Active Optical Cables (AOCs) & Direct Attach Cables (DACs)

High-Performance AOC & DAC Solutions for Modern Networking
Edgeium’s AOCs and DACs deliver high-speed, low-latency connectivity without the complexity of separate optics and fiber. Ideal for data centers, enterprise networks, and HPC environments, they offer a cost-effective alternative to traditional transceiver setups.
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Why Choose Edgeium’s AOCs & DACs?
- Lower Power Consumption: Uses less power than traditional transceivers and fiber setups.
- Plug-and-Play Simplicity: No need for separate transceivers—cables are pre-terminated.
- Cost Savings: Reduces overall infrastructure costs while maintaining high performance.
- Ultra-Low Latency: Ideal for applications that demand real-time, high-speed data transfer.
- 100% OEM Compatibility: Works seamlessly with Cisco, Juniper, Arista, HPE, Dell, Fortinet, and more.
- Custom Dual-Coded Assemblies – Tailored to connect two different OEM platforms in a single cable.
What Are AOCs & DACs? Understanding the Differences
While both AOCs and DACs serve as high-speed, pre-terminated cable solutions, they are optimized for different networking environments.
Active Optical Cables (AOCs): Best for Longer Distances
AOCs use fiber optic technology to deliver high-speed, low-latency data transmission over longer distances. These cables include built-in electrical-to-optical signal conversion, making them ideal for:
- High-performance computing (HPC)
- Cloud-scale data centers
- Server-to-switch connectivity
- Supports distances up to 100 meters
- Lighter, more flexible, and EMI-resistant compared to copper cables
- Energy-efficient alternative to separate transceivers and fiber cables
Direct Attach Cables (DACs)—Best for Shorter Distances
DACs use twinax copper cabling, making them a cost-effective, low-power solution for short-range, high-speed networking applications. These cables are often used for:
- Switch-to-switch connections within racks
- Top-of-rack (ToR) networking configurations
- Storage and high-frequency trading environments
- Supports distances up to 7 meters
- Lower power consumption than AOCs
- Budget-friendly alternative to fiber-based solutions
Need Optical Transceivers Instead? Explore Edgeium’s SFP & QSFP Optics
Edgeium AOC & DAC Product Categories
Edgeium provides a full range of AOC and DAC solutions to support 1G, 10G, 25G, 40G, 100G, 400G, and 800G network speeds.
📍 Find cables fast: Browse the Optics Finder →
Active Optical Cables (AOCs)
Fiber-based cables ideal for longer distances and EMI-sensitive environments.
- Designed for high-performance computing, cloud-scale data centers, and switch/server connectivity
- Available in 10G, 25G, 100G, 200G, and 400G formats
- Includes backward-compatible options across multiple form factors
Direct Attach Cables (DACs)
Copper-based solutions for short-range, high-speed connectivity.
- Ideal for top-of-rack, switch-to-switch, and intra-rack deployments
- Supports 10G, 25G, 40G, 100G, 400G, and 800G networking
- Offers energy efficiency and lower cost for short cable runs
Breakout Assemblies
High-speed cabling designed to split one high-bandwidth connection into multiple lower-speed links.
- Available in AOC and DAC variants (e.g., 100G to 4x25G or 400G to 4x100G)
- Simplifies aggregation and distribution in high-density network environments
- Supports QSFP-DD, OSFP, and other modern form factors
Dual-Coded DAC & AOC Solutions-Seamless
Multi-Vendor Compatibility
Many enterprise networks use a mix of hardware from different manufacturers, which often leads to compatibility challenges when connecting switches, servers, and other networking devices. Edgeium’s Dual-Coded DAC & AOC solutions solve this issue by ensuring seamless interoperability between
different vendor platforms.
How It Works
- Edgeium’s dual-coded technology allows each end of a DAC or AOC cable to be pre-coded for two different vendors, meaning.
- One end is coded for Vendor A (e.g., Cisco), while the other end is coded for Vendor B (e.g., Juniper).
- The cable is recognized natively by both devices, eliminating compatibility errors.
- No need for extra cables or workarounds—just plug and play.
Benefits of Dual-Coded Cables
- Eliminates Compatibility Issues- Works across multi-vendor environments with no manual configuration.
- Reduces Cable Clutter- Instead of stocking multiple cables for different brands, you only need one.
- Cost-Effective- Saves money by reducing the number of cable types needed.
- Plug-and-Play Simplicity- No firmware adjustments or third-party coding required.
Ideal Use Cases
- Data Centers – Connecting switches and servers from different manufacturers.
- Hybrid IT Environments – Organizations transitioning between legacy and modern networking hardware.
- Enterprise Networks – Reducing the complexity of multi-vendor networking.
Edgeium’s Dual-Coded DAC & AOC solutions simplify network deployment and upgrades while reducing costs and eliminating compatibility headaches.
Edgeium vs. OEM: Performance & Cost Comparison
Why pay more for OEM-branded cables when Edgeium offers the same quality at half the price?
Product | Edgeium Price Advantage | OEM Equivalent |
10G SFP+ DAC (1m) | 50% Lower | Cisco SFP-H10GB-CU1M |
25G SFP28 AOC (5m) | 60% Lower | Juniper QFX-SFP-25GAOC-5M |
40G QSFP+ DAC (3m) | 55% Lower | Arista CAB-Q-Q-3M |
100G QSFP28 AOC (10m) | 50% Lowe | HPE JL309A |
400G QSFP-DD DAC (2m) | 65% Lower | Cisco QSFP-400G-DAC2M |
- Same Performance, Lower Cost – Edgeium provides the same or better performance at half the price of OEM brands.
- 100% Compatibility Guaranteed – Works with all major networking vendors.


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When should I use AOCs instead of DACs?
Use AOCs for longer distances (up to 100m) when EMI resistance, flexibility, and low weight are priorities. Use DACs for short-range, cost-effective connectivity (up to 7m).
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Are Edgeium AOCs & DACs compatible with Cisco, Juniper, and Arista?
Yes! Edgeium cables are pre-coded for full compatibility with leading networking brands.
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What network speeds do Edgeium AOCs & DACs support?
Edgeium offers solutions for 10G, 25G, 40G, 100G, 400G, and 800G speeds.
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How much can I save by switching to Edgeium?
Customers typically save 50-65% compared to OEM pricing while maintaining identical quality.
Upgrade to Edgeium AOCs & DACs Today
Stop overpaying for OEM-branded cables. Edgeium’s high-performance AOCs & DACs offer the same quality, greater cost efficiency,
and 100% compatibility with leading network vendors.