RFQ Checklist
Cabling RFQ Checklist
A data center cabling RFQ template for fiber patch cords, DAC cables, AOC cables, and copper patch cords. Cover cable type, connector ends, data rate, lengths, quantities, jacket rating, and certification once — and get a quote on accessories lines within 24–48 hours instead of a week of clarification emails.
Why a Complete RFQ Matters
Cabling orders are long lists of similar-looking SKUs where one missing attribute — connector end, fiber mode, length — multiplies into dozens of wrong line items. A structured cabling RFQ protects both the price and the delivery date.
- Connector ends and data rate decide the product family: an LC-LC OM4 patch cord, a 100G QSFP28 DAC, and an AOC are quoted from different lines.
- Length and quantity per length are the unit of quoting — "about 200 cables" cannot be priced; "40 × 1 m, 40 × 2 m, 40 × 3 m" can.
- Jacket rating (LSZH, plenum, riser) changes both compliance and cost, and is often mandatory for the destination market.
- Passive DAC cables have hard distance limits — stating the real run lengths avoids quoting cables that will not work.
- A cabling RFQ that follows this checklist is typically quoted within 24–48 hours.
Required Technical Information
The minimum set a supplier needs to quote a cabling list without guessing. These map directly to the cabling RFQ form fields on this site.
Optional Information That Improves Quote Accuracy
Each of these turns an assumption into a specification. They matter most on mixed lists going into a live data center.
Common Missing Details
The clarifications we most often have to send back on cabling RFQs — check yours against this list before submitting.
- "Compatible with our switches" without naming the switch or transceiver models — compatibility coding cannot be guessed.
- MPO/MTP trunks requested without polarity type or fiber count.
- Single-mode vs multimode unspecified, or OM3 and OM4 mixed in one line item.
- DAC requested for runs longer than passive DAC supports, where an AOC or fiber link is actually needed.
- No length breakdown — totals only — so the quote cannot be itemized per SKU.
- Jacket rating omitted for markets where LSZH documentation is mandatory.
Example RFQ Format
A quotable cabling RFQ in five lines. Put this structure in the form message or attach it as a spreadsheet.
- 1Project: cabling for 8 racks in an edge data center in the Netherlands.
- 2Fiber: 120 × OM4 LC-LC duplex patch cords — 40 × 1 m, 40 × 2 m, 40 × 3 m, aqua, LSZH.
- 3DAC: 64 × 100G QSFP28 passive DAC — 32 × 1 m, 32 × 2 m, to match Mellanox/NVIDIA switches.
- 4Copper: 200 × Cat6a RJ45 patch cords, 2 m, blue, labeled both ends, individually bagged.
- 5Logistics: deliver to Amsterdam, CE and RoHS documents required, target lead time 3 weeks.
All RFQ paths: mixed BoM, PDU, cabling, and sample kits.
The full RFQ form with file and BoM upload.
Cabling is one part of a bigger rack list? Send the mixed BoM instead.
A spreadsheet template with a dedicated cabling section per rack.
The same checklist format for rack PDUs and power accessories.
Submit Your RFQ
Run your list through the checklist, then submit the cabling RFQ. Our sourcing engineers verify connector, mode, and length combinations line by line and return a structured quote on accessories lines within 24–48 hours.
Open the full RFQ form