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

 

QSFP-4X10G-AOC7M

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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Dual Coded DAC
Breakout DAC cable from Edgeium connecting a QSFP28 module to 4× SFP28 ports—low-latency, plug-and-play, and OEM-compatible.

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

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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

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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)

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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)

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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

QSFP+ breakout AOC cable splitting one 40G connection into four 10G SFP+ links for high-density network aggregation.


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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faq


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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.

 

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