What Is a Direct Attach Copper (DAC) Cable

3 hours ago

DAC stands for Direct Attach Copper cable, used for direct communication between devices via copper wire.
It features fixed-length, shielded cables with specific connectors at both ends.
As network speeds increase, DACs are limited to short distances, typically under 5 meters.
Breakout DACs allow splitting higher-speed ports into multiple lower-speed connections.
DACs are cheaper and more reliable than optical solutions but are less flexible and distance-limited.
Key considerations when choosing a DAC include speed compatibility and vendor support.
Active DACs provide longer distances but consume more power than passive ones.
Optical communication is preferred for longer ranges, though DACs remain essential within racks.

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