As data centers become larger and more complex, the need for quick, dependable, and effective data transport becomes quite critical. Two well-known solutions to fulfill these demands are direct-attach copper (DAC) connections and active optical connections (AOC). Every one of these wiring decisions has advantages and is suitable for certain applications. Understanding their variations and when to use each one will help you maximize the data center’s performance. This page addresses DAC cables and AOC cables, along with their advantages, drawbacks, and applications.