In modern data centers, high-performance computing clusters, and cloud computing platforms, high-speed, low-latency, and stable interconnections are required between servers, switches, and storage devices. Among the many interconnection solutions, DAC (Direct Attach Copper) and AOC (Active Optical Cable) are two of the most widely used cable solutions. While they may appear similar, they each have distinct characteristics in terms of structure, performance, and application scenarios. So, how should one choose between DAC and AOC for data transmission?
1. Definitions of DAC and AOC
DAC (Direct Attach Copper) is essentially a copper cable with fixed optical modules integrated at both ends. It transmits electrical signals directly between device ports without the need for electro-optical conversion, making it a low-cost, low-power consumption solution for short-distance data transmission.
AOC (Active Optical Cable) can be understood as a fiber optic cable with permanently integrated electro-optical conversion modules at both ends. It converts electrical signals into optical signals at the transmitting end, transmits them through optical fibers, and then converts the optical signals back into electrical signals at the receiving end. This enables data transmission over longer distances with stronger anti-interference capabilities using light as the medium.
2. Performance Comparison: DAC vs AOC
3. Application Scenarios
Scenarios suitable for choosing DAC:
- Interconnections between devices within the same rack
- Applications requiring low power consumption
- Large-scale deployments sensitive to cost
Scenarios suitable for choosing AOC:
- Interconnections between devices across different racks
- Environments with high electromagnetic interference
- High-density cabling
- Applications with high data security requirements
4. Summary
In data transmission interconnections, both DAC and AOC have their advantages: DAC is more suitable for short-distance, low-cost, and low-power consumption scenarios, while AOC excels in applications requiring longer distances, higher interference resistance, and complex cabling. Therefore, during actual deployment, the choice should be weighed based on transmission distance, cabling environment, budget, and power consumption to achieve an optimal balance between performance and cost.
