Cisco QSFP-4SFP25G-CU5M
100GBase QSFP to 4xSFP25G Passive Copper Splitter Cable, 5m, Original Cisco
Product Highlights
Migrating your data center to 100G shouldn't mean ripping and replacing every access-layer device overnight. The Cisco QSFP-4SFP25G-CU5M is a 100GBase QSFP28 to 4xSFP25G passive copper splitter cable that lets you bridge the gap — connecting a 100G spine or aggregation port to four independent 25G leaf or server ports over a single, cost-effective 5-meter direct-attach copper assembly.
This original Cisco breakout DAC cable features a QSFP28 connector on one end and four SFP28 connectors on the other, delivering an aggregate 100 Gbps of bandwidth across four 25 Gbps lanes. Because it uses passive twinax copper technology, there are no active electronics in the cable — meaning near-zero latency, minimal power draw (just 1.5W typical), and exceptional reliability for short-range, intra-rack or adjacent-rack connections.
Ideal for top-of-rack deployments in enterprise data centers, high-performance computing clusters, and telecom equipment rooms, the QSFP-4SFP25G-CU5M is supported on key Cisco platforms including the Nexus 9300 Series, Nexus 3000 Series, and Catalyst 9500 switches. As a genuine Cisco product, it is pre-programmed and serialized for seamless plug-and-play operation — no compatibility overrides required.
Features & Benefits
100G-to-4x25G Breakout Connectivity
The QSFP-4SFP25G-CU5M splits a single 100G QSFP28 port into four independent 25G SFP28 channels. This maximizes port utilization on your spine switches while connecting directly to 25G-enabled servers, storage, or leaf switches — eliminating the need for intermediate patch panels or media converters.
Passive Twinax Copper — Low Cost, Low Latency
Passive direct-attach copper cables require no electrical signal boosting or regeneration, which translates to ultra-low latency and minimal power consumption. With only 1.5W typical draw, this cable keeps your OPEX low while delivering reliable 100G aggregate throughput over distances up to 5 meters.
Genuine Cisco — Guaranteed Compatibility
As an original Cisco transceiver assembly, the QSFP-4SFP25G-CU5M is factory-programmed with the correct EEPROM data for immediate recognition on supported Cisco platforms. You avoid the risk of compatibility warnings, service unsupported-transceiver CLI commands, or voided support contracts that can come with third-party optics.
Hot-Swappable & Easy to Deploy
The cable is fully hot-swappable, allowing installation or replacement without powering down the host device. The gray pull-tab provides easy identification and removal in dense cabling environments, reducing mean time to repair during maintenance windows.
Deployment Scenarios
Data Center Top-of-Rack Deployment
Connect a 100G uplink on a Nexus 9300 or Catalyst 9500 spine switch to four 25G-enabled servers or leaf switches within the same rack or adjacent racks. The 5-meter reach covers standard row-to-row distances while the passive design keeps latency to an absolute minimum.
100G-to-25G Migration Bridge
Organizations transitioning from 10G/25G access layers to 100G aggregation can use this breakout cable to connect new 100G infrastructure to existing 25G endpoints. This phased approach protects your investment and avoids a costly forklift upgrade.
High-Performance Computing (HPC) Clusters
In HPC environments where low latency and high bandwidth between compute nodes are critical, the QSFP-4SFP25G-CU5M provides a simple, reliable copper interconnect that fans out a single 100G port to four compute nodes running 25G NICs.
General
Performance
Connectors & Cable
Physical
Power & Environmental
Compliance & Standards
Compatibility Notes
Supported Cisco Platforms
The following platforms are documented as compatible with the QSFP-4SFP25G-CU5M:
- Cisco Catalyst 9500 Series — C9500-32C, C9500-48Y4C
- Cisco Nexus 9300 Series — N9K-C9348GC-FXP, N9K-C9336C-FX2, N9K-C93180LC-EX, N9K-C93108TC-FX, N9K-C93600CD-GX, N9K-C93180YC-EX, N9K-C93180YC-FX
- Cisco Nexus 3000 Series — N3K-C3232C, N3K-C3264C-E, N3K-C3132C-Z, N3K-C3464C
Always verify transceiver compatibility against the Cisco Transceiver Compatibility Matrix for your specific NX-OS or IOS-XE software release.
Downloads & Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
| Part Number | Product | Key Difference |
|---|---|---|
| QSFP-4SFP25G-CU3M | Cisco 100G QSFP28 to 4xSFP28 DAC, 3m | Shorter 3-meter reach — ideal for intra-rack connections where 5m is not needed, with potentially lower insertion loss. |
| QSFP-4SFP25G-CU2M | Cisco 100G QSFP28 to 4xSFP28 DAC, 2m | 2-meter length for very short runs within the same rack; uses thinner gauge copper for tighter bend radius. |
| QSFP-4SFP25G-CU1M | Cisco 100G QSFP28 to 4xSFP28 DAC, 1m | 1-meter length for top-of-rack to server connections in the same cabinet — most compact option in the family. |
| QSFP-100G-CU5M | Cisco 100G QSFP28 to QSFP28 DAC, 5m | Non-breakout 100G-to-100G DAC — use when both ends have QSFP28 ports and no fan-out is required. |
