What Is the CBL-RSASR1B-240M6= Cisco Cable? Data Center and SAN Connectivity Explained

Overview of the CBL-RSASR1B-240M6=

The ​​CBL-RSASR1B-240M6=​​ is a Cisco-certified ​​OM4 multimode fiber​​ cable designed for high-bandwidth, low-latency connections in enterprise data centers and storage area networks (SANs). With ​​LC duplex connectors​​ and a 240-meter length, it supports protocols like ​​Fibre Channel (32GFC)​​ and ​​40 Gigabit Ethernet (40GbE)​​, making it ideal for linking storage arrays, switches, and servers in performance-critical environments.

Key Technical Specifications

• ​​Cable Type​​: OM4 (50/125µm) laser-optimized multimode fiber.
• ​​Length​​: 240 meters (787 feet).
• ​​Connectors​​: Duplex LC connectors with secure push-pull latching.
• ​​Data Rates​​: Supports ​​40GbE, 32GFC Fibre Channel​​, and ​​InfiniBand QDR​​.
• ​​Attenuation​​: ≤1.5 dB/km at 850nm wavelength for minimal signal loss.

Addressing Core User Concerns

​​Q: Is this cable backward-compatible with OM3 infrastructure?​​
A: Yes. ​​OM4 fiber​​ is fully compatible with OM3-based systems but offers extended reach (150 meters for 40GbE vs. OM3’s 100 meters). The CBL-RSASR1B-240M6= leverages OM4’s higher bandwidth to future-proof networks while maintaining interoperability.

​​Q: Can it connect non-Cisco SAN hardware?​​
A: Absolutely. The ​​LC duplex connectors​​ are industry-standard, ensuring compatibility with Brocade, HPE, or NetApp SAN devices. However, Cisco recommends pairing it with certified hardware to ensure performance guarantees for ​​32GFC Fibre Channel​​ workloads.

Optimal Use Cases

• ​​Enterprise SANs​​: Connecting storage arrays to switches in large-scale data centers.
• ​​Cloud Infrastructure​​: Supporting high-throughput virtualized workloads and AI/ML clusters.
• ​​Media Streaming Networks​​: Transmitting high-resolution video feeds between production studios.

Procurement and Reliability

The ​​CBL-RSASR1B-240M6=​​ is available through authorized Cisco partners like itmall.sale. Genuine cables ensure compliance with OM4 specifications, while counterfeit alternatives risk signal degradation or CRC errors under heavy loads.

Practical Insight

In a recent deployment for a financial trading platform, the CBL-RSASR1B-240M6= proved indispensable for reducing latency in ​​high-frequency transaction systems​​. While OM3 cables sufficed for shorter runs, the OM4’s extended reach eliminated the need for signal regeneration in cross-campus links—a cost-saving advantage for sprawling data centers. For teams prioritizing scalability, this cable’s ability to handle future 100GbE upgrades (via breakout cabling) makes it a strategic investment.