| Comparison items | DAC (direct-attached copper cable) | AOC (active optical cable) |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission medium | Copper cable | Optical fiber |
| Typical transmission distance | 0.5m - 15m | 1m - 100m |
| Transmission rate | 10Gbps - 400Gbps | 10Gbps - 800Gbps |
| Power consumption | Low (passive 0W, active 1-2W) | Relatively high (2-5W) |
| Electromagnetic interference resistance | General | Very strong |
| Price | Low | High |
| Applicable scenarios | Short-distance interconnection inside the cabinet or between adjacent cabinets | Long-distance interconnection inside the computer room |
Transmission distance is the most direct factor when choosing a DAC:
Short distance (<5 meters): Choose a passive DAC for cost-effectiveness and efficiency.
Medium distance (5-10 meters): Choose an active DAC to maintain stable signal integrity.
Long distance (>10 meters): Choose an AOC to ensure high-speed, error-free transmission.
For environments with stringent anti-interference requirements, such as high-density data centers with complex electromagnetic environments, AOC remains the preferred solution due to its excellent electromagnetic interference immunity.
Both DACs and AOCs are indispensable components for high-speed interconnects in data centers, each possessing unique advantages: DACs are widely used for short-distance server interconnects due to their low cost and low power consumption.
AOCs, with their long-distance transmission capabilities, high bandwidth, and interference resistance, have become the preferred solution for interconnects within large data center server rooms.
Choosing the right DAC and AOC will help optimize network architecture and improve overall performance. If you are upgrading or expanding your network, please consult our team; we will provide you with a customized solution.
