Using a 40GbE (QSFP+) NIC with a 10GbE Switch (SFP+)

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OBasel

Active Member
Dec 28, 2010
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wait... so you can just use these adapters and you don't need to re-cable? that's a f'n life saver.

aren't the 40gbe adapters using way more power than the 10gbe ones?
 

Patrick

Administrator
Staff member
Dec 21, 2010
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Yes. It helps when you are migrating to 40GbE.

40GbE NICs with DACs use a lot less power than you may think.
 

vanfawx

Active Member
Jan 4, 2015
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Vancouver, Canada
Wow, I've looked at these in the past, and the cost of them scared me off. Can even get them for about $50 Canadian a piece on eBay. Great article!
 

Patrick

Administrator
Staff member
Dec 21, 2010
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inf3rno

Member
Mar 24, 2021
36
1
8
I read that these breakout cables don't work between QSFP+ - SFP+ NICs, they just work on switches, except for a single connector, so you can do basicly 1x QSFP+ -> 1x SFP+ with them between NICs. I'll build a small router+switch+firewall with dual port QSFP+ NICs (MCX354A) and QSFP+ -> 4x SFP+ conversion would have been great with breakout cable until I replace all SFP+ NICs in the other computers.