The D-Link 40G Passive QSFP+ Twinaxial Direct Attach Cable uses Quad Small Form-factor Pluggable Plus format (QSFP+) connectors, which integrate four transmitting and four receiving channels. The QSFP+ cable assemblies can replace four standard SFP+ cable assemblies, resulting in higher port density, cost-efficiency, and a reduction in power savings compared to standard SFP+.

The D-Link 40G Passive QSFP+ Twinaxial Direct Attach Cable features QSFP+ connectors on both ends, thus eliminating the need for expensive QSFP+ transceivers. This makes it more cost-effective than fiber cables which must use QSFP+ transceivers.