Direct Attach Cables
DAC
The Cost-effective High-performance Solution
Leverage high-quality, affordable, and custom-made straight and breakout direct attach cables designed to support multi-line data communications, interconnecting applications, and high-performance computing.
A Wide Range of Direct Attach Cables
We offer a complete range of direct attach cables for all requirements and environments. Our DAC range also includes breakout cables, eliminating the need for separate cables by consolidating multiple connections into a single cable to help reduce clutter and simplify cable management. Our cables are also multi-coded, providing you with peace of mind when using multi-vendor connections and instant plug-and-play. The cables are available in different OEM coding, including different coding for each end of breakout cables.
QUALITY & WARRANTY
ISO and TL9000 Quality with a Lifetime Warranty
We are proud to offer industry-leading products that meet ISO and TL9000 standards and are backed by a lifetime warranty.
Get the T1Nexus Advantage
Our customers enjoy guaranteed product assurance, competitive pricing, lifetime warranties, and peace of mind in our ability to deliver on time, every time.
Direct Attach Cables FAQs
What is a Direct Attach Cable?
Direct attach cables are made from Twinax copper. During production, DACs are terminated with modules that enable electrical connection directly into active equipment ports. Unlike active optical cables that use removable transceivers, DACs can be considered less flexible. DAC modules are terminated during production and cannot be removed from the cable. It’s also for this reason that all DACs are designed with a fixed length.
What are the Different Types of DAC Cables?
DAC cables are available in various high-speed options, including direct and breakout, passive and active. Here’s a brief breakdown of each option:
- Direct-connect DAC cables are used to provide a connection between one port/line card and another
- Breakout DAC cables enable one port to connect to up to 4 other ports
- Active DAC cables leverage electronics within each module which boost signals, allowing for extended transmission distances
- Passive DAC cables are cables without electronics in modules to offer signal-boosting capabilities
Why Were DACs Invented?
DACs were invented to provide high-speed electrical signal transmission within networks. Copper’s properties, specifically its high level of electrical current conduction, make it an ideal material for electrical signal transmission.
How do Direct Attach Cables Work?
Direct attach cables are connected to networking equipment ports, allowing electrical signals to flow between devices. Examples include data center interconnection such as SATA storage devices, core network routers, core network switches, servers for 10G/40G/100G Ethernet, RADI systems, and InfiniBand.
What are the Various Direct Attach Cable Assembly Applications?
Direct attach cables are used for the transmission of data between active networking equipment typically located on the same server rack where transmission distances are between 1m to 3m.
What are the benefits of using Direct Attach Cables vs Active Optical Cables?
Here are two core benefits of using DACs:
- Cheaper than AOCs
- Lower power consumption
How Long Are Direct Attach Cables?
Active DAC can transmit signals for up to 10m, whereas passive cables can transmit signals for up to 7m.
Ready to Help
We’re ready to answer any questions and offer technical advice on our range of direct attach cable products.