What is a Direct Attach Copper (DAC) Cable?

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Evan

Well-Known Member
Jan 6, 2016
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To me DAC is ‘direct attach cable’ , yes the more common is twinax copper style but also lots of AOC ‘active optical cable’
Or if we say DAC really is just cooper next article could be about AOC cables but I would more mention they exist.
 

klui

Well-Known Member
Feb 3, 2019
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There are
  • passive copper (twinaxial)
  • active copper (twinaxial)
  • active optical
Unfortunately the history of DAC (direct attached copper) cables just makes things a little more complex. I've never cut a "twinax" cable before so I am curious whether a 40G/100G/200G passive copper DAC has only 2 coaxial cables bundled or multiple pairs of coax.
 

Evan

Well-Known Member
Jan 6, 2016
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Next time I am at the DC I will check if I have an old one to cut open, I also have no real idea.
My guess it 4 pairs of cables for the 40G + cables.