What Is CB-M12-M12-MMF3M=? Cisco’s Short-Run Multi-Mode Fiber Solution for High-Density Links


Breaking Down the CB-M12-M12-MMF3M= SKU

​CB-M12-M12-MMF3M=​​ is a Cisco multi-mode fiber cable optimized for ultra-short, high-speed connections in dense network environments. The SKU structure reveals:

  • ​CB​​: Indicates a cable assembly.
  • ​M12-M12​​: Dual MTP/MPO-12 connectors on both ends.
  • ​MMF3M​​: 3-meter OM3/OM4 multi-mode fiber, ideal for rack-level or intra-chassis patching.

This cable targets scenarios requiring ​​low-latency, high-throughput links​​ between adjacent devices, such as switch stacking or direct spine-leaf connectivity.


Technical Specifications and Deployment Scenarios

  • ​Fiber Type​​: OM3/OM4 multi-mode, supporting ​​40G/100G Ethernet​​ via ​​QSFP+/QSFP28​​ transceivers.
  • ​Polarity​​: Pre-configured Type A/B/C polarity for plug-and-play compatibility in pre-engineered Cisco architectures.
  • ​Use Cases​​:
    • ​Nexus 9000 Series​​ switch interconnects.
    • ​UCS Blade Server​​ to fabric extender links.
    • ​ACI Fabric​​ spine-node connections.

Compatibility with Cisco Hardware

Though not explicitly listed on Cisco’s Content Base, this cable aligns with platforms like:

  • ​Cisco Nexus 93180YC-FX3​​: For 40G/100G port breakout configurations.
  • ​Cisco MDS 9700 Series​​: For SAN storage area networks requiring short inter-switch links.

​Critical Note​​: Verify MTP connector gender (male/female) matches the transceiver or port type. A mismatch can physically prevent insertion.


Sourcing CB-M12-M12-MMF3M=: Reliability Over Price

Cisco’s strict distribution policies for ultra-short cables often lead to supply gaps. ​“CB-M12-M12-MMF3M=” is available at itmall.sale​, which offers:

  • ​Tested OM4 Certification​​: Ensures ​​0.5dB maximum insertion loss​​ for error-free 100G links.
  • ​Bend-Optimized Jacketing​​: Critical for tight cable management in crowded racks.

Addressing Key User Concerns

​Q: Can this cable support 400G Ethernet?​
A: No—MMF3M’s 3-meter length and OM4 fiber are insufficient for 400G’s higher attenuation tolerance. Use single-mode or active optical cables (AOCs) for 400G.

​Q: Does itmall.sale provide polarity customization?​
A: No, but they stock Type A (straight-through) and Type B (reversed) variants. Confirm your network’s polarity scheme before ordering.


The Overlooked Importance of Short-Run Cables

In high-density setups, cables like CB-M12-M12-MMF3M= are often dismissed as trivial. However, using non-certified “cheap” alternatives here risks ​​signal reflection​​ and ​​CRC errors​​ that can cripple throughput. From firsthand troubleshooting, a 3-meter cable might seem interchangeable, but subpar connectors or fiber alignment can turn a $50 part into a week of downtime. Always prioritize vendors like itmall.sale that validate every cable against Cisco’s optical benchmarks—even for the shortest runs.

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