As data center and enterprise usage grows, direct attach cables (DACs) and active optical cables (AOCs) are becoming more popular. ProLabs DACs and AOCs can help you speed up and maintain your networks.
Our 10G SFP+ DACs and AOCs can be utilized in a variety of different deployments. With 10G SFP+ DACs and AOCs, they help to develop cost-effective cabling systems and reduced cabling costs. Top-of-rack (ToR) connections between ToR switches and servers can be made by using 10G SFP DACs. Whereas AOCs can be used for ToR, middle-of-row (MoR), and end-of-row (EoR) connections due to their longer transmission distance.
DACs vs. AOCs
Direct attach cables (DACs) and active optical cables (AOCs) are common network cabling options for switches and racks. Both are preassembled cables with familiar transceiver form factors on each end. Like transceivers, they come in a variety of speeds, distances, and configurations. Since DACs and AOCs are plug-and-play, you can upgrade your network without adding the complexity of fiber cabling.
DAC | AOC | |
Material | Copper-based | Fiber-based |
Usage | Top-of-Rack | Top-of-Rack, Middle of Row |
Lower power consumption & temperature ranges | ✔ | |
Better reach & speed | ✔ | |
Final price & daily operating costs | $ | $$ |
Features and Specifications
ProLabs offers two types of 10G direct attach cables: active and passive, and 10G SFP+ AOC for customers to choose from. The following table shows the main parameters of 10G SFP+ DACs and AOCs:
Bend Radius | Available Lengths | Jacket Material | Temperature | Protocols | |
23mm | 0.5m (2ft) - 7m (23ft) | PVC (OFNR) | 0 to 70°C | 1 x InfiniBand™ QDR, DDR, SDR, 10G Gigabit Ethernet, Fibre Channel | |
23mm | 0.5m (2ft) - 7m (23ft) | PVC (OFNR) | 0 to 70°C | 1 x InfiniBand™ QDR, DDR, SDR, 10G Gigabit Ethernet, Fibre Channel | |
7.5mm | 1m (3ft) - 30m (98ft) | OFNP | 0 to 70°C | 1 x InfiniBand™ QDR, DDR, SDR, 10G Gigabit Ethernet, Fibre Channel |
Platform Support
ProLabs compatible DAC & AOC cables are available for many compatible brands, including Arista, Cisco, Juniper, and more.
Brand | Series |
Arista | CAB-SFP-SFP |
AOC-S-S-10G | |
Juniper | SFP-10-GE-DAC |
QFX-SFP-DAC | |
EX-SFP-10GE-DAC | |
JNP-10G-AOC | |
QFX-SFP-DAC-#MA-AOC | |
Cisco | SFP-H10GB-CU |
SFP-H10GB-ACU | |
SFP-10G-AOC |