10G SFP+ DAC Cable vs. 10G Transceivers — Which should your data center buy?
.png)
Modern data centers and enterprise networks frequently choose between 10G SFP+ Direct Attach Cables (DAC) and 10G SFP+ optical transceivers with fiber patch cords. Both connect servers, switches and storage, but they differ in cost, reach, maintenance and flexibility. This article explains those differences clearly and gives practical guidance so you can choose the best option for your environment. What is a 10G SFP+ DAC cable? A 10G SFP+ DAC is a twinax copper cable with SFP+ connectors permanently attached. It behaves like a fixed-length, low-latency cable that plugs directly into the SFP+ ports on two devices. DACs come in passive and active variants: Passive DAC: No electronics; low cost; typically for short reaches (up to ~7 meters). Active DAC (AOC-like electronics in copper): Contains signal conditioning; extends reach slightly and reduces power loss. Key strengths: very low cost per link, almost zero power draw, negligible latency. What is a 10G SFP+ transceive...