AOC and DAC cables from 10G to 800G: SFP+, QSFP+, QSFP28, QSFP-DD, OSFP. Breakout configurations available. MSA-compliant, made in Taiwan by Coretek Opto.
Last updated August 2026
Request a QuoteActive Optical Cables (AOC) and Direct Attach Copper (DAC) cables are fixed-length, pre-terminated interconnects used for short-reach rack-to-rack and server-to-switch connections inside data centers. Our AOC and DAC portfolio spans speeds from 10G to 800G in SFP+, QSFP+, QSFP28, QSFP56, QSFP-DD, and OSFP form factors with breakout configurations (e.g., QSFP28 to 4×SFP28).
DAC (Direct Attach Copper) uses a copper twinaxial cable with integrated SFP/QSFP modules at each end. DAC is passive copper (no laser or optical components, very low power draw) and typically covers distances from 0.5 m to 5 m. AOC (Active Optical Cable) uses multimode fiber with integrated transceivers containing optical engines, enabling distances from 1 m up to 100 m while consuming minimal power.
Yes. DAC cables use standard MSA-compliant QSFP+ or QSFP28 connectors and are recognized as transceivers by the switch. No driver configuration is needed beyond standard optic firmware. QSFP-DD ports also accept QSFP28 DAC cables at 100G speed.
Both are used to connect top-of-rack switches to servers, storage, or adjacent switches within the same or adjacent racks. They are the cost-effective solution for server-to-TOR links and TOR-to-spine connections up to 5 m (DAC) or 100 m (AOC).
AOC and DAC eliminate fiber polarity management, reduce cable count, and lower power consumption versus discrete transceivers with patch cables. Breakout variants, such as 400G QSFP-DD to 4×100G QSFP28, enable flexible port splitting for high-density AI/ML cluster deployments.
DAC cables are limited to short runs, typically up to 3 m for passive copper and up to 7 m for active copper. AOC cables use optical fiber and reach much further, commonly 1 m to 100 m.
Choose DAC for in-rack server-to-switch links where the run is under 3 m and power draw matters. Choose AOC for rack-to-rack and end-of-row links where copper cannot reach or cable bulk becomes a problem.
NAFO supplies Taiwan-made AOC and DAC cables from 10G through 800G, shipping across Canada and the United States from Richmond, BC. Manufactured by Coretek Opto and represented in North America exclusively by NAFO, every cable is quoted directly. We respond within 1 business day.
C = Commercial (0°C to 70°C) · I = Industrial (−40°C to 85°C)