Optic.ca NGQ100G-CU1M-OC — 100G QSFP28 passive DAC cable, NETGEAR certified
The Optic.ca NGQ100G-CU1M-OC is a 100GBASE-QSFP28 passive copper twinax direct attach cable (DAC) designed for ultra-short, high-density 100 Gigabit connections within and between adjacent server racks. Carrying the full NETGEAR certification for use with NETGEAR M4350 and M4500 series switches, it offers a cost-effective, plug-and-play alternative to optical transceivers for links up to 1 metre. Built-in Digital Diagnostic Monitoring (DDM) allows network administrators to check cable health and signal integrity in real time, without the need for separate test equipment. Backed by Optic.ca's lifetime warranty and Tier 1 component quality, it is pre-tested before shipment to meet mission-critical reliability demands.
NETGEAR-Certified for Guaranteed Compatibility
This cable carries full NETGEAR certification, meaning it has been tested and validated for seamless use with NETGEAR M4350 and M4500 series switches. Unlike generic third-party DACs, which can trigger compatibility warnings or fail firmware checks on managed switches, the NGQ100G-CU1M-OC is recognised as a native module. The result is a clean installation with no firmware workarounds, no suppressed log alerts, and no risk of the switch refusing to enable the port. For any environment running NETGEAR high-density switching — AV-over-IP spines, data-centre ToR connections, or HPC clusters — this certification removes a common source of installation friction and support calls.
Built-in DDM for Proactive Network Monitoring
The cable integrates Digital Diagnostic Monitoring (DDM), which exposes real-time parameters — including temperature, supply voltage, and received signal power — readable directly from the switch management interface. In practice this means a network admin can verify that the cable is functioning within specification without pulling physical connections or using external test gear. Early warning of out-of-spec readings allows planned maintenance rather than emergency troubleshooting, which is particularly valuable in high-availability environments such as live production switchers, broadcast infrastructure, or 24/7 data-centre fabrics.
Passive Design — Cost-Effective and Power-Efficient
As a passive copper DAC, the NGQ100G-CU1M-OC draws no power beyond what the QSFP28 host port supplies, and generates negligible heat compared to active optical cables or discrete transceivers. This makes it the lowest-cost per-link option for 100G connections where distance is 1 metre or less — typical of top-of-rack switch-to-server or switch-to-switch cabling within the same or adjacent cabinets. In high-density deployments with dozens of 100G ports, the combined power saving versus active alternatives is measurable at the PDU level, and the absence of laser-emitting components simplifies handling and eye-safety compliance.
Lifetime Warranty and Pre-Tested Reliability
Every Optic.ca cable is covered by a limited lifetime warranty and is pre-tested before shipment to Tier 1 MTBF standards. NETGEAR has formally partnered with Optic.ca as its preferred third-party transceiver and DAC supplier, citing the company's in-house coding and testing processes as meeting or exceeding OEM specifications. For an integrator or end-user, this translates to OEM-level confidence at third-party pricing — with a warranty that outlasts typical project amortisation cycles and a support relationship backed by Optic.ca's technical team.
