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Computer & Network Cables721073-B21 HPE BladeSystem 10m 40G QSFP+ to 4x 10G SFP+ Active Optical Cable
721073-B21
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Brief Overview of 721073-B21
HPE 721073-B21 BladeSystem 10m 40G QSFP+ to 4x 10G SFP+ Active Optical Cable. New (System) Pull with 1 year replacement warranty
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Description
HPE 721073-B21 40G QSFP+ to 4xSFP+ Optical Cable
The HPE Compatible 721073-B21 QSFP+ to 4x SFP+ 10m Active Optical Cable offers a dependable and efficient way to interconnect high-performance devices in enterprise networking, data centers, and storage environments. Manufactured with quality materials and optimized for stable performance, this breakout cable is tailored for organizations requiring secure and reliable 40G connectivity with multiple 10G links.
Technical Specifications:
- Part Number: 721073-B21
- Brand Compatibility: HPE / Vendor: FiberMall
- Connector Type: 40G QSFP+ to 4x SFP+
- Supported Data Rate: 40Gbps aggregate bandwidth
- Cable Length: 10 meters (32.8 feet)
- Cable Type: OM3 multimode fiber
- Jacket Material: OFNP (Optical Fiber Non-conductive Plenum)
- Minimum Bend Radius: 7.5mm
- Operating Temperature: 0°C to 70°C (32°F to 158°F)
- Supported Protocols: 40G InfiniBand 8x DDR, 4x QDR, 10/40 Gigabit Ethernet, Fibre Channel
Advantages of QSFP+ to 4x SFP+ Breakout Design
A breakout cable enables seamless connectivity between a single QSFP+ port and multiple SFP+ interfaces, maximizing hardware usage and simplifying network design. This configuration is highly beneficial in data centers that require scalable solutions without compromising on performance.
Key Highlights
- Supports direct connection from high-speed switches to multiple servers
- Cost-effective cabling solution for large-scale deployments
- Facilitates smooth integration with mixed 10G and 40G networks
- Reduces need for additional transceivers or adapters
Performance and Reliability
With a maximum data rate of 40Gbps, this HPE-compatible AOC delivers robust connectivity for high-density networking. The OM3 multimode fiber ensures excellent transmission quality, while the OFNP-rated jacket provides flame resistance for safer installation in plenum spaces.
Performance Features
- Low latency and optimized signal integrity
- High-bandwidth support for virtualization and cloud computing
- Resistant to electromagnetic interference
- Designed to maintain consistent throughput over 10 meters
Application Scenarios
This breakout optical cable is engineered for environments where multiple 10G server connections need to be aggregated into a 40G uplink. Its versatility makes it suitable for both enterprise and cloud-scale data centers.
Common Use Cases
- Connecting 40G switches to four individual 10G ports
- Expanding data center bandwidth while minimizing hardware costs
- High-performance computing clusters requiring mixed-speed links
- Storage and virtualization platforms with heavy data workloads
Durability and Installation Benefits
The cable’s lightweight design and bend radius of just 7.5mm allow for effortless routing even in dense racks. The durable jacket ensures resistance to stress and damage, supporting reliable long-term use.
Future-Ready Networking Solution
The HPE Compatible 721073-B21 QSFP+ to 4x SFP+ 10m Active Optical Cable is engineered to meet the growing demand for high-speed, reliable, and scalable interconnects. Supporting diverse networking protocols and ensuring optimal efficiency, it is a versatile solution for enterprises building next-generation infrastructure.
Physical and mechanical characteristics
- Length: 10 metres (nominal).
- Connectors: 1× QSFP+ (40G) male — 4× SFP+ (10G) male.
- Cable type: Active optical cable (AOC) - multi-fibre MPO/LC internal fanout depending on vendor build.
- Bend radius: Minimum bend radius typically specified by manufacturer — follow HPE installation guidelines to avoid micro-bending losses.
- Weight: Lightweight optical assembly — simpler cable management and less strain on ports compared to copper DAC of similar length.
- Operating temperature: Designed for data-centre ambient ranges; check HPE datasheet for exact min/max values.
Electrical and optical behavior
Unlike passive copper cables, this AOC uses optical transceivers and active electronics at both ends. That means very low insertion loss over the 10m span, immunity to electromagnetic interference (EMI), and insulation benefits in electrically noisy environments. Power consumption is low compared to older optical transceivers — the embedded optics are optimised to meet HPE power profiles for QSFP+ and SFP+ modules, supporting efficient mid-plane or front-to-back airflow designs.
Performance metrics: throughput, latency and reliability
Performance is governed by the QSFP+ standard for 40G and SFP+ standard for 10G. Expect full-wire-rate 40Gbps throughput on the QSFP+ aggregate side, with each SFP+ lane delivering a dedicated 10Gbps channel. Latency is minimal — the serialization/deserialization adds microseconds at most — making the 721073-B21 AOC suitable for latency-sensitive applications such as virtualized storage fabrics, low-latency trading systems, and high-performance compute clusters.
Compatibility and interoperability
This category focuses on the HPE part number 721073-B21, explicitly qualified for HPE BladeSystem chassis, interconnect modules and HPE server mezzanine ports that accept QSFP+ and SFP+ modules. While AOCs can be physically compatible with multiple vendors' QSFP+/SFP+ ports, enterprise customers usually prefer HPE-approved SKUs to ensure vendor support, firmware compatibility and in-warranty service. Check switch and server firmware release notes for the most recent supported AOC lists.
Supported link types and protocols
- Ethernet: 10GBASE-SR (per SFP+), 40GBASE-SR4 (over QSFP+ lane aggregation).
- Fibre Channel: 8G/10G Fibre Channel over SFP+ lanes (vendor/firmware dependent).
- Converged protocols: FCoE and other encapsulations supported when the host and switch advertise compatible link modes.
Interoperability tips
- Use HPE compatibility matrices to verify exact match with BladeSystem models and interconnect modules.
- Ensure switch firmware and NIC drivers are up to date to avoid link negotiation issues.
- For multi-vendor racks, test in lab before mass deployment to confirm lane mapping and SFP+ recognition.
Features
Manufacturer Warranty:
None
Product/Item Condition:
New (System) Pull
ServerOrbit Replacement Warranty:
1 Year Warranty
