XQ+DA0001

The MikroTik XQ+DA0001 is the 1-metre variant of the XQ+DA0003 — the same passive DAC twinax architecture at USD 39.00 versus USD 59.00 for the 3m version. It is the correct 100G QSFP28 interconnect when the two devices being connected are in adjacent rack units or on the same shelf and cable length management matters — 1 metre provides a clean, low-slack run between side-by-side or vertically stacked units.

**DAC twinax — how it works and why it is cheaper than optical**

A direct attach copper cable (DAC) integrates the QSFP28 transceiver modules directly into the cable assembly — the connectors at each end are moulded permanently into the cable jacket. No separate pluggable transceivers, no laser, no fiber. The twinax copper conductor carries the 100G signal electrically, eliminating the optical components of the XQ+85MP01D SR4 (USD 89.00 per transceiver, two required + OM4 MTP/MPO-12 cable) and the XQ+31LC10D LR4 (USD 349.00 per transceiver, two required + OS2 single-mode LC fiber). The complete 1m 100G copper interconnect costs USD 39.00. The trade-off is reach: passive DAC cables at 100G are limited to approximately 3–5 metres by copper signal integrity constraints. Beyond that distance, SR4 optical (XQ+85MP01D) is the correct choice.

**1m versus 3m — the deployment decision**

The XQ+DA0001 (1m) and XQ+DA0003 (3m) are identical in architecture and rated performance — the only difference is cable length and price. The 1m version is correct when:

- The two connected devices are in immediately adjacent rack units (1U or 2U separation) — a CCR2216 and CRS504 or CRS518 in consecutive rack positions.

- Cable management is a priority — 1m generates zero excess slack, while 3m in a 2U-separation run produces approximately 2m of cable to manage.

- The total cable budget across many connections matters — USD 20.00 per connection saved at 1m versus 3m adds up across a high-density 100G deployment.

The 3m version (XQ+DA0003) is correct when devices are 3–4 rack units apart, or when the flexible twinax needs to route around obstacles within the rack column.

**40G / 100G dual-rate — backward compatibility**

The XQ+DA0001 operates at 100G in QSFP28 ports (100GBASE-CR4, 4× 25G electrical lanes) and at 40G in QSFP+ ports (40GBASE-CR4, 4× 10G electrical lanes). A QSFP+ port on one end and a QSFP28 port on the other is a valid mixed-rate connection at 40G, limited by the lower-speed port — identical to the XQ+DA0003's dual-rate behaviour. For an infrastructure migration from 40G to 100G, both cable lengths cover both generations.

**MikroTik-validated deployment: CCR2216 to CRS504**

MikroTik's own product copy names the CCR2216 and CRS504 explicitly: "Connect any two MikroTik 100 Gigabit heroes (CCR2216 & CRS504) without a hassle — this cable has integrated QSFP28 modules. Just plug it in and enjoy the speed!" For a rack where the CCR2216 and CRS504-4XQ-OUT or CRS518-16XS-2XQ-RM are mounted in adjacent units, the XQ+DA0001's 1m cable is the correct length and the XQ+DA0003's 3m is the alternative for greater rack separation.

**Cross-sell note for wirelessnetware.ca:** List the XQ+DA0001 and XQ+DA0003 as a length-choice pair on all CCR2216, CRS504, CRS510, and CRS518 product pages, with the full four-tier 100G interconnect comparison:

- *"Same-rack copper 1m — XQ+DA0001 (USD 39.00)"*

- *"Same-rack copper 3m — XQ+DA0003 (USD 59.00)"*

- *"Short-reach 100m multimode fiber — XQ+85MP01D (USD 89.00)"*

- *"Long-reach 10km single-mode fiber — XQ+31LC10D (USD 349.00)"*

**5-year software support note:** Not applicable — passive cable assembly, no firmware or software component.

**Canadian market note:** No certifications listed — passive copper cable assembly, no active electronics, no wireless transmitter. No ISED, FCC, or CE mark required for a passive copper cable. Confirm RoHS compliance with distributor for Canadian commercial sale.

Key specifications:

- **Product code:** XQ+DA0001

- **Type:** Passive direct attach copper (DAC) twinax

- **Connectors:** QSFP28-to-QSFP28 / QSFP+-to-QSFP+

- **Data rate:** 100G (QSFP28) / 40G (QSFP+)

- **Standard:** 100GBASE-CR4 / 40GBASE-CR4

- **Cable length:** 1m

- **Construction:** Flexible twinax copper, passive

- **Optical components:** None (passive copper)

- **DDM / diagnostics:** None

- **MTBF:** ~100,000 hours at 25°C

- **Compatible devices:** CCR2216, CRS504-4XQ-IN/OUT, CRS510-8XS-2XQ-IN, CRS518-16XS-2XQ-RM

- **Certifications:** None listed (passive copper assembly)

- **Suggested price:** USD 39.00