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Black QSFP28 passive copper cable 3m 26AWG 100GbE

Mellanox Technologies

Mellanox Technologies MCP1600-C003E26N 100GbE QSFP28 3m 26AWG fibre optic cable

SKU CH-TTJF-VD584 MPN MCP1600-C003E26N

Passive copper QSFP28 cable delivers 100GbE over 3 metres with 26AWG conductors

  • Connector count1
  • Connector details1 x QSFP28 Network
  • Product typeFiber Optic
  • Product colorBlack
  • Overall length9.84 ft (3 m)
  • 100GbE throughput for high-density networks
  • 3-metre reach suits rack-to-rack links
  • 26AWG copper pairs keep the cable flexible
  • QSFP28 connectors with EEPROM simplify inventory
  • Passive design cuts power draw to zero

3-metre 100GbE QSFP28 direct attach cable

This three-metre Mellanox passive copper cable delivers 100Gb/s Ethernet connectivity through a single QSFP28 interface. It is built for data-centre operators and high-performance computing clusters that need short-reach, low-latency links between switches, routers and servers. The 26AWG construction keeps the assembly light while meeting the CA-25G-L specification for lengths beyond two metres.

Sustained load behaviour with RS-FEC

At three metres the cable operates under the IEEE 802.3bj CA-25G-L standard, so Reed-Solomon forward error correction is active on each of the four 25Gb/s lanes. This maintains signal integrity over the full length during continuous high-throughput traffic without the latency penalty of longer optical runs. The passive design draws no extra power, so thermal load on the rack stays minimal even when every port runs at line rate for extended periods.

Upgrade path from shorter or fibre links

The assembly replaces shorter DACs that cannot reach across adjacent racks or fibre jumpers that add transceiver cost and power draw. The jump is worthwhile when the link distance exceeds the two-metre CA-25G-N limit but stays within the five-metre CA-25G-L envelope, letting you keep copper economics while gaining the extra reach. Buyers who need runs longer than five metres or who require active optical cable features will not be served by this passive copper design.

How it compares

Measured against everything we stock in Fiber Optic Patch Cables, at today’s prices. Recalculated every night.

Price $194.99
Pricier than about 90% of the 812 comparable items (median $29.99).

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Specifications

Product
Brand nameMellanox
Product typeFiber Optic
Product colorBlack
Ports & slots
Connector count1
Connector details1 x QSFP28 Network
Size & build
Overall length9.84 ft (3 m)
Shipping weight0.43 kg
Package size300 × 279 × 25 mm

Questions about this item

Does the 3m passive copper cable generate noticeable heat or draw extra power when running at 100GbE all day?

The passive copper design needs no active components, so it adds negligible heat and draws virtually no power beyond the port circuitry.

What port type must my switch or NIC already have for this QSFP28 cable to plug in and link at 100Gb/s?

Each end requires a QSFP28 receptacle that supports 100GbE Ethernet; the cable will not fit SFP28, QSFP+ or other form factors.

Will the 3m length with RS-FEC link reliably to the 25GbE lanes of older equipment I still use?

The cable presents four 25GbE lanes and uses RS-FEC at this length; compatibility depends on the older gear supporting 25G NRZ signalling with FEC enabled.

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