What is DAC?
DAC is a high-speed direct connection cable, also known as direct copper cable. This type of cable port cannot be replaced, and the module head cannot be separated from the copper cable. Copper cable is the most common direct cable connecting servers and storage area networks in data centers. Direct copper cable is divided into passive copper cable and active copper cable. Passive copper cable is used more frequently. Because of its affordable price and fast transmission rate, passive copper cable provides the best solution for short distance transmission. DAC cables are usually used on switches in the data center room, and can be used both passive and active.

Although the materials and uses of AOC and DAC are different, both are widely used. So how should users choose? First of all, you need to understand the advantages and disadvantages of the two, and then choose and buy according to your needs.

AOC active optical cable

Advantages: With higher bandwidth transmission performance, the network system throughput can reach 40Gbps without external equipment or upgrading equipment;
Portable: smaller and more portable than ordinary high-speed cables;
Strong ability to shield electromagnetic interference: AOC transmits signals through optical fiber, which is made of an insulating dielectric and is not susceptible to electromagnetic interference.
Disadvantages: The cost is higher than DAC

DAC active copper cable

Advantages: high data transmission rate: can support 4Gbps to 10Gbps data transmission, which is higher than the traditional copper cable transmission rate;
Strong interchangeability: high-speed cables and optical fiber transceivers can realize interchangeability and hot-swap functions;
Low cost: copper cable is cheaper than optical fiber in terms of procurement and wiring costs, which can reduce the use cost in general;
Good heat dissipation: DAC cable is made of copper core and has good heat dissipation.
Disadvantages: the transmission distance is limited and the weight and volume are large