternative to optical transceivers and fiber optic cabling, 40G transceiver module DAC cable offer comparable performance at a lower cost, making them an economical choice for high-speed data transmission in limited network spaces. By eliminating the need for separate transceivers and fiber optic cabling, direct attach copper cable simplify the network setup process, reducing complexity and simplifying connection configuration. This simplicity means easier installation, maintenance and upgrades, increasing the overall agility of the network infrastructure.

Expert Insight: The Op2Link Advantage
Many clients worry that AWG24 is too stiff for tight rack spaces. While it is more robust, the trade-off is unbeatable link stability. If you are running mission-critical 10G storage traffic over a 3-meter jump, the extra copper in our AWG24 cable acts as an insurance policy against EMI and signal drops common in thinner, cheaper alternatives.
Solving Your Migration Complexity
Moving from 10G to 40G doesn’t have to be a compatibility nightmare. Whether you are struggling with multi-vendor handshaking (e.g., Cisco switch to Dell servers) or trying to calculate the thermal impact of different cable gauges in your rack, UnitekFiber is here to guide you. We can provide custom coding for each end of the breakout cable and help you select the ideal AWG for your specific airflow requirements.
Not sure if AWG24 is the right fit for your patch panel density? Let’s discuss your rack layout and find the most reliable path.





