NVIDIA 400Gb/s QSFP-DD Cables

NVIDIA 400Gb/s QSFP-DD Cables Ethernet Connectivity Solutions

The 400Gb/s QSFP-DD Ethernet solution represents a next-generation connectivity standard designed to meet the needs of modern data centers, high-performance computing (HPC), AI workloads, and cloud infrastructures.

Leveraging 50G-PAM4 modulation, these high-speed cables and transceivers enable seamless, high-bandwidth Ethernet communication between switches, network interface cards (NICs), and data processing units (DPUs).

This family of 400Gb/s products is optimized for use with NVIDIA Spectrum-4 SN5400 and Spectrum-3 SN4000 series Ethernet switches, in combination with ConnectX-6 / ConnectX-7 NICs and BlueField-2 / BlueField-3 DPUs.

These advanced interconnects come in a variety of form factors, lengths, and technologies to suit short-range and long-range networking needs.

Key Applications

• Data Center Networking: Enables ultra-fast, reliable interconnectivity between switches, NICs, and DPUs within rack and across racks.
• AI & HPC Environments: Supports the low-latency, high-throughput requirements of AI model training and large-scale scientific simulations.
• Cloud Infrastructure: Designed to scale cloud workloads with minimal congestion and optimal performance.
• Enterprise-Grade Storage & Compute Fabrics: Ensures seamless bandwidth delivery for intensive storage and compute environments.

Supported Hardware

1. Ethernet Switch Compatibility

• NVIDIA Spectrum-4 SN5400 series
• NVIDIA Spectrum-3 SN4000 series

These advanced switches are built for next-gen Ethernet environments requiring ultra-low latency, high throughput, and high port density.

2. NIC and DPU Compatibility

• ConnectX-6 and ConnectX-7 network adapters
• BlueField-2 and BlueField-3 DPUs

These adapters and DPUs provide compute, networking, and security acceleration in modern data center environments.

Connector Technologies

1. QSFP-DD (Quad Small Form Factor Double Density)

• Utilized primarily on Ethernet switches
• Supports 400Gb/s using 8 lanes at 50G-PAM4 modulation
• Ideal for high-density switch deployments

2. QSFP56 and QSFP28

• Used on NICs and DPUs for backward and forward compatibility
• QSFP56 supports up to 200Gb/s
• QSFP28 typically supports up to 100Gb/s

3. MPO12 APC to MPO12 APC

• Multi-fiber push-on connectors for optical deployments
• Used in NDR (Next Data Rate) InfiniBand solutions
• Ensures precise signal transmission with low insertion loss

Product Types & Reach

To meet the varied needs of different data center architectures, the 400Gb/s product lineup includes:

1. DAC (Direct Attach Copper) Cables

• Passive copper cabling
• Suitable for short-distance, cost-effective deployment
• Maximum reach: Up to 2.5 meters

2. AOC (Active Optical Cables)

• Electrical-to-optical conversion at each end
• Lower weight and higher flexibility compared to DAC
• Reach: 3m to 100m
• Ideal for medium-range intra-data center links

3. Optical Transceivers

Multimode Optics:

• Optimized for short-range optical communication
• Maximum reach: 100 meters

Single-Mode Optics:

• Designed for long-range communication between data centers or across campuses
• Available in 500m, 2km, and 10km variants
• Uses low-loss fiber to extend connectivity while maintaining high bandwidth

Performance Technologies

50G-PAM4 Modulation

• 4-level Pulse Amplitude Modulation (PAM4) enables higher data rates per channel
• Allows transmission of 50Gb/s per lane over existing infrastructure
• Delivers 400Gb/s using 8 lanes with optimized signal integrity

Ethernet Only Configuration

• These specific 400Gb/s products support Ethernet communication exclusively (not InfiniBand)
• Ideal for cloud-native applications, containerized networking, and software-defined infrastructure

Product Options

Here’s a snapshot of available 400Gb/s and EDR products that support a range of configurations and distances:

SKU	OPN	Data Rate	Interface	Length	Technology
980-9I13O-00E010	MFA1A00-E010	EDR	QSFP28	10m	InfiniBand
980-9I13V-00E020	MFA1A00-E020	EDR	QSFP28	20m	InfiniBand
980-9I13Y-00E030	MFA1A00-E030	EDR	QSFP28	30m	InfiniBand
980-9I73U-000003	MFP7E10-N003	NDR	MPO12 APC to MPO12 APC	3m	InfiniBand
980-9I73V-000005	MFP7E10-N005	NDR	MPO12 APC to MPO12 APC	5m	InfiniBand

Advantages of 400Gb/s QSFP-DD Ethernet Interconnects

• Scalability: Meets future bandwidth demands without overhauling infrastructure
• Interoperability: Compatible with a wide range of NVIDIA hardware
• Modular Design: Offers flexibility with copper and optical options
• Operational Efficiency: Reduces latency and power consumption in dense environments
• Long-Distance Support: Enables seamless campus or inter-data center communication

Use Cases and Deployment Scenarios

• Rack-to-Rack Ethernet Links: Using short-range DAC or AOC cables
• Top-of-Rack (ToR) to Aggregation Switch: With multimode optics
• Data Center Interconnect (DCI): Leveraging long-range single-mode optics
• AI Cluster Communication: High-bandwidth links between BlueField DPUs and switches
• Cloud Infrastructure Backbone: Scalable 400Gb/s Ethernet connections for container-based applications

Conclusion

The 400Gb/s QSFP-DD Ethernet connectivity solutions powered by 50G-PAM4 modulation are the foundation of ultra-high-performance data networks.

Offering a full suite of cables and transceivers for both short and long distances, these components are built to integrate seamlessly with NVIDIA’s industry-leading switches, NICs, and DPUs.

Whether you’re building out an AI cluster, upgrading a hyperscale data center, or creating a next-generation enterprise network, these connectivity products provide the speed, flexibility, and reliability to keep your infrastructure future-ready.