200G QSFP56 to 2×100G QSFP56 Passive DAC Breakout Cable, Twinax Copper

• 200G QSFP56 to 2×100G QSFP56 breakout configuration
• Supports aggregate data rates up to 200Gbps using PAM4
• Four transmission channels with up to 56Gbps per channel
• Eight differential copper pairs
• Passive twinax copper architecture
• Designed for 200GBASE-CR4 and 100GBASE-CR2 applications
• Compatible with IEEE 802.3bj and IEEE 802.3cd
• Optimized construction for reduced insertion loss and crosstalk
• Available in 26 AWG and 30 AWG configurations
• Cable lengths available up to 3m
• Very low power consumption of ≤0.1W
• Pull-to-release slide latch for convenient installation and removal
• QSFP56 interface with the established QSFP mechanical form factor
• Suitable for high-density rack deployments
• Generic compatibility for supported networking platforms
• RoHS, REACH, UL, FCC, and CE compliant

• 200G to 2×100G network breakout
• 200G Ethernet infrastructure
• 200GBASE-CR4 connections
• 100GBASE-CR2 connections
• Data center spine-to-leaf connections
• Switch-to-switch interconnects
• Switch-to-server connectivity
• Storage area networks (SAN)
• High-performance computing (HPC)
• InfiniBand networks
• Telecommunications and wireless infrastructure
• Network expansion and migration
• Test and measurement equipment
• Medical and specialized networking systems

OEM and customized 200G QSFP56 breakout DAC solutions are available for network equipment manufacturers, system integrators, distributors, and data center operators. Customization options may include cable length, conductor gauge, cable jacket, labeling, serial-number identification, packaging, branding, and other project-specific requirements.

For volume deployments, compatibility can be evaluated against the specific 200G switch, router, server, or storage platform. Customers can provide equipment models, required breakout topology, cable length, wire gauge, and quantity for a tailored configuration.

How does the 200G to 2×100G breakout work?

The cable has one QSFP56 connector on the 200G side and two QSFP56 connectors on the breakout side. The four high-speed PAM4 channels of the 200G connection are divided between the two 100G connections, allowing a compatible 200G port to communicate with two independent 100G ports.

Does the breakout cable actively convert 200G to 100G?

No. This is a passive copper breakout cable and does not contain active signal-processing or optical conversion components. The host networking equipment must support the required 200G breakout mode and 100G operating configuration.

Why is PAM4 important for this cable?

PAM4 enables more data to be transmitted per electrical symbol, allowing each channel to reach up to 56Gbps. However, PAM4 has tighter signal margins than traditional NRZ signaling, making insertion loss, crosstalk, reflections, and overall cable quality particularly important for reliable 200G operation.

Can the cable connect any 200G QSFP56 switch to two 100G ports?

Not necessarily. The physical QSFP56 interface may be compatible, but the host equipment must support the appropriate 200G breakout configuration and 100G operating mode. Compatibility should be verified with the specific switch, router, or server platform before deployment.

Why are 26 AWG and 30 AWG options available?

Different conductor gauges allow the cable to be optimized for different installation requirements. A larger conductor such as 26 AWG can provide robust electrical performance, while 30 AWG offers a slimmer and more flexible cable profile that can simplify cable management in high-density racks.

Why is the maximum length limited to 3m?

200G PAM4 transmission has tighter electrical signal requirements than lower-speed interfaces. Limiting the passive copper cable length helps maintain the required signal integrity while controlling insertion loss and crosstalk. For longer connections, an active optical or other suitable optical solution may be more appropriate.