AVPro Edge 2M 40G QSFP+ Breakout Cable

Overview

The AVPro Edge 2M 40G QSFP+ Breakout Cable is a passive direct-attach copper (DAC) cable that splits a single 40G QSFP+ uplink port into four independent 10G SFP+ connections. At 2 meters, it is the shorter-reach option in the AVPro Edge breakout cable line, optimized for same-rack and tight adjacent-rack deployments in AV equipment rooms and data closets.

Description

In AV-over-IP and SDVoE network designs, 10G switch ports are often the limiting factor for scaling endpoint count. The AVPro Edge 2M QSFP+ breakout cable allows a single 40G QSFP+ uplink port on a core or aggregation switch to serve four separate 10G endpoints simultaneously, each operating at full 10G bandwidth. The passive copper design means there are no active components in the cable, eliminating a potential point of failure and removing any power draw from the cable itself. The 2-meter length is ideal when the QSFP+ host switch and the four 10G destination ports are located within the same rack or immediately adjacent racks.

Key Features

• Splits one 40G QSFP+ port into four independent 10G SFP+ connections
• Passive design — no active components, no power consumption from the cable
• 2-meter reach for same-rack or tight adjacent-rack installations
• Reduces per-port transceiver cost versus individual SFP+ modules
• Lowers cable congestion in high-density AV equipment rooms
• Compatible with AVPro Edge 10G switches equipped with QSFP+ uplink ports

Typical Applications

• Expanding 10G port density within a single rack using a switch's 40G uplink port
• Connecting a core aggregation switch to four 10G edge switches in AV-over-IP spine-leaf designs
• Short-run inter-switch cabling in SDVoE and NDI production environments
• Equipment room installations where all connected switches are within 2 meters
• Broadcast facilities and houses of worship with compact rack configurations

Technical Specifications

Competitor Comparison

FAQ

What is the difference between the 2M and 3M breakout cables?

The only functional difference is cable length. The 2M version is designed for same-rack or very closely positioned adjacent-rack connections. The 3M version provides an additional meter of slack for cross-rack runs or installations where cable management routing adds length.

Can I use this cable with non-AVPro switches?

QSFP+ breakout cables follow industry-standard specifications, and the cable will physically fit any QSFP+ port. However, AVPro Edge verifies compatibility specifically with their own switch lineup. Consult your switch vendor's compatibility list before deploying in a non-AVPro environment.

Does the switch need to be configured for breakout mode?

Yes. Most managed switches require the QSFP+ port to be placed into breakout mode via software configuration before the four 10G sub-interfaces become active. Refer to your AVPro Edge switch's documentation for the specific steps.

Is this suitable for SDVoE deployments?

Yes. SDVoE endpoints operate at 10G, and this cable directly maps four SDVoE-capable 10G connections from a single 40G QSFP+ uplink port, making it a cost-effective way to increase SDVoE endpoint density without additional 10G switch hardware.