P06248-B21 HPE Compatible Infiniband HDR 200G QSFP56 to 2x100G QSFP56 PAM4 Copper Cable

Product Overview of HPE Compatible Infiniband Cable

The P06248-B21 breakout direct attach copper (DAC) cable is engineered to deliver exceptional high-speed data transmission for demanding networking and computing applications. This cable facilitates a seamless connection between a single 200G QSFP56 port and two separate 100G QSFP56 ports, enabling efficient breakout functionality ideal for modern data centers and high-performance computing (HPC) infrastructures.

General Information

• Manufacturer: HPE
• Part Number: P06248-B21
• Wire gauge: 30 AWG for reliable signal integrity
• Cable length: 1 meter (approximately 3.3 feet)
• Minimum bend radius: 26mm to 34mm, ensuring flexibility without damage
• Outer jacket: PVC (OFNR) providing durability and flame retardance

Performance Parameters

• Maximum data throughput: 200 Gb/s aggregate bandwidth
• Modulation: PAM4 signaling for enhanced spectral efficiency
• Operating temperature range: 0°C to 70°C (32°F to 158°F)

Compliance and Standards

• IEEE 802.3cd standard support for 200G Ethernet implementations
• SFF-8665 and SFF-8636 standards ensuring interoperability with industry devices
• QSFP56 Multi-Source Agreement (MSA) certified for compatibility across vendors

Use Cases

• Ideal for data centers requiring high-bandwidth interconnects
• Supports InfiniBand HDR and HDR100 high-performance networking
• Well-suited for HPC clusters and server farms demanding robust cabling solutions

Quality and Reliability

• Manufactured by FiberMall, a trusted OEM supplier with extensive optical communication expertise
• Produced by industry-leading manufacturers certified by top-tier system vendors
• Strict quality control measures guarantee consistent performance and durability

P06248-B21 HPE Compatible Infiniband HDR 200G QSFP56 to 2x100G QSFP56 PAM4 Passive Breakout Direct Attach Copper Cable

Comprehensive Overview of the P06248-B21 Breakout DAC Cable

Built to support the latest InfiniBand HDR 200G protocols and 200G Ethernet standards, this passive twinax copper cable employs advanced PAM4 modulation techniques to maximize data throughput while maintaining signal integrity. Its compatibility with HPE systems combined with rigorous adherence to industry standards such as IEEE 802.3cd, SFF-8665, and QSFP56 MSA ensures broad interoperability and reliable performance.

Key Features and Advantages

High-Speed Data Transmission Capabilities

• Supports aggregate bandwidth of up to 200 Gb/s through a single QSFP56 interface, breaking out into two 100 Gb/s QSFP56 channels.
• PAM4 (Pulse Amplitude Modulation 4-level) signaling enables increased data density and spectral efficiency, reducing bandwidth bottlenecks.
• Passive twinax copper design offers low-latency connections without the complexity of active signal conditioning, resulting in a cost-effective and energy-efficient cabling solution.

Robust Build Quality and Physical Design

• Constructed with 30 AWG (American Wire Gauge) copper conductors, balancing flexibility and signal integrity.
• Durable PVC jacket (OFNR-rated) ensures flame retardance and mechanical protection in high-density rack environments.
• Compact 1-meter cable length optimizes performance for short-reach applications within racks or adjacent racks, minimizing signal loss.
• Designed with a minimum bend radius between 26mm and 34mm to maintain cable longevity and prevent damage during installation or maintenance.

Industry Standards Compliance

• IEEE 802.3cd compliant, supporting 200G Ethernet implementations with breakout capabilities.
• Adheres to SFF-8665 specifications, defining breakout cable interfaces for QSFP56 form factor devices.
• Conforms with QSFP56 MSA (Multi-Source Agreement) to ensure vendor interoperability and interchangeability.
• Compatible with SFF-8636 management interface standards for reliable plug-and-play operation.

Data Protocols

• 200G Ethernet compliant under IEEE 802.3cd standard.
• InfiniBand HDR and HDR100 protocols support high-throughput computing clusters.
• Support for QSFP56 transceiver interfaces allowing seamless integration with network switches, routers, and servers.

Data Centers

Modern data centers demand scalable, high-density interconnects to meet increasing bandwidth requirements. The P06248-B21 breakout cable allows network engineers to efficiently split a single 200G port into two 100G connections, optimizing port utilization and reducing infrastructure costs.

• Facilitates aggregation and distribution of network traffic within top-of-rack and end-of-row switches.
• Supports high-throughput server connections and storage area networks (SANs).
• Ideal for dense rack environments where space and cable management are critical.

High-Performance Computing (HPC)

High-performance computing clusters require low-latency, high-bandwidth interconnects to sustain parallel processing workloads. The breakout DAC cable ensures reliable communication between compute nodes with minimal signal degradation.

• Optimizes InfiniBand HDR interconnects for parallel applications and supercomputing tasks.
• Supports rapid data exchange critical for simulation, modeling, and data analytics.
• Passive design reduces power consumption compared to active optical cables.

Enterprise Networking

In enterprise environments, the need for flexible, high-speed connectivity solutions continues to grow. This breakout cable simplifies network topology by enabling multi-channel connectivity from a single QSFP56 port.

• Enhances the scalability of campus and branch networks by providing easy breakout options.
• Supports virtualization and cloud computing infrastructures requiring robust bandwidth allocation.
• Compatible with leading HPE switch models and other industry-standard hardware.

Advantages of PAM4 Modulation in Breakout Cables

Improved Spectral Efficiency

PAM4 modulation technology encodes two bits per symbol, effectively doubling the data transmission capacity compared to traditional NRZ (Non-Return-to-Zero) signaling. This allows for higher bandwidth without increasing the required frequency spectrum, making it an essential feature for 200G breakout cables.

Reduced Latency and Power Consumption

Unlike active optical cables that incorporate signal repeaters and transceivers, the passive DAC design utilizing PAM4 minimizes latency by avoiding signal regeneration. Additionally, passive cables consume significantly less power, contributing to energy savings in large-scale deployments.

Compatibility and Interoperability

The PAM4 signaling used in this breakout cable is standardized across major vendors and supported by numerous QSFP56 transceivers and switches, ensuring seamless integration into existing infrastructures without requiring proprietary hardware.

Handling and Bending

• Maintain the minimum bend radius of 26-34mm during installation to prevent internal conductor damage and maintain signal integrity.
• Avoid sharp bends and kinks, especially near connector ends, to prolong cable lifespan.

Connector Mating and Compatibility

• Verify connector compatibility with QSFP56 ports on switches, servers, or storage devices.
• Inspect connectors for debris or damage before mating to avoid connection issues.
• Ensure secure latching of connectors to maintain stable electrical contact.

Quality Assurance and Manufacturer Reliability

FiberMall Manufacturing Standards

The P06248-B21 breakout cable is manufactured by FiberMall, a globally recognized supplier known for stringent quality control and industry expertise. Their production facilities adhere to international quality management systems to ensure consistency and reliability.

OEM Certification and Industry Experience

FiberMall works closely with first-tier OEMs and system integrators, supplying components that meet rigorous certification criteria. Many of their manufacturing partners are certified suppliers for leading network equipment manufacturers, reflecting a commitment to excellence.

Testing and Validation

• Each cable undergoes comprehensive electrical testing to verify signal integrity and compliance with protocol standards.
• Durability tests include mechanical stress, temperature cycling, and bend testing to simulate real-world installation conditions.
• Continuous quality monitoring throughout production guarantees defect-free products.

Subcategories and Related Products

Alternative Breakout Cable Lengths

While the 1-meter length is optimal for most short-reach scenarios, longer breakout DAC cables are available to support extended reach requirements within data centers, facilitating flexible rack-to-rack connectivity.

Active Optical Breakout Cables

For environments demanding longer cable runs or electromagnetic interference resistance, active optical breakout cables complement the passive copper solutions by incorporating transceiver electronics and optical fibers.

Compatible Transceivers and Modules

To maximize performance, QSFP56 breakout cables are often paired with compatible transceiver modules from HPE and other vendors, ensuring end-to-end connectivity and network efficiency.

Performance Optimization Tips

Proper Cable

• Organize breakout cables using cable trays or routing guides to reduce strain and tangling.
• Label cables clearly to simplify maintenance and troubleshooting in complex network setups.

Periodic Inspection and Replacement

• Regularly inspect cable integrity, connectors, and jacket condition to preemptively address wear or damage.
• Replace cables showing signs of degradation or failure to maintain network reliability.

Firmware and Hardware Compatibility Checks

• Keep network device firmware updated to support the latest breakout cable standards and features.
• Consult hardware compatibility matrices from vendors to ensure seamless operation with QSFP56 breakout DAC cables.