Lenovo 5M 100G QSFP28 to 4x25G SFP28 Breakout DAC Cable

Overview

The Lenovo 7Z57A03566 is a 5-meter breakout DAC (Direct Attach Copper) cable designed to connect a single 100 Gbps QSFP28 port to four separate 25 Gbps SFP28 ports. It serves as a practical solution for data centers and enterprise server environments where short-distance, high-bandwidth connections are essential. This passive cable supports 100GBase-CU standards, enabling efficient fan-out within racks or between nearby racks while maintaining low latency and straightforward setup.

Key features

• Passive direct attach copper cable that reduces power consumption and heat generation compared to active alternatives
• Breakout design with one QSFP28 connector splitting into four SFP28 connectors, allowing flexible port utilization
• 5-meter length ideal for short-range connections within or between racks in data centers
• Supports 100GBase-CU standard for reliable 100 Gbps to 25 Gbps breakout connectivity
• Compatible with Lenovo ThinkSystem NE10032 and NE2572 rack switches and ThinkSystem SR250 servers, ensuring seamless integration with Lenovo infrastructure
• Enables high-bandwidth, low-latency links suitable for demanding server and switch interconnections

Key specs

• Cable type: Direct attach copper (DAC), passive
• Length: 5 meters
• Connector 1: QSFP28 (100 Gbps)
• Connector 2: 4 x SFP28 (4 x 25 Gbps)
• Supported standard: 100GBase-CU
• Compatible devices: Lenovo ThinkSystem NE10032, NE2572 switches; ThinkSystem SR250 servers

Connectivity and compatibility

This breakout cable is designed to fit seamlessly into Lenovo data center environments, linking high-speed 100 Gbps switch ports to multiple 25 Gbps server or switch ports. Its QSFP28 to SFP28 configuration supports flexible network topologies and efficient bandwidth distribution. The cable’s passive design means it requires no additional power, simplifying installation and reducing potential points of failure.

• QSFP28 connector supports 100 Gbps uplink or aggregation ports
• Four SFP28 connectors provide individual 25 Gbps connections for servers or switches
• Ideal for Lenovo ThinkSystem hardware, ensuring tested compatibility and performance

Ideal uses and environments

This cable is well suited for data centers and enterprise server rooms where short cable runs are common and high-speed connectivity is critical. It works effectively for linking 100 Gbps switch uplinks to multiple 25 Gbps server ports, supporting workloads that demand high throughput and low latency. The 5-meter length fits typical rack-to-rack or intra-rack cabling needs without excess slack or signal degradation.

Network administrators managing Lenovo ThinkSystem infrastructure will find this cable a reliable choice for expanding port capacity and optimizing network layouts without adding complexity or active components.