Cisco Q56-200-CU Compatible 200G QSFP56 4 x 50G PAM4 Passive Copper Twinax Cable
The Q56-200-CU compatible series is designed for Cisco hosts requiring a 200G DAC connection. Its QSFP56 to QSFP56 arrangement is supplied as a factory-terminated passive twinax link without separate optical modules or patch cords. Use the specifications to assess the physical assembly, then follow the exact length and part-number links when preparing a bill of materials or requesting a compatibility check.
Series Part Number: Q56-200-CUHT Part Number: Q56-200-CU
Product Highlights
- HT-manufactured compatible alternative for Cisco Q56-200-CU
- 200G aggregate connectivity at 200Gbps
- Interface configuration: QSFP56 to QSFP56
- Passive Twinax / Copper
- Length configurations covered: 0.5m (2ft), 1m (3ft), 1.5m (5ft), 2m (7ft) and 3m (10ft)
- Conductor specification: 30AWG
- Power consumption: 0.03W Per End
- Operating temperature: 0 to 70°C (32 to 158°F)
Available Lengths and Corresponding Part Numbers
The documented configurations are 0.5m (2ft), 1m (3ft), 1.5m (5ft), 2m (7ft) and 3m (10ft). Each link below opens the separate product page for that physical length and its corresponding OEM part number. Select the exact assembly required by the route and purchase order; custom project lengths can be discussed separately.
Compatible OEM Part Numbers
- Q56-200-CU50CM
- Q56-200-CU1M
- Q56-200-CU150CM
- Q56-200-CU2M
- Q56-200-CU3M
Specifications
| Cisco Compatible | Q56-200-CU2M |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | HT |
| HT Part Number | Q56-200-CU |
| Form Factor | QSFP56 to QSFP56 |
| Max. Data Rate | 200Gbps |
| Media | Copper |
| Cable Type | Passive Twinax |
| Cable Length Options Covered | 0.5m (2ft), 1m (3ft), 1.5m (5ft), 2m (7ft) and 3m (10ft) |
| Wire AWG | 30AWG |
| Minimum Bend Radius | 39mm |
| Max. Power Consumption | 0.03W Per End |
| Jacket Material | PVC |
| Commercial Temperature Range | 0 to 70°C (32 to 158°F) |
| Protocols | IEEE802.3cd, SFF-8436 |
Field Installation and Maintenance
Inspect the route and both connectors before installation, then support the cable without pulling on either connector housing. During maintenance, release the latch properly rather than using the cable as a handle. Keep protection on unused ends, and if the assembly is removed for later use, coil it loosely and record its part number so the same length can be returned to service. For this series, keep the interface rate, DAC construction and length-specific OEM reference together throughout that review.
Applications and Deployment
A passive DAC reduces the connection to one factory-terminated electrical assembly. This is useful where low latency, low interface power and a short managed route matter more than optical reach. Cable gauge, connector construction and host port settings still influence whether the complete link operates reliably. For this series, the listed interface is QSFP56 to QSFP56 and the aggregate rate is 200G.
Cable Construction and Routing
For this assembly, the conductor specification is 30AWG; the jacket material is PVC; the minimum bend radius is 39mm; the operating temperature is 0 to 70°C (32 to 158°F); the power consumption is 0.03W Per End. These parameters belong in the installation review rather than being treated as catalogue trivia. Route the cable through its intended managers without tension, avoid pressure close to the connector boots and leave enough space to operate the latches. Any service loop must respect the stated bend limit.
Quality Assurance and Packaging
The cable and both connectors are inspected before a functional link test. Connector protection and bend-safe packing reduce handling damage during transport and storage. Customer or site labels can be added for field inventories, with different lengths separated to simplify issue and return of spare assemblies. Both connector ends are inspected as part of the complete assembly, and protective packing is selected to avoid tight bends during transport and storage.
Cisco Compatibility and Factory Testing
A field-ready cable needs both correct identification and a stable operating link. Our pre-packing check therefore includes the connectors, host recognition and link behavior. For equipment with uncertain revision history, providing the host model and software release helps identify compatibility requirements before the assembly reaches the installation site. Series-level inspection is followed by the exact length and OEM configuration selected for dispatch. Functional verification includes link establishment and diagnostic indications where the host exposes them.
Ordering Information
Request the cable by its exact part number and length, and state the equipment model if compatibility confirmation is needed. Site orders can list quantities by rack or installation team. Any requested label should retain the part number so a removed or spare cable can still be identified accurately. For this series, follow the corresponding length link, quote that exact OEM part number and keep different lengths on separate order lines. HT part number Q56-200-CU identifies the product family; the linked page provides the final length-specific identity.
Shipping and Lead Time
Standard configurations normally ship within one to three working days, with production lead times confirmed for larger quantities. International courier, air freight and sea freight are available; customer courier accounts and nominated forwarders are accepted.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this an original Cisco cable?
No. It is an HT-manufactured compatible cable for equipment that specifies Q56-200-CU, not an original Cisco-branded product.
Are different lengths and OEM part numbers separate products?
Yes. Where a length has its own OEM reference, follow the corresponding link above and order that exact part number on its own line. Do not substitute another length only because the connector arrangement is the same.
Does this DAC cable require separate modules at each end?
No. The connector ends and cable form one complete direct-attach assembly. The ends are not detachable standalone transceivers, and the complete product is tested together.
What information helps confirm compatibility?
Provide the equipment manufacturer and model, port type, hardware revision and software release, together with the required OEM reference, length and quantity. Breakout projects should also identify the intended lane configuration.
