Ciena 160-9451-900 Compatible TAA Compliant 100GBase-CU QSFP28 Direct Attach Cable (Passive Twinax, 0.5m)

The Ciena 160-9451-900 Compatible TAA Compliant 100GBase-CU QSFP28 Direct Attach Cable is the ideal solution for high-speed data transfer in modern data centers and enterprise networks. This passive Twinax cable is engineered for exceptional performance, reliability, and strict compliance, delivering a cost-efficient, low-latency interconnect that meets the demands of dense, high-throughput environments. Designed to work seamlessly with QSFP28 ports, it provides a simple, plug-and-play path to high-bandwidth connectivity without the complexity of fiber optics or active components. If you’re deploying 100GBASE-CU links between switches, routers, storage systems, and other network devices, this DAC delivers the right balance of performance, reliability, and value.

Whether you’re upgrading an existing fabric or building out a new spine-leaf topology, the 0.5m passive Twinax Direct Attach Cable supports short-reach, point-to-point connections with minimal signal loss and excellent signal integrity. Its compact form factor and rigid testing standards ensure consistent performance across a variety of equipment from multiple vendors, making it a versatile choice for heterogeneous data-center environments. In addition to delivering high-speed data transfer, the cable’s TAA compliance and RoHS conformance help ensure global availability and reduced environmental impact, aligning with procurement requirements and sustainability goals for modern data centers.

With enterprise-grade reliability and a focus on real-world performance, this Ciena-compatible DAC supports hot-plug functionality on many devices, enabling flexible network reconfigurations without downtime. The passive design eliminates power consumption at the cable level, contributing to lower total cost of ownership and simplified data-center power management. For IT teams, this translates into faster rack deployments, easier cable management, and fewer marginal variables affecting performance, so you can deploy new services with confidence and speed.

• Blazing-fast 100GBase-CU performance: Delivers full 100 Gbps bandwidth over a QSFP28 interface for short-reach interconnects, enabling high-density data-center fabrics and rapid migration to higher-speed networks.
• Passive Twinax copper design: A power-efficient, low-latency solution that requires no external power or active components, reducing heat, cooling costs, and overall energy consumption in the data center.
• Compact 0.5-meter length: Perfect for short, tidy cable runs inside racks and between adjacent networking devices, helping to optimize airflow and minimize cable clutter in dense cabinet environments.
• TA A compliant and vendor-flexible: Meets Trade Agreement Act requirements and RoHS standards, ensuring broad compatibility with global procurement policies and environmental guidelines while supporting interoperability with Ciena equipment and other QSFP28 platforms.
• Reliable compatibility with Ciena ecosystems: Specifically tested to align with the Ciena 160-9451-900 family and other QSFP28 DAC implementations, facilitating straightforward integration into existing network topologies without performance concessions.

Technical Details of Ciena 160-9451-900 Compatible TAA Compliant 100GBase-CU QSFP28 Direct Attach Cable

• Product type: Direct Attach Cable (DAC), Passive Twinax
• Interface: QSFP28 to QSFP28 on both ends
• Cable type: Passive copper Twinax assembly
• Length: 0.5 meters
• Data rate: 100 Gbps (100GBASE-CU)
• Compliance: TAA compliant, RoHS compliant
• Compatibility: Ciena 160-9451-900 compatible with QSFP28 ports and related 100GBASE-CU devices
• Operating considerations: Designed for short-reach interconnects in data centers, optimized for low-latency, high-bandwidth links
• Durability and build: High-quality copper conductors with precise terminations for reliable over-time performance in dense rack environments

How to install Ciena 160-9451-900 Compatible TAA Compliant 100GBase-CU QSFP28 Direct Attach Cable

• Prepare the hardware: Verify that both devices have available QSFP28 ports supporting 100GBASE-CU and that the cable length suits your rack layout. Power-down or ensure a safe-hot-plug policy as recommended by your equipment vendor if your environment requires it.
• Inspect connectors: Check that the QSFP28 connectors are free of dust, debris, and damage. Handle connectors by the housing, avoiding contact with the gold contacts to prevent contamination and electrostatic discharge.
• Align and insert: Carefully align the QSFP28 plug with the port and push straight in until you hear or feel a secure click. Do not twist or force the connector; misalignment can cause damage to the port and the DAC assembly.
• Verify link status: After installation, power up the devices (if powered down) and check the link LED indicators. Confirm a stable 100G link and perform a basic throughput test to ensure the connection meets expected performance levels.
• Manage and maintain: Route the cable to minimize bending and keep the cable within the recommended bend radius. Use cable management accessories to prevent kinking, ensure airflow, and simplify future maintenance or reconfigurations.

Frequently asked questions

• What is the cable type and what does passive mean? This Direct Attach Cable is a passive Twinax copper assembly. "Passive" means it does not require power to operate and relies on the copper conductors to carry the electrical signal between QSFP28 ports, offering low latency and reduced power consumption compared to active optical or powered copper options.
• What devices is this DAC compatible with? It is designed to be compatible with Ciena equipment and other QSFP28-based devices that support 100GBASE-CU short-reach connections. It is commonly used for interconnecting switches, routers, and storage devices within data centers.
• What is the length and why is 0.5m ideal? The length is 0.5 meters, which is well-suited for short, internal rack connections where space is tight and cable routing efficiency improves airflow and cabling management.
• Is it TAA compliant and RoHS compliant? Yes. The cable meets TAA requirements and RoHS standards, ensuring compliance with procurement policies and environmental regulations for many regions worldwide.
• How do I verify performance after installation? Connect the devices, confirm a stable 100G link, and run a baseline throughput test. If issues occur, re-check port configurations, ensure correct QSFP28 orientation, and verify that firmware or drivers are up to date on the connected devices.