DAC Cables
Direct Attach Copper cables deliver the lowest-cost, lowest-power option for short-reach interconnects up to 7 meters. Ideal for top-of-rack server-to-switch links in AI clusters and hyperscale fabrics.
DAC vs AEC vs AOC — pick the right copper
Three product families, one purpose: get bytes between switch ports. Reach, power, cost, and AI fabric position differ. Use this table to land on the right spec before you configure.
| Spec | DAC Passive copper | AEC Active copper (retimer) | AOC Active optical (paired transceivers) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | Cheapest short hop — ToR-to-server ≤5 m | Mid-rack copper where DAC reach is the wall | Cross-row or pod spine where copper won't reach |
| Max reach at 100G | ≤3 m (5 m at fanout) | Up to 7 m | Up to 100 m |
| Max reach at 400G | Up to 3 m | Up to 7 m | Up to 100 m |
| Max reach at 800G | Up to 2 m | Up to 7 m | Up to 100 m |
| Per-link power | Lowest (no electronics in line) | Lower than AOC at the same reach | Highest — paired transceivers powered both ends |
| Per-link cost | Lowest | Mid | Highest |
| Latency | Lowest (pure copper, no retime) | Slightly higher (active retimer) | Comparable to transceiver + fiber + transceiver |
| Weight at rack scale | Heaviest bundle — copper density | Lighter than DAC at same speed | Lightest — pure fiber between modules |
| Breakout topologies | Straight-through + 1-to-4 fanout per speed | Straight-through + 2× / 4× fanout (400G+) | Straight-through + 2× / 4× / 8× fanout (400G+) |
| NVIDIA Quantum-2 / Spectrum-X reference | Intra-rack only | Intra-rack copper extensions | Spine-to-NIC + pod spine |
| Custom length increments | 3 inches (≤7 m total) | 3 inches (≤30 m total) | 3 inches (≤100 m total) |
| Vendor coding pre-programmed | Yes — no charge | Yes — no charge | Yes — no charge |
Reach values reflect Wave2Wave's standard product. AECs and AOCs above 100G use 8-lane PAM4 with per-lane retimers / paired modules; eye-pattern verified before shipment. For specific configurations (custom reach, bend radius, alternative coding), our engineering team responds within 1 business day.
Frequently asked questions.
- What's the difference between DAC, AOC, and AEC?
- DAC = passive copper (≤7m, lowest cost). AOC = active optical (longer reach, higher cost). AEC = active electrical (best of both for ~30m).
- When should I choose each?
- DAC for short top-of-rack (≤3m). AEC for mid-rack and longer copper (≤30m). AOC for cross-row (>5m) where copper won't reach.
- What speeds do you support?
- 10G through 800G across DAC, AOC, AEC. Includes breakout configs: 4×25G, 4×100G, 2×400G, 8×100G for spine-leaf.
- Do you support custom lengths?
- Yes. DAC in 0.5m increments up to 7m. AOC and AEC in 1m increments to 30m+. Customer-specified bend radius available.
- What about breakout configurations?
- Yes — 4×10G, 4×25G, 4×100G, 8×100G, 2×400G. Required for breakout-capable host switches; we'll match the vendor coding.
Ready to spec your high-speed interconnect?
DAC, AOC, or AEC? We'll help you pick based on reach, power envelope, and host compatibility.