Direct Attach Cables for Data Centre Interconnects

Direct Attach Cables are most suited for short distances. They provide you with a simple and inexpensive way to connect the racks within the data centre. 1000 GIG DACs including 10GBASE SFP+, 6GBASE Mini SAS and 40GBASE QSFP+ cables are available in different lengths and configurations. You can then code them to be fully compatible with the equipment you are using. They also allow you to code for multi-vendor systems, so that you can connect one vendor’s switch to that of another vendor.

Applications for DACs

Direct Attach Cables provide data centre managers with a pre-terminated connection for handling 25Gbit/s, 50Gbit/s and 100 Gbit/s of data. These cables make use of the same port as that used by optical transceivers. They are highly effective for short distance applications are are cost effective with numerous advantages over copper wires in terms of weight, reach and bend flexibility. DAC cables are well known for their energy efficiency and reduction in power consumption.

The fact is bandwidth and data storage requirements have been increasing fast and there is a major demand for better and more efficient data centres. All industries have a hunger for data that is insatiable. They also need fast access to the data, which is why technology companies are constantly in the race to develop faster and more responsive tech products.

SFP28 and QSFP28 Defined

SFP stands for Small Form Pluggable. SFP28 is a type of link used for both fiber cables and copper-based Direct Attach Cables (DACs). It works as a network connector and a network port. As a network connector, SFP28 works as an enhanced and hot-swappable device which supports switches and a server data rate of 25 GBPS Ethernet. This device consists of 20 pins and is backward compatible on all SFP ports.

SFP28 connectors are meant for short runs of 5 meters. They are capable of supporting single channels and have data rates of up to 25 Gbit/s. You can integrate many SFP28 connectors with one QSFP28 connector in order to provide support for a cable assembly of 4 x 25G channels at 100 Gbit/s per cable. The 1×4 configuration is beneficial as you can consolidate four 10/25G servers onto just one 40/100G switch.

QSFP stands for Quad Small Form Pluggable. DAC QSFP28 connectors are similar to SFP28. It is both a plug and port and is capable of supporting 4x the SFP28. The data rate achieved by these devices can support data flow through four distinct data channels. The QSFP28 connector is only a little bigger than SFP28 connectors. It consists of 38 pins with four high-speed RX pairs and four high-speed TX pairs.

In the same manner as SFP28 connectors, these devices can support fiber cables as well as copper-based direct attach cables. The QSFP28 connectors made by us can support any data rate or protocol. They are capable of supporting data rates of 25, 50 and 100 Gbit/s InfiniBand EDR and Ethernet.

1000 GIG provide an extensive range of DAC and AOC assemblies that can be customised per customer requirements. Contact a member of our sales team for more information and start enjoying the benefits DACs with compatibility for all major vendors.