How do I choose DAC, AOC or short-reach optics?
Use DAC for the shortest cost-sensitive links, AOC for lighter longer fixed links, and pluggable optics for structured fiber and independent maintenance.
Server-to-Top-of-Rack Interconnect
Server-to-Top-of-Rack and In-Rack Optical Interconnect
Compare DAC, AOC and short-reach optical transceivers for server-to-top-of-rack, in-rack, adjacent-rack and breakout links.
Selection FAQ
Scenario selection questions
Does a breakout cable change the host mode automatically?
No. The source port must explicitly support and enable the target breakout mode.
Why is exact cable length required?
Length affects routing, bend radius and signal margin, especially for high-speed passive DAC.
Typical Scenarios
Typical deployment positions
01
Server to top-of-rack
Choose by NIC, switch port, length and routing space.
02
In-rack and adjacent rack
Balance power, cost, weight, bend radius and serviceability.
03
Lab and validation
Use defined cable versions for repeatable multi-platform tests.
Selection Guide
Scenario selection priorities
DAC/AOC/optics boundary
Length, gauge and bend radius
Both host endpoints
Power and cable density
Recommended Products
Recommended product directions
AOC and DAC Cables → AOC and DAC Cables covering 10G SFP+ AOC, 10G SFP+ DAC, 25G SFP28 AOC, 25G SFP28 DAC, 40G QSFP+ AOC, 40G QSFP+ DAC and related cable directions. Compare active optical cable assemblies, direct attach copper cables, high-speed AOC and high-speed DAC options. 25G SFP28 Transceivers → 25G SFP28 Transceivers covering 25G SFP28 SR, 25G SFP28 LR, 25G SFP28 ER, 25G SFP28 BiDi, 25G SFP28 CWDM, 25G SFP28 DWDM and related cable directions. Includes 25G optical transceivers, SFP28 modules, AOC and DAC directions for server and ToR access.
10G SFP+ Transceivers
10G SFP+ SR
Duplex LC 300m OM3 / 400m OM4
10G SFP+ Transceivers
10G SFP+ AOC
SFP+ to SFP+ Custom length
10G SFP+ Transceivers
10G SFP+ DAC
SFP+ to SFP+ Custom length
25G SFP28 Transceivers
25G SFP28 AOC
SFP28 to SFP28 Custom length
25G SFP28 Transceivers
25G SFP28 DAC
SFP28 to SFP28 Custom length
40G QSFP+ Transceivers
40G QSFP+ SR4
MPO-12 100m OM3 / 150m OM4
Related Solutions
Technical solutions for this application
AOC / DAC Short-Reach Links
AOC / DAC Short-Reach Links
Servers, racks and breakout
View solution →High-Speed Optical Interconnect Solutions
High-Speed Optical Interconnect Solutions
100G–800G modules and links
View solution →Compatibility Validation
Compatibility Validation
Multi-vendor samples and rollout
View solution →