The Ultimate Guide to 10G SFP+ Direct Attached Cables | Fibrecross

A concise, data‑center‑ready overview to help you choose the right direct‑attach copper solution for 10 Gigabit Ethernet.


What Is a 10G SFP+ DAC Cable?

A 10G SFP+ DAC (Direct‑Attach Copper) cable integrates fixed SFP+ connector modules on both ends of a Twinax copper cable, eliminating the need for optical lasers or separate fiber patch cords. Functionally identical to an SFP+ transceiver module on each end, it offers a lower‑cost, lower‑power alternative to traditional optical links.




Key Data Center Applications

  • Server‑to‑Switch and Switch‑to‑Switch: Perfect for top‑of‑rack (ToR) architectures.

  • Storage‑to‑Switch: Supports high‑density interconnects within the same rack.

  • Breakout Scenarios: 40G QSFP+ to 4× 10G SFP+ breakout cables distribute a single 40 GbE uplink into four discrete 10 GbE links for servers or routers.



Cost & Power Comparison

Solution Components Total Cost Power Draw
Passive 10G DAC (7 m) 7 m SFP+ DAC US $12.90 ~0 mW
Optical SR + OM3 Fiber 2× 10GBASE‑SR SFP+ + 7 m OM3 Fiber US $19.40 ~2 W (AOC equivalent)
Active 10G DAC (10 m) 10 m SFP+ DAC with electronics ~US $26.58* ~440 mW



Buying Considerations

 Active vs. Passive

  • Passive DAC

    • Distance: Up to 7 m

    • Power: Negligible (~0 mW)

    • Signal Conditioning: Relies on switch’s built‑in circuitry

  • Active DAC

    • Distance: Up to 10 m

    • Power: ~440 mW per cable

    • Signal Conditioning: Built‑in electronics in the connector module

Choose passive where link budgets and switch compatibility allow; opt for active when you need that extra few meters or guaranteed signal integrity without depending on host equipment.

Connector Types

  • SFP+ to SFP+: Standard for point‑to‑point server‑to‑switch links.

  • QSFP+ to 4× SFP+ Breakout: Ideal when consolidating a 40 GbE uplink into four separate 10 GbE downlinks.



Wire Gauge (AWG)

AWG Diameter Typical Max Reach Min. Bend Radius
24 7 × 0.20 mm Longer 1.5″ (38 mm)
26 — Mid‑range 1.3″ (33 mm)
28 7 × 0.12 mm Shorter 1.0″ (25 mm)
30 — Shortest 0.9″ (23 mm)

Higher AWG → thinner conductor → more insertion loss but tighter bend radius. Match AWG to your rack‑layout and cable‑management needs.


OEM vs. Third‑Party Compatibility

Branded DACs (e.g., Cisco SFP‑H10GB‑CU7M at US $310) can be replaced by fully compatible third‑party cables at a fraction of the cost (often ~US $12.90) without sacrificing performance—just verify vendor warranties and quality‑assurance certifications.


Budget & Total Cost of Ownership

Beyond per‑unit price, consider:

  • Power Consumption Over Time: Energy savings from passive DACs add up in large deployments.

  • Future Scalability: Will you migrate to 25/40/100 GbE? Look for vendors offering upgrade paths.

  • Support & Warranty: Third‑party vendors vary in after‑sales support—factor this into your procurement decision.


Final Recommendations

  • Short Links (<7 m): Default to passive 10G SFP+ DAC for minimal power draw and cost.

  • Medium Links (7–10 m): Use active DAC to guarantee signal integrity without relying on switch‑side conditioning.

  • High‑Density Switch‑Uplinks: Employ QSFP+ → 4× SFP+ breakout cables for flexible fan‑out in ToR topologies.

  • Verify Compatibility: Always check switch‑port support for passive DAC signal‑conditioning, and confirm AWG suitability for your rack layout.

  • Balance Cost & Performance: Opt for reputable third‑party suppliers to maximize ROI while maintaining data‑center reliability.

With these guidelines, you’re equipped to select the optimal 10G SFP+ DAC solution—achieving the perfect blend of cost‑efficiency, power savings, and reliable performance.


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