What Is the CBL-SCAP-C220M6= Cisco Cable? Data Center Performance and Scalability Insights

Overview of the CBL-SCAP-C220M6=

The ​​CBL-SCAP-C220M6=​​ is a Cisco-certified ​​OM4 multimode fiber optic cable​​ designed for high-density data center and enterprise storage environments. Featuring ​​LC duplex connectors​​ and a 220-meter length, it supports high-bandwidth protocols like ​​40 Gigabit Ethernet (40GbE)​​ and ​​Fibre Channel (32GFC)​​, ensuring reliable connectivity for latency-sensitive applications such as AI/ML workloads, virtualization, and large-scale backups.

Key Technical Specifications

• ​​Cable Type​​: OM4 (50/125µm) laser-optimized multimode fiber.
• ​​Length​​: 220 meters (722 feet).
• ​​Connectors​​: Duplex LC connectors with secure push-pull latching.
• ​​Data Rates​​: Supports ​​40GbE, 32GFC​​, and ​​InfiniBand QDR​​ (up to 40 Gbps).
• ​​Attenuation​​: ≤1.5 dB/km at 850nm wavelength for minimal signal degradation.

Addressing Critical User Questions

​​Q: Is this cable backward-compatible with OM3 infrastructure?​​
A: Yes. ​​OM4 fiber​​ maintains full compatibility with OM3 systems but extends the maximum reach for 40GbE to ​​150 meters​​ (vs. OM3’s 100 meters). The CBL-SCAP-C220M6= leverages OM4’s superior bandwidth for future-ready deployments.

​​Q: Can it integrate with non-Cisco switches or storage arrays?​​
A: Absolutely. The ​​LC duplex connectors​​ adhere to industry standards, making them compatible with third-party switches from Arista or Juniper. However, Cisco recommends pairing it with validated hardware to ensure performance guarantees for ​​32GFC Fibre Channel​​ workloads.

Optimal Use Cases

• ​​Hyperscale Data Centers​​: Connecting leaf-spine architectures in high-traffic environments.
• ​​Disaster Recovery Networks​​: Synchronizing data between geographically dispersed storage arrays.
• ​​Media Production​​: Transmitting high-bitrate video feeds between editing and rendering clusters.

Sourcing and Reliability

The ​​CBL-SCAP-C220M6=​​ is available exclusively through authorized Cisco partners like itmall.sale. Genuine cables ensure compliance with OM4 specifications, while counterfeit alternatives risk signal loss or CRC errors under sustained loads.

Deployment Experience

In a recent cloud service provider upgrade, the CBL-SCAP-C220M6=’s ​​220-meter reach​​ eliminated the need for signal boosters in a multi-rack 40GbE deployment—reducing both cost and points of failure. While OM5 fiber is gaining attention for 100GbE readiness, OM4 remains a cost-effective choice for enterprises prioritizing ​​immediate ROI​​ over future-proofing. For teams managing hybrid SAN/NAS environments, this cable’s dual-protocol support simplifies infrastructure consolidation without sacrificing performance.