Cisco Q56-200-CU3M Compatible 200G QSFP56 4 x 50G PAM4 Passive Copper Twinax Cable, 3m (10ft)
The Q56-200-CU3M compatible DAC cable provides 200G connectivity for Cisco equipment over a fixed 3m (10ft) assembly. Both ends use the stated QSFP56 to QSFP56 arrangement. It is inspected and functionally checked before packing, with handling guidance designed to protect the connectors during installation and later service.
OEM Part Number: Q56-200-CU3MHT Part Number: Q56-200-CU3M
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
| HT Part Number | Q56-200-CU3M |
|---|---|
| Cisco Compatible | Q56-200-CU3M |
| Manufacturer | HT |
| Form Factor | QSFP56 to QSFP56 |
| Max. Data Rate | 200Gbps |
| Media | Copper |
| Cable Type | Passive Twinax |
| Cable Length | 3m (10ft) |
| Wire AWG | 26AWG |
| Minimum Bend Radius | 44.5mm |
| 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 |
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.
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 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.
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. Volume orders can include customer references on the labels and carton list.
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. Where supported by the host, link stability and diagnostic indications are reviewed together with the established link.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this an original Cisco cable?
No. It is an HT-manufactured compatible alternative for equipment that specifies Cisco Q56-200-CU3M.
Can different brands be connected with the same assembly?
Only where both hosts explicitly support the complete interface and compatibility arrangement. Document each end and select the appropriate brand-specific product when required.
Does this order code cover multiple lengths?
No. Q56-200-CU3M refers here to 3m (10ft). Every other verified length has a separate part number and page in the length list.
Are separate transceivers or patch leads required?
No. This is one complete direct-attach assembly. The ends are not detachable modules and should not be separated from the cable.
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. Quantity and any labeling instructions should be attached specifically to Q56-200-CU3M.
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. Worldwide courier services are available, with air or sea freight for consolidated shipments; freight-collect delivery and coordination with a customer’s logistics provider can be arranged.
