Modern data centers and enterprise networks are experiencing unprecedented traffic demand. Driven by AI computing, cloud scaling, and microservice architectures, standard 10G/40G backbones are rapidly migrating towards 100G and beyond. When designing physical link layers, finding a budget-friendly but performance-oriented interconnect remains a critical objective. This is where Cheap DAC 100G (Direct Attach Copper) technologies come into play, providing the ultimate balance between CapEx reduction and high reliability.
A Direct Attach Copper (DAC) cable is a factory-terminated twinaxial copper cable assembly configured with pluggable module connectors (e.g., QSFP28) at either end. Capable of supporting transmission rates up to 100Gbps, these assemblies eliminate the need for expensive optical transceivers and fiber patch cords, providing a highly cost-effective and low-power solution for short-reach interconnections within rack enclosures (ToR) and adjacent racks.
The 100G QSFP28 DAC operates using four high-speed differential channels, each running at data rates up to 25Gbps (or 25.78Gbps for 100GbE). Key industry standards define these electrical interfaces, ensuring broad interoperability across vendor equipment:
Because copper cables attenuate high-frequency electrical signals over distance, wire gauge selection is critical. Kocent Optec offers DAC products in 26 AWG, 28 AWG, and 30 AWG sizes. A thicker copper conductor (smaller AWG number) minimizes insertion loss, extending the link length up to 5 meters. In contrast, thinner conductors (larger AWG number) provide a smaller bend radius and improved flexibility, optimizing airflow within dense server chassis.
| Wire Gauge (AWG) | Maximum Length (m) | Outer Diameter (mm) | Minimum Bend Radius (mm) | Ideal Application Scenario |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 30 AWG | 1.0 - 1.5m | ~6.2mm | 35mm | Intra-rack, switch-to-server connections, crowded cable trays |
| 28 AWG | 2.0 - 3.0m | ~7.4mm | 42mm | Intra-rack or adjacent-rack connections in standard cabinets |
| 26 AWG | 4.0 - 5.0m | ~8.8mm | 50mm | Inter-cabinet patching, long rack spans requiring thick conductors |
Kocent Optec operates from the heart of the global electronics hub in Guangdong, China, with administrative bases in Hong Kong. This strategic geographic placement gives us access to a dense network of raw copper suppliers, automated precision soldering facilities, and advanced testing institutes.
By manufacturing at scale and implementing strict process automations—such as automatic cable stripping and precision laser welding—we reduce labor overhead while maintaining tight control over characteristic impedance (100 ohms target). This structural supply chain efficiency allows Kocent Optec to deliver premium DAC assemblies that compete directly with OEM brands at a fraction of their retail cost.
Our raw materials comply strictly with global high-frequency signal requirements, utilizing silver-plated copper conductors and low-smoke zero-halogen (LSZH) jackets to guarantee excellent thermal profiles and safety standard adherence.
For large-scale enterprise data deployments, sourcing low-cost components cannot compromise infrastructure integrity. Network architects must evaluate several functional attributes to ensure the products match physical demands:
Many mainstream switch manufacturers (e.g., Cisco, Arista, Juniper, Dell) employ proprietary firmware locks that block third-party transceivers or DACs. Kocent Optec circumvents this through our advanced EEPROM coding laboratory. Every single cheap DAC 100G cable we produce is pre-coded and tested for compatibility with target switch vendors, ensuring zero error messages or port blocking upon installation.
International hardware imports must conform to strict localized electrical and ecological directives. Kocent Optec cables are certified and compliant with the following global framework bodies:
Data center operating costs (OpEx) are closely tied to cooling and power footprints. While active optical transceivers (like 100G SR4 modules) require up to 2.5W to 3.5W of power per port to run internal laser diodes, a passive 100G DAC operates purely on copper conduction, drawing less than 0.1W of power. This massive energy savings across hundreds of active ports significantly lowers power demands and simplifies thermal management.
Connecting physical servers to their localized rack access switches. At lengths under 3 meters, passive DACs deliver maximum throughput at the lowest latency, minimizing cost per link.
AI model training demands extreme parallel throughput. High-density server nodes communicate via 100G breakout DACs, bridging high-speed NICs directly to cluster aggregation layers.
Linking Storage Area Networks (SAN) and Network Attached Storage (NAS) configurations. Low latency transmission guarantees fast block-level data retrieval and backup operations.
Established in 2012 in Hong Kong as a hi-tech communication enterprise, Kocent Optec Limited is one of China's leading fiber optic termination product manufacturers and solution providers.
We are dedicated to developing and manufacturing high-performance fiber optic and copper communication products, ranging from passive components to active network architectures, for telecommunication networks, enterprise networks, and cloud-scale data centers.
By leveraging our extensive engineering experience and manufacturing capacities developed over more than 13 years, we optimize outcomes for our global customers. We build value-driven partnerships, delivering tailored OEM and ODM interconnect solutions that elevate network capabilities.
With more than 13 years of technical excellence, we strictly follow the highest telecommunication industry standards. Using mature, scientifically proven methods, we guarantee that 100% of our products undergo detailed visual, physical, and signal-integrity testing before shipment.
Years of customer support enable Kocent Optec to serve network deployments worldwide, spanning East Asia, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Eastern and Western Europe, the Americas, and Africa.
We are proud to see our OEM/ODM systems clear major telecom tender processes and perform reliably for global carriers.
Our OEM and ODM components are deployed in networks managed by leading international telecommunications providers:
KOCENT OPTEC
