Tripp Lite QSFP+ to QSFP+ 40Gb Passive DAC Copper Infiniband Cable, 0.5M (20-in.)

Overview

The Tripp Lite N282-20N-BK is a QSFP+ to QSFP+ passive direct attach copper cable designed to deliver data transfer speeds up to 40 Gbps over a short 0.5 meter (20-inch) connection. It is ideal for linking switches, servers, or storage devices within the same rack, making it a practical choice for top-of-rack network architectures where space and power efficiency are critical. Supporting 10.3125 Gbps per channel across four channels, this cable meets the 40GBase-CR4 specification and works seamlessly with SDR, DDR, and QDR signaling technologies.

Key features

• Passive direct attach copper design reduces power consumption and heat generation compared to optical cables, lowering operational costs in dense environments.
• Zinc die-cast QSFP+ connectors with pull-to-release latches enable quick, tool-free installation and removal without disturbing adjacent ports.
• Short 0.5 meter length minimizes cable slack, helping maintain organized cable management and unobstructed airflow in racks.
• Fully compliant with RoHS and IEEE 802.3ba standards, ensuring environmental safety and industry compatibility.
• Supports multiple signaling technologies including SDR, DDR, and QDR, as well as SAS, Fibre Channel, and SONET platforms for versatile deployment.
• Delivers a bit error rate better than 10¹², providing reliable performance for demanding applications like virtualization, real-time analytics, and large-scale data replication.

Key specs

• Data rate: up to 40 Gbps aggregated (10.3125 Gbps per channel)
• Cable length: 0.5 meters (20 inches)
• Connector type: QSFP+ to QSFP+ with SFF-8436 standard
• Compliance: RoHS, IEEE 802.3ba, 40GBase-CR4
• Bit error rate: better than 10¹²
• Material: zinc die-cast connectors

Connectivity and compatibility

This cable is designed to connect QSFP+ ports on switches, servers, and storage devices within the same rack or cabinet. It supports a range of signaling technologies including SDR, DDR, and QDR, making it compatible with various high-speed networking and storage platforms such as SAS, Fibre Channel, and SONET. The standardized SFF-8436 QSFP+ connectors ensure broad interoperability with equipment that follows the QSFP+ MSA specifications.

Installation and setup

Installation is straightforward thanks to the pull-to-release latch mechanism on each connector, which allows technicians to secure or remove the cable quickly without special tools. The short 0.5 meter length helps reduce cable clutter and maintains proper airflow, which is essential in high-density rack environments. This cable is well suited for data centers and enterprise server rooms where efficient cable management and reliable connections are priorities.

Ideal uses and environments

The Tripp Lite N282-20N-BK fits well in data centers, high-performance computing clusters, and enterprise server rooms where short-range, high-speed connections are needed between rack-mounted devices. Its low power draw and reduced heat output make it a strong choice for environments that prioritize energy efficiency and thermal management. This cable is particularly useful for network administrators managing top-of-rack switch architectures and those requiring dependable performance for virtualization, analytics, and data replication workloads.