DAC Cables: The Best Value for Short-Distance Interconnects in Data Centers—Have You Made the Right Choice?
In data center cabling, DAC cables (Direct Attach Copper) are becoming the top choice for in-rack interconnects thanks to their low cost, low power consumption, and high reliability! They require no separate optical modules and are plug-and-play, making them particularly suitable for short-distance 10G/25G/100G transmission. Want to save money while ensuring stability? This article has you covered! 👇
📌 What is DAC?
Copper cables with integrated transceiver modules, available in two types: passive (short distances, zero power consumption) and active (longer distances, signal compensation).
💡 Why Choose DAC?
✅ Cost-effective: Much cheaper than fiber optic module solutions
✅ Energy-efficient: Passive versions consume almost no power, and active versions use far less power than fiber optic modules
✅ Reliable: Electrical interfaces are dust-resistant and easy to maintain
✅ Fast: No electro-optical conversion means extremely low latency
🔧 How to choose?
1️⃣ Check the speed: Use SFP+ for 10G, SFP28 for 25G, and QSFP28 for 100G
2️⃣ Measure the distance: Choose passive for <5 meters, active for 5–10 meters
3️⃣ Check compatibility: When selecting third-party DAC-compatible cables, verify device brand compatibility
Whether you’re building a 10G enterprise network or a 400G AI cluster, using DACs appropriately can make your architecture more efficient! For more technical insights, feel free to reach out～