HPE 845424-B21 QSFP28 to 4x25Gbps Active Optical Cable

Overview

The HPE 845424-B21 is a 15-meter active optical cable (AOC) designed to break out a QSFP28 port into four independent 25Gbps SFP28 connections. This cable is critical for high-density server or switch uplinks in data centers, enabling efficient connectivity for network aggregation or direct server access where multiple 25Gbps links are required from a single QSFP28 port. Its active nature means it includes signal conditioning electronics within the connector housings, ensuring signal integrity over its 15-meter length without the need for external transceivers.

Compatibility

This cable is engineered for use with HPE ProLiant DL380 Gen10 Plus servers and HPE FlexFabric 5900 series switches, among other HPE networking and server platforms that utilize QSFP28 ports for breakout configurations. It is designed to connect to standard SFP28 ports on the receiving end, facilitating a direct link between a QSFP28 host port and four separate 25Gbps devices or switch ports.

Installation Notes

Ensure the QSFP28 port on the host device and the SFP28 ports on the target devices are clean before insertion. The cable is plug-and-play; no configuration is typically required on the host or target devices, provided the ports are enabled and configured for 25Gbps operation. Avoid sharp bends or excessive tension on the cable to maintain signal integrity and prevent physical damage.