In-depth analysis of AOC and DAC: the best choice for data centers and high-speed transmission

In modern data transmission and connection technology, Active Optical Cable (AOC) is quickly becoming a revolutionary solution. AOC offers significant performance advantages over traditional copper cabling, making it important in data centers and high-speed transmission applications. This article will take an in-depth look at how AOCs work, their benefits, and their importance in today’s technology environment.

What is an active optical cable (AOC)?

Active optical cable (AOC) is a cable that integrates optical fibers and embedded transceivers that convert electrical signals into optical signals. AOC is designed to transmit data at extremely high speeds while covering longer distances than traditional copper cables. This photoelectric conversion process not only reduces signal loss, but also improves the speed and reliability of data transmission.

How do AOC cables work?

How AOC cables work involves two main steps:

Signal conversion: A transceiver built into the AOC cable converts electrical signals into optical signals. Optical signals are transmitted through optical fibers, which has more advantages than electrical signal transmission through copper cables.

Signal Reception: At the end of the signal transmission, the optical signal is converted back into an electrical signal for interaction with regular electronic devices. This process enables AOC to provide higher data transfer rates and longer transmission distances.

Differences between DAC and AOC cables

Although both direct attach copper cables (DAC) and active optical cables (AOC) are used for data transmission, they have significant differences in construction, performance, and applications:

Construction and components

DAC cable: Made of two-core copper wire with passive or active electronics integrated into the connector, suitable for data transmission over short distances (usually no more than 7 meters).

Product:：25G SFP28 Direct Attach Passive Copper Cables 1M-5M DAC

AOC Cable: Composed of fiber optics and embedded transceivers, capable of covering longer distances and suitable for applications requiring high bandwidth.

Product:：100G QSFP28 Active Optical Cable 1M-100M AOC

Performance and data transfer

Signal integrity: DAC cables are susceptible to electromagnetic interference (EMI) and experience significant signal attenuation. AOC uses optical fiber, which has minimal signal loss and is not affected by EMI.

Bandwidth: AOCs typically support data rates up to 400 Gbps, while DACs typically have a maximum data rate between 25 Gbps and 100 Gbps.

energy consumption

DAC Cables: Passive DACs consume no power, active DACs consume relatively little power.

AOC cable: requires higher power to operate the built-in transceiver, but its performance and bandwidth advantages justify the power consumption.

Advantages of using AOC

High bandwidth and high speed: AOC can transmit data at higher rates and is suitable for applications such as high-performance computing (HPC) and big data centers.

Longer distance: AOC can effectively transmit data over a wider range and is suitable for medium and long-distance connections.

Resistant to electromagnetic interference (EMI): Fiber optics are immune to electromagnetic interference, ensuring signal integrity.

Lightweight and flexible: Fiber optic cables are lighter than copper cables and are easier to install.

Why choose AOC over other cables?

Key benefits of AOC in the data center include:

Reduced latency: AOC can efficiently transmit data, which is very important for real-time applications and high-performance computing.

Thermal Management: AOC generates less heat and helps in overall thermal management of the data center.

Scalability: AOC has a scalable infrastructure that supports future expansion.

Energy Efficiency: Although AOC consumes more electricity, its high performance and low energy consumption make it more cost-effective in the long term.

The role of optical fibers in active optical cables

Optical fiber plays a vital role in AOC, ensuring efficient data transmission by reducing signal loss and electromagnetic interference. Optical fiber is not only light and flexible, but also provides stable and reliable connections in complex data center environments.

How to optimize AOC cable performance?

To maximize the performance of your AOC cable, follow these best practices:

Cable Management: Organize and secure cables to avoid folding or twisting.

Clean connectors: Check and clean connectors regularly to avoid dust interference.

Environmental Conditions: Maintain proper operating temperatures to prevent condensation problems.

High-standard transceivers: Use high-quality transceivers to ensure performance.

Regular testing: Test frequently to detect potential problems.

Troubleshoot common AOC cable problems

Link not found: Check that the transceiver is plugged in correctly, clean the connector.

Intermittent connections: Check cable routing to avoid sharp bends or kinks.

Signal quality is degraded: Use diagnostic tools to check signal integrity and reroute cables away from sources of interference.

High error rate: clean connections, check for firmware updates, ensure good environmental conditions.

in conclusion

Active optical cable (AOC) is changing the landscape of modern data centers and high-speed data transmission with its advantages of high bandwidth, long-distance transmission and resistance to electromagnetic interference. By understanding how AOCs work and optimizing their performance, you can make more informed decisions when selecting and implementing these advanced cables.

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