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I have two machines, each with a 10 Gb adapter, directly connected with an SFP cable. I purchased three SFP cables that look exactly alike (physically and specs), but only one works. I'm having trouble finding clear information about SFP cables, so I appreciate the help in understanding the differences.

Here are the manfacturers, models, etc..

10 Gigabit Card #1: NetXen 3031

10 Gigabit Card #2: QLogic QLE3142-CU-CK

Cable #1 (the one that works) AIPC 7M

Cable #2 (no good) Blade Networks BN-SP-CBL-1M

Cable #3 (no good) Cisco SFP-H10GB-CU3M

I can't even get link lights with the two "no good" cables. I will be ordering a few more of the AIPC cables since they work of course, but I'd like to get a decent understanding of why one works, but not the other. Cable length? Active vs. passive? Different versions/revisions?

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  • Are the pinouts the same on all three cables?
    – Ben Quick
    Aug 5, 2010 at 14:59

2 Answers 2

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After switching to Intel 10 GbE cards on both sides, the cable issues have disappeared! We also had trouble with overheating on those QLogic cards, so I recommend going with Intel.

We are using the Intel® 82599EB 10 Gigabit Ethernet Controller.

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I'm having a problem with a similar configuration, however I don't have another cable to test with.

The cards I'm using are both the same, Dell Part Numbers T645H, Intel Models 82598.

The cable I'm using between the cards is a Cisco SFP-H10GB-CU3M.

I found this information helpful from Intel.com regarding which SFP+ cables will work with that card: http://www.intel.com/support/network/adapter/10gbe/afdadualserver/sb/CS-029097.htm

It mentions the cables have to comply with certain specifications to function properly, and according to the product page for the cable I have, they match and should be working.

Cisco cable details: http://www.cisco.com/en/US/prod/collateral/modules/ps5455/data_sheet_c78-455693.html

I saw this relatively cheap switch on eBay, (Item number: 370424159424) and considered buying that to see if it has to do with it not being a 'crossover' cable per se.

I'm hesitant to do that since the description mentions it having SFP ports, rather than SFP+ ports, and I'm unsure they're the same, or if they're compatible. This is my first foray into 10GB-land, and I'm early in the learning curve.

Does anyone have some good news for us on this?

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  • I've turned your URLs into links, but there's really two parts to your post - the first half is appropriate as an answer as it links to specs, but the 2nd half, asking about if the eBay product is appropriate, should really be a question on its own so that you can collect your own responses to it. Feel free to click the "Ask a Question" button in the top-right corner and re-post as a question.
    – Mark Henderson
    Aug 30, 2010 at 6:26
  • I'm also going to be trying a 10Gb switch to see if it helps with the connection problems. I'll let you know how it goes.
    – Banjer
    Aug 30, 2010 at 18:23
  • Banjer, have a look here at the question I posted, in case the answers may be relevant. aich_tee_tee_peah://serverfault.com/questions/176017/nic-status-stays-at-network-cable-unplugged-although-cable-is-present
    – NginUS
    Aug 31, 2010 at 2:31

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