860393-001 HPE 100GB QSFP28 to QSFP28 3M Direct Attach Cable

QSFP28 Connector Advantages

The QSFP28 form factor is widely used in 100GbE networking for its compact size, high port density, and robust performance. The HPE 860393-001 leverages the QSFP28 standard to provide:

• Support for multiple 100GbE links in high-density switch deployments.
• Low insertion loss and reliable signal integrity.
• Hot-swappable compatibility for easy replacement and upgrades.

Direct Attach Cable (DAC) Technology

Direct Attach Cables (DAC) are passive or active copper cables that connect networking devices directly without the need for separate optical transceivers. The HPE 860393-001 is a passive DAC, offering several advantages:

• Cost-effective connectivity for short distances.
• Lower latency compared to optical solutions.
• Reduced power consumption and heat generation.
• Plug-and-play simplicity for fast deployment.

Applications in Data Centers

The HPE 860393-001 DAC is ideally suited for high-performance data center deployments, providing reliable interconnects between switches, servers, and storage devices. Typical use cases include:

• Top-of-Rack (ToR) Switch Connections: Short-range connections within server racks.
• Leaf-Spine Network Architectures: High-speed interconnects between leaf and spine switches in modern data centers.
• Server Clusters: High-bandwidth connections for compute nodes in HPC clusters.
• Storage Networks: Direct connectivity for SAN or NVMe storage solutions.

High Performance and Low Latency

Engineered for 100GbE speeds, the HPE 860393-001 DAC delivers low-latency communication between connected devices. Its passive copper design ensures minimal signal processing, which translates into ultra-fast data transfer and reduced network congestion. This is particularly important for applications such as high-frequency trading, real-time analytics, and large-scale virtualization.

Durability and Reliability

The 860393-001 cable is manufactured to meet stringent HPE quality standards. Key durability features include:

• High-quality copper conductors for consistent signal transmission.
• Shielded construction to reduce electromagnetic interference (EMI).
• Robust QSFP28 connectors for repeated insertion and removal.
• Heat-resistant materials suitable for densely populated racks.

Compatibility with HPE Networking Devices

The HPE 860393-001 DAC is fully compatible with a wide range of HPE networking devices, including:

• HPE FlexNetwork and Aruba switches
• ProLiant servers with QSFP28 ports
• HPE storage solutions with high-speed interconnect requirements

This ensures seamless integration within HPE networking ecosystems, enabling fast deployment and reduced troubleshooting efforts.

Energy Efficiency and Sustainability

Compared to optical transceivers, the passive DAC design consumes significantly less power. This translates into lower operational costs, reduced heat generation in server racks, and improved environmental sustainability. Data centers deploying HPE DACs can optimize their energy usage while maintaining high-speed connectivity across critical network paths.

Applications in High-Density Networking

With the growing demand for high-density 100GbE networking in data centers, the 860393-001 DAC is ideal for short-range connections where optical cabling may not be cost-effective. Applications include:

• Aggregating multiple server nodes within a single rack.
• Connecting leaf-spine network switches in modern data center architectures.
• Facilitating high-speed interconnections between storage arrays and compute clusters.

Comparison with Optical Solutions

While optical transceivers provide long-distance connectivity, passive DACs like the HPE 860393-001 are ideal for short-range applications due to their cost-effectiveness, lower latency, and energy efficiency. They are particularly suited for intra-rack or inter-rack connections up to 3 meters, offering a reliable alternative where optical fiber may not be necessary.

Scalability and Future-Proofing

The HPE 860393-001 DAC supports future network expansion, enabling data centers to scale up without extensive re-cabling. As enterprises adopt higher-speed networking standards, these DACs provide a cost-efficient method for upgrading connectivity within racks, ensuring compatibility with evolving 100GbE and QSFP28-based infrastructure.

Enhanced Network Performance

By minimizing latency and maximizing throughput, the 860393-001 cable contributes to enhanced network performance. High-speed connections between servers, switches, and storage devices facilitate faster data transfer, reduced congestion, and improved overall system responsiveness.

Quality Assurance and Testing

Every HPE 860393-001 DAC undergoes rigorous quality assurance and testing processes to ensure compliance with OEM standards. This includes electrical performance verification, durability testing, and signal integrity checks. These processes guarantee reliable operation in demanding data center environments, reducing the risk of network downtime or degraded performance.

Applications Across Various Data Center Scenarios

The HPE 860393-001 DAC is widely used across different data center environments, including:

• Enterprise IT networks for high-speed server interconnects.
• High-performance computing clusters for low-latency communication.
• Cloud data centers requiring dense 100GbE connectivity.
• Storage networks where fast, reliable data transfer is critical.