Cisco Q56-200-CU3M Compatible 200G QSFP56 4 x 50G PAM4 Passive Copper Twinax Cable, 3m (10ft)

Product Highlights

• Compatible alternative to Cisco Q56-200-CU3M
• 200G connectivity at 200Gbps
• Interface configuration: QSFP56 to QSFP56
• Fixed length and part number: 3m (10ft), Q56-200-CU3M
• Cable construction: Passive Twinax
• Conductor specification: 26AWG
• Maximum power consumption: 0.03W Per End
• Minimum bend radius: 44.5mm

Specifications

Power and Thermal Planning

The rated power consumption is 0.03W Per End. Include this load in the host-port power and thermal budget, especially in densely populated switches. Maintain front-panel clearance and do not bundle the cable so tightly that it obstructs airflow around the connectors.

Passive Copper Operation

A passive DAC has no separate optical conversion stage. Its low-power, low-latency operation is useful for short equipment links, but the assembly must remain within the length and signaling mode accepted by both hosts.

Length Selection and Installation Planning

At 3m (10ft), this assembly can bridge non-aligned ports or adjacent racks while remaining a single direct-attach link. Support longer horizontal runs with suitable cable management and preserve space for cooling and future maintenance.

Position Within the Length Range

Q56-200-CU3M is the longest of 5 verified length options in this family. Compared with Q56-200-CU2M at 2m (7ft), it provides 1m of additional reach for a longer vertical drop, a wider rack or an adjacent-cabinet route. Confirm that the complete path requires this length, because unused slack still needs supported, bend-safe storage.

Mixed-Vendor Network Operation

A mixed-vendor link should be documented at both ends, not treated as one generic connection. Confirm which OEM identity each host expects and whether the two ends use the same compatibility requirement. The related brand links below help locate equivalent-length assemblies, while the physical form factor and lane arrangement must still agree across the complete path. For this assembly, the listed conductor specification is 26AWG; the minimum bend radius is 44.5mm; the stated power consumption is 0.03W Per End; the jacket material is PVC.

Cable Construction and Routing

This assembly uses 26AWG conductors, PVC jacket, minimum bend radius 44.5mm. These mechanical characteristics affect how the cable should be dressed behind the equipment. Avoid sharp edges, excessive ties and repeated tight bends close to the connector boots.

Network and Protocol Considerations

The intended application is determined by the host interface and protocol support. Listed interface and protocol references include IEEE802.3cd, SFF-8436. Confirm that the host firmware and port configuration support the same operating mode.

Cisco Compatibility and Factory Testing

Testing addresses the brand-specific identification as well as the operating link and available diagnostics. The same physical cable family can require a different host identity for another equipment vendor, so the intended platform should be supplied when a deployment combines multiple brands or unusual hardware revisions. The check includes link stability and diagnostic indications, followed by a final inspection of both ends.

Ordering Information

For mixed-vendor projects, identify the equipment at both ends along with the OEM reference, length and quantity. Order each compatibility version under its own part number. If spare assemblies are required, list them separately so labels and test records remain unambiguous. Quantity and any labeling instructions should be attached specifically to Q56-200-CU3M.

Quality Assurance and Packaging

Both ends are inspected and the complete assembly is powered up for a functional check before packing. Connectors are protected individually and the cable is secured without tight bends. Optional labels can distinguish host brand, OEM reference and length for easier spares management. Neutral packaging and customer-specific packing documentation are available on request.

Frequently Asked Questions

Shipping and Lead Time

Standard configurations normally ship within one to three working days, while production quantities are confirmed with the order. International express, air cargo and sea freight can be selected according to destination and carton volume; customer courier accounts and nominated forwarders are also accepted.