Technical Specifications and Design

The ​​CAB-ETH-40G-20M=​​ is a ​​40Gbps active optical cable (AOC)​​ engineered for high-density Cisco networking environments. Designed for short-to-mid-range deployments, it combines ​​QSFP+ connectors​​ with a ​​20-meter reach​​, ideal for spine-leaf architectures or cross-rack connectivity. Core features include:

• ​​Data rate​​: 40Gbps (4x10G lanes)
• ​​Cable type​​: OM3/OM4 multimode fiber with low-latency signal integrity
• ​​Power consumption​​: <1.5W per end
• ​​Compatibility​​: Cisco Nexus 9000 series, Catalyst 9500 switches, and UCS blade systems.

Performance Advantages Over Passive DAC Cables

​​Why choose CAB-ETH-40G-20M= instead of direct attach copper (DAC)?​​

• ​​Longer reach​​: Supports ​​20 meters​​ vs. DAC’s 7m limit, reducing intermediate hardware needs.
• ​​Heat management​​: Fiber’s lower thermal output suits high-density racks.
• ​​EMI immunity​​: Optical transmission avoids electromagnetic interference in industrial settings.

For 40G deployments exceeding 10m, ​​CAB-ETH-40G-20M=​​ reduces latency spikes and packet loss risks inherent in extended copper runs.

Addressing Common Deployment Questions

​​1. Is CAB-ETH-40G-20M= hot-swappable?​​
Yes—it supports Cisco’s ​​hot-swap capability​​, but ensure linked devices are powered down during initial installation to avoid port damage.

​​2. Can it be used for 4x10G breakout configurations?​​
No. Unlike passive DACs, this AOC is optimized for ​​native 40G end-to-end links​​. For breakout setups, use dedicated splitter cables.

​​3. How does temperature affect performance?​​
The cable operates reliably between ​​0°C to 70°C​​, but avoid sharp bends or tension near connectors to prevent fiber microfractures.

Where to Source Authentic CAB-ETH-40G-20M= Cables

Counterfeit AOCs risk network instability and void Cisco Smart Net warranties. Trusted vendors like itmall.sale provide ​​Cisco-validated CAB-ETH-40G-20M=​​ cables with full compliance documentation.

Final Take: Balancing Cost and Reliability

While third-party AOCs may appear cheaper, the ​​CAB-ETH-40G-20M=​​’s adherence to Cisco’s signal integrity standards ensures seamless integration with performance monitoring tools like DCNM. In mission-critical environments, cutting corners on cabling often translates to costly troubleshooting—invest in verified solutions upfront.