Dell (Force10) CBL-QSFP-40GE-5M Compatible 40G QSFP+ Active Optical Cable, 5m (16ft)

The assembly listed here is the 5m (16ft) member of the (Force10) CBL-QSFP-40GE-5M product family for Dell equipment. It provides 40G AOC connectivity through QSFP+ to QSFP+. Project teams can use the detailed table, related references and documentation-oriented packing information to keep each delivered cable aligned with its planned endpoints.
OEM Part Number: (Force10) CBL-QSFP-40GE-5MHT Part Number: (Force10) CBL-QSFP-40GE-5M
Product Highlights
- Compatible alternative to Dell (Force10) CBL-QSFP-40GE-5M
- 40G connectivity at 40Gbps
- Interface configuration: QSFP+ to QSFP+
- Fixed length and part number: 5m (16ft), (Force10) CBL-QSFP-40GE-5M
- Minimum bend radius: 30mm
Specifications
| HT Part Number | (Force10) CBL-QSFP-40GE-5M |
|---|---|
| Dell (Force10) Compatible | CBL-QSFP-40GE-5M |
| Manufacturer | HT |
| Connector Type | QSFP+ to QSFP+ |
| Data Rate | 40Gbps |
| Minimum Bend Radius | 30mm |
| Cable Length | 5m (16.4ft) |
| Jacket Material | OFNP |
| Temperature | 0 to 70°C (32 to 158°F) |
| Protocols | 10G/40Gigabit Ethernet or Fibre Channel |
Cable Construction and Routing
This assembly uses OFNP jacket, minimum bend radius 30mm. 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.
Integrated Optical Assembly
The optical engines and fiber are permanently integrated into this AOC. There are no detachable optical modules to clean or exchange. Handle the complete assembly by its connector housings and cable, and keep both ends matched to the same interface specification.
Length Selection and Installation Planning
The 5m (16ft) length gives (Force10) CBL-QSFP-40GE-5M more freedom for adjacent-rack and row-end deployments. The integrated optical assembly should be supported along its route without tight bends or connector pull loads; the AOC specification and host support must still match the intended link.
Position Within the Length Range
(Force10) CBL-QSFP-40GE-5M occupies the middle of this family between (Force10) CBL-QSFP-40GE-3M at 3m (10ft) and (Force10) CBL-QSFP-40GE-7M at 7m (23ft). It adds 2m over the shorter option for extra routing clearance, while the next longer version adds another 2m. Measure the managed path and choose this version when its reach is sufficient without creating the slack associated with the longer assembly.
Project Documentation and Cable Identification
Large deployments are easier to audit when the order code, physical length and endpoint record agree. Keep the OEM reference in the compatibility document and use the HT part number on the packing list. Where several lengths arrive together, labels and carton groups can be arranged by rack or port plan so installers do not have to identify cables by appearance alone. For this assembly, the minimum bend radius is 30mm; the jacket material is OFNP.
Network and Protocol Considerations
The intended application is determined by the host interface and protocol support. Listed interface and protocol references include 10G/40Gigabit Ethernet or Fibre Channel. Confirm that the host firmware and port configuration support the same operating mode.
Dell Compatibility and Factory Testing
Factory verification links the compatibility identity to the exact physical assembly described on this page. Identification, connector condition and live link behavior are checked before packing. Customers can submit equipment and firmware details with the project documentation for a more specific pre-order compatibility review. The check includes receive activity and diagnostic indications, followed by a final inspection of both ends.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this an original Dell cable?
No. It is an HT-manufactured compatible alternative for equipment that specifies Dell (Force10) CBL-QSFP-40GE-5M.
Will any matching connector operate at the same speed?
Not necessarily. Both hosts must support the stated rate, identification, lane mapping and any required breakout configuration; mechanical compatibility alone is insufficient.
What details assist a compatibility review?
Provide the equipment manufacturer, model, port type, hardware revision and software release, together with the OEM reference, required length and quantity.
How should an unused assembly be stored?
Protect both connector ends, keep the cable in a loose bend-safe coil and retain its part-number label so the length and compatibility identity remain traceable.
Ordering Information
Use the listed HT part number for ordering and retain the OEM reference as the host-compatibility cross-reference. Send quantities by length, along with any rack-based packing or label instructions. If the project has mixed equipment, include the host model for each group rather than relying only on the aggregate cable rate. Keep (Force10) CBL-QSFP-40GE-5M associated with 5m (16ft) throughout the order and receiving record.
Shipping and Lead Time
Available stock is generally dispatched within one to three working days after order confirmation, with production lead times advised for larger quantities. Delivery can be arranged by courier, air freight or sea freight, and goods may instead be handed to an appointed forwarder or shipped on the customer’s courier account.
Quality Assurance and Packaging
Inspection and link testing are completed before the cable enters its protective packaging. Project orders can be packed and labelled by length, rack or customer reference, with packing documentation that makes received quantities straightforward to reconcile against the installation schedule. Volume orders can include customer references on the labels and carton list.
