Introduction

The need for data traffic has increased tremendously in recent years due to e-commerce, sophisticated data analytics, machine learning, artificial intelligence (AI), telemedicine, online banking, high-resolution video content, and other real-time applications. The growing traffic demands require a significant increase in the data center switch’s ability to handle data. Data center interconnects also become vital to the overall network topology. 

As a professional DCI optical transceiver and high-speed DAC cable provider, Optcore offers a full range of DCI high-speed interconnect solutions. In this article, we will introduce these most used DACs.

What is Data Center Interconnect (DCI)?

Data center interconnect (DCI) is the direct connection of two or more data centers using a high-speed, dedicated link. A data center can provide many benefits, including increased bandwidth, lower latency, and improved security and reliability.

DCI is a critical element of modern data center architecture. It allows data center operators to connect their data centers to create a single, logical data center.

Benefits of DCI Technology

DCI provides many benefits to data center operators, including:

1. High throughput: DCI delivers the ability to connect data centers using high-speed, dedicated links. It can give a significant increase in the overall bandwidth available to users.
2. Low Latency: A DCI network can provide significantly lower latency than a traditional WAN link. This can be crucial for applications like audio and video that need real-time data.
3. Improved Security: A DCI network can be encrypted, providing an additional layer of security for data in transit.
4. Simpler Operation: A DCI network can be provisioned and operated using a simple point-to-point connection without the need for complex networking equipment.
5. Fast Scalability: A DCI network can be easily scaled up or down to meet changing bandwidth needs.
6. Faster Connections: You can ensure that your network is ready to interconnect high-bandwidth demands, applications, and consumers, whether local or long-distance. DCI offers high-speed connections for your servers, customers, and cloud providers.

Why is DCI important?

Data center operators are seeking ways to expand the capacity of their networks as data center traffic continues to climb. DCI provides a way to connect data centers using high-speed, dedicated links. This can give a significant increase in the overall bandwidth available to users.

In addition, DCI can provide significantly lower latency than a traditional WAN link. This can be crucial for applications like audio and video that need real-time data.

Finally, a DCI link can be encrypted, providing an additional layer of security for data in transit.

Top 4 Optcore DAC Cable for DCI

Optcore provides a total DAC cable solution for data center interconnect as a practitioner of high-speed interconnection solutions. The following are the top 4 DAC cable products recommended by Optcore for DCI applications.

#1 10G SFP+ to SFP+ DAC Cable

Designed for short-range applications, the 10G SFP+ DAC cable is a direct-attach cable that supports 10 Gigabit Ethernet and Fiber Channel applications. The 10G passive DAC cable is available at 1, 2, 3, 5, and 7 meters. The Active DAC cable is available at 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 10, and 12 meters.

This cable offers a cost-effective way to connect 10 Gigabit Ethernet and Fiber Channel ports within and across adjacent racks. The cable provides low power consumption and supports up to 10 Gbps data rates.

#2 40G QSFP+ to QSFP+ DAC Cable

Optcore’s 40G QSFP+ to QSFP+ DAC interconnect solutions offer data center designers a cost-effective way to connect equipment within racks and data centers. This cable provides a high-density, low-power solution that supports data rates up to 40 Gbps. It is an excellent choice for interconnecting data centers with a 40Gbps switch port.

#3 100G QSFP28 to QSFP28 DAC Cable

Optcore’s 100G QSFP28 DAC provides various models with different lengths and broad compatibility. These 100G QSFP28 DAC cables are an excellent choice for applications requiring the highest 100 Gbps data rate and density. Provided with high performance and low cost, it is a good solution for your data center.

#4 100G QSFP28 to 25G SFP28 Breakout DAC Cable

Optcore’s 100G QSFP28 to 25G SFP28 breakout DAC cable is a 4x25G high-speed direct attach cable. It offers a low-cost, low-power solution for connecting 100G QSFP28 ports to 25G SFP28 ports. It allows you to splitter 100G QSFP28 port to 4x 25G SFP28 port and saves money on port cost.

FAQs about Optcore DAC Cable

Q: What is the difference between a DAC cable and an AOC cable?

A: DAC cables are passive direct-attach cables that use copper conductors to connect ports within racks and equipment. AOC cables are active optical cables that use fiber optics to connect equipment. Check the article to learn more about their differences “What is the difference between DAC and AOC Cables“

Q: What is the difference between a DAC cable and an optical transceiver?

A: DAC cables are copper cables assembly with connectors on two ends. DAC cables are a lower-cost solution that delivers high bandwidth and low EMI (electromagnetic interference). Optical transceivers include optical transmitters, receivers, and an electrical interface in a single compact form factor. DAC cables are primarily used for data center interconnect (DCI) applications, while optical transceivers are used for more extended reach applications.

Q: Why is Optcore DAC cable a good choice for DCI network applications?

• Low cost: Optcore’s DAC cables are much less expensive than most OEM suppliers, up to 80% lower in many cases.
• Wide Portfolio: Optcore offers various DAC cables to support different data rates, lengths, and connector types.
• Compatibility: Optcore’s DAC cables are compatible with many different brands of switch platforms.
• 3-Year Warranty: Unlike other DAC cable brands, Optcore offers a 3-year warranty on all of its DAC cables.

Q: Active DAC vs. Passive DAC, What is the difference?
A: Active DAC cables contain active electronics that amplify and regenerate the signal to reduce noise and interference. Passive DAC cables do not have any active electronics and rely on the quality of the copper conductors to provide a clean signal. Active DAC cables are typically used for more extended reach applications (longer than 7m), while passive DAC cables are used for shorter reach applications(shorter than 7m)

Conclusion

Optcore is a leading provider of high-speed interconnection solutions. The company provides a complete DAC cable solution for data center interconnect. The top 4 DAC cable categories recommended by Optcore for DCI applications are the above. If you have any questions about Optcore’s DAC cables, please feel free to contact us. Our team will be happy to help you find the right solution for your application.

Read more:

• What is the difference between DAC and AOC Cables?
• What you need to know about Optcore 400G QSFP-DD DAC Cables
• 6 Things You Should Know About Active Optical Cable (AOC)