100GbE QSFP28 active optical cables technical selection questions
Technical evaluation questions with variant-specific scope and sources.
100GbE QSFP28 active optical cables technical selection questions
These questions are prepared from the cited technical documentation and clearly scoped owner inputs. They are not a measured frequency ranking. Keep the applicability line with each answer; do not transfer board, cooling, crypto, protocol, cable length or firmware facts between variants.
What do the -C variants support?
Applicable canonical content subjects: 980-9I13A-00C015, 980-9I130-00C050, 980-9I13F-00C020.
The exact C015, C020 and C050 ordering and release rows identify 100GbE. Broad MFA1A00 family text also mentions EDR, but the exact -C rows do not establish EDR support.
Public references
- Ordering Information | MFA1A00-xxxx 100Gb/s QSFP28 MMF Active Optical Cable Product Specifications
- Validated and Supported Cables and Switches | ConnectX-7 Firmware RN
How are the three variants different?
Applicable canonical content subjects: 980-9I13A-00C015, 980-9I130-00C050, 980-9I13F-00C020.
They are the 15 m, 20 m and 50 m versions of a QSFP28-to-QSFP28 active optical cable. Use the exact length-specific model in the cable schedule.
Public references
What are the lane and power characteristics?
Applicable canonical content subjects: 980-9I13A-00C015, 980-9I130-00C050, 980-9I13F-00C020.
The Ethernet design uses four 25G-NRZ lanes. With all lanes retimed, the specification gives 2.2 W typical and 2.5 W maximum per end.
Public references
- Mellanox 100GbE QSFP28 MMF Active Optical Cables, Rev 1.82
- Specifications | MFA1A00-xxxx 100Gb/s QSFP28 MMF Active Optical Cable Product Specifications
What lifecycle context belongs on the page?
Applicable canonical content subjects: 980-9I13A-00C015, 980-9I130-00C050, 980-9I13F-00C020.
The exact three OPNs are EOL [HVM] in CX7 v28.50.1002. That is a manufacturer lifecycle statement, not a conclusion about a particular seller’s stock or the condition of a supplied unit.
Public references
Where does forward error correction take place?
Applicable canonical content subjects: 980-9I13A-00C015, 980-9I130-00C050, 980-9I13F-00C020.
The FAQ places FEC in the switch and network adapter. Match the supported endpoint configuration; a cable does not independently fix a FEC mismatch.
Public references
Why can a cable have two minimum bend radii?
Applicable canonical content subjects: 980-9I13A-00C015, 980-9I130-00C050, 980-9I13F-00C020.
The connector exit generally needs a larger bend radius than the cable body. Follow the exact assembly drawing and leave adequate space behind the rack door.