The 10G SFP+ Cu (shorthand for that 10G SFP+ copper direct attach cable) media type isn't specified by the 802.3 standard, as well as the shorthand identifier was introduced by the vendors who developed this cable type. This low-cost short copper cable segment is beneficial, as an example, for interconnecting a collection of switches, as well as for short-distance connections between switch ports and Ethernet interfaces on servers as well as other devices. Before the growth and development of 10GBASE-T, this Direct Attach Cable (DAC) was the only real low-cost copper connection designed for 10 Gbps operation.

The DAC is terminated having a Small Form-Factor (SFF) connector module named the SFP+ (Small Form-factor Pluggable Plus). The SFP+ Transceiver module suits a port that's roughly the size of an RJ45-style port, so that it is feasible for vendors to offer a higher port density on their own switches.A 10G SFP+ Cable shown as below:

The SFP+ module isn't standardized from any official standards body,but rather is specified by a Multi-Source Agreement (MSA) which was developed among competing manufacturers. MSAs will be the primary method used to develop communications connectors and transceiver modules which are utilized in Ethernet as well as other network systems. As technology advances, cabling and equipment vendors work with each other to develop smaller and much more efficient connectors and modules, with all the MSA being a rapid way of developing these enhancements. The SFP+ will be the second generation of the SFP+ standard. The classic SFP+ specifications support operation up to 4.5 Gbps. The SFP+ features support for 10 Gbps or better signaling, according to improved impedance matching specifications for much better signal transmission.

Vendors provide both active and passive versions of the 10GSFP+ Cu DAC. An DAC assembly is recognized as active in case there are signal processing electronics in the SFP+ module to increase signal quality and supply a lengthier cable distance. The lowest priced approach is the passive DAC, which has a tendency to be shorter; the active DAC can make it a possibility to support longer and thinner cable assemblies. The accessible cable lengths range from 1 m to 7 m, even though you will discover variations in supported cable lengths among different vendors.

The direct attach SFP+ Twinax cables use the same SFP+ connector module which is used on 10 Gbps optical fiber links. However, instead of utilizing an optical transceiver each and every end as well as a length of fiber optic cable, the DAC uses the SFP+ module, taking away the expensive optical lasers along with other electronic components. Both in active and passive cables, a smaller electrical component is used to recognize the SFP+ module and cable type to the Ethernet interface; that component is lower price and consumes not much power.

A DAC Cable is a limited assembly that's bought at confirmed length, using the SFP+ modules permanently attached with each side of the cable. Although significantly thinner than 10GBASE-CX4 cable, it is stilla comparatively stiff cable. To set up the cable on anything apart from closely associated equipment, you've got to be ready to route the cable and it is attached SFP+ modules through any intervening cable management trays and cable guides.