AVPro Edge 3M 40G QSFP+ Breakout Cable

Overview

The AVPro Edge 3M 40G QSFP+ Breakout Cable is a passive direct-attach copper (DAC) cable engineered for AV-over-IP and SDVoE network infrastructure. It converts a single 40G QSFP+ uplink port into four independent 10G SFP+ connections, allowing AV engineers to maximize port density on AVPro Edge 10G switches without investing in additional 40G hardware. At 3 meters, it is well-suited for top-of-rack or cross-rack connections in equipment rooms and data closets.

Description

In a QSFP+ breakout configuration, the 40G QSFP+ end plugs into the uplink port of your AVPro Edge 10G switch or core switching layer, while the four 10G SFP+ tails connect to individual 10G switch ports or endpoints. This eliminates the need for separate transceivers and patch cables on each 10G port, reducing both cost and cable congestion. As a passive cable, it introduces no active components, keeping power consumption and failure points to a minimum. The 3-meter length provides reach for adjacent racks or short-run inter-switch connections in AV systems racks.

Key Features

• Splits one 40G QSFP+ port into four independent 10G SFP+ connections
• Passive design — no active components, no power draw from the cable itself
• 3-meter reach for adjacent-rack and short inter-rack deployments
• Reduces per-port transceiver cost compared to individual 10G SFP+ modules
• Minimizes cable congestion in high-density AV equipment rooms
• Compatible with AVPro Edge 10G switches featuring QSFP+ uplink ports

Typical Applications

• Expanding 10G port density on AVPro Edge 10G switches using existing 40G uplink ports
• Connecting spine switches to leaf 10G switches in AV-over-IP spine-leaf architectures
• Short-run inter-switch cabling in SDVoE and NDI production environments
• Equipment room and data closet rack installations where switch ports are at premium
• Broadcast facilities requiring cost-efficient 10G endpoint connectivity

Technical Specifications

Competitor Comparison

FAQ

What is a QSFP+ breakout cable and why do I need one?

A QSFP+ breakout cable takes the four 10G lanes inside a single 40G QSFP+ port and splits them into four separate 10G SFP+ connections. This lets you connect four 10G devices to a single 40G uplink port, significantly increasing the effective port count of your switch without purchasing additional hardware.

Is this cable compatible with all AVPro Edge 10G switches?

This cable is designed for AVPro Edge switches that have QSFP+ uplink ports. Verify your switch model's QSFP+ port specifications before ordering. The SFP+ tails connect to any standard 10G SFP+ port on the same or adjacent switches.

Does this cable require any configuration on the switch?

Most managed switches require the QSFP+ port to be set to breakout mode in software before the four 10G sub-ports become active. Consult your AVPro Edge switch documentation for the specific CLI or GUI steps.

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

The only difference is cable length. Choose 2M for same-rack or very close adjacent-rack connections; choose 3M when the switch ports are in different rack positions or there is additional slack needed for cable management.

Why use a passive DAC instead of a 40G active optical cable for this application?

Passive DAC cables are the cost-efficient choice for short runs (typically 1–5 meters). They consume no power from the cable itself and introduce no active electronics. For distances beyond 5–7 meters, an active optical cable (AOC) becomes the preferred option.