400G / 800G DAC AEC High-Speed Connectivity Solutions

1. Introduction: The Evolution of High-Speed Interconnects

With the rapid growth of AI computing, High-Performance Computing (HPC), and hyperscale cloud data centers, network interconnect technologies are evolving from 100G/200G to 400G and even 800G.In this transition, high bandwidth, ultra-low latency, and energy-efficient connectivity solutions have become critical infrastructure.

C-LIGHT’s 400G / 800G DAC (Direct Attach Cable) and AEC (Active Electrical Cable) solutions are purpose-built for next-generation data center architectures, enabling high-density and high-performance data transmission.

2. Product Overview

400G / 800G DAC AEC Portfolio

C-LIGHT offers a comprehensive range of form factors to meet diverse deployment requirements:

• QSFP-DD – Mainstream interface for 400G deployments

• OSFP – Designed for 800G and future ultra-high-speed applications

• QSFP112 – Enables higher bandwidth density and improved signal integrity

Product Types:

• Passive DAC (for short-distance, ultra-low power scenarios)

• Active Electrical Cable (for extended reach and enhanced performance)

3. Core Features and Technical Advantages

Reliable High-Speed Performance

Supports InfiniBand NDR/XDR and high-speed Ethernet protocols, ensuring stable operation in AI training and high-throughput environments.

Ultra-Low Latency

DAC/AEC architecture minimizes signal conversion, delivering near-zero latency—ideal for GPU clusters and real-time computing.

Lower Power Consumption

Compared to optical modules, DAC/AEC solutions significantly reduce power usage, improving overall data center energy efficiency (PUE).

Cost-Effective Deployment

Eliminates the need for expensive optical transceivers, reducing Total Cost of Ownership (TCO), especially for rack-level connectivity.

Plug-and-Play Simplicity

Fully plug-and-play with no complex configuration required, accelerating deployment timelines.

4. Technical Architecture Insight

From a technical perspective:

• DAC: Uses high-quality copper cables, ideal for distances ≤3–5 meters

• AEC: Integrates active chips to enhance signal integrity and extend reach

• Supports high-speed SerDes (56G PAM4 / 112G PAM4)

• Optimized for Signal Integrity (SI) and Electromagnetic Interference (EMI)

These technologies ensure reliable performance in 400G/800G high-speed environments.

5. Application Scenarios

AI & HPC Clusters

• High-speed interconnect between GPU servers

• Supports InfiniBand NDR/XDR architectures

• Accelerates AI training and data processing

Top-of-Rack (ToR) Connectivity

• Short-distance connections between servers and switches

• Enables high-density and efficient cabling

Cloud Data Centers

• Scalable deployment for hyperscale environments

• Reduces operational cost and energy consumption

Storage Networks

• High-speed storage access (NVMe-oF)

• Improves I/O performance and responsiveness

6. Why Choose C-LIGHT

Proven Quality Assurance

• 100% tested for performance and reliability

• Fully compliant with industry standards

Stable Supply Capability

• Mature supply chain system

• Supports large-scale and consistent delivery

Premium Quality Components

• High-grade materials and advanced manufacturing

• Ensures long-term operational stability

Multi-Protocol Support

• Compatible with both InfiniBand and Ethernet

• Interoperable with mainstream switches and servers

7. Future Outlook: Toward 800G and Beyond

As AI models continue to scale (e.g., trillion-parameter models), demand for higher bandwidth interconnects will keep growing:

• 800G is becoming the new standard

• 1.6T interconnect technologies are emerging

• Copper-based interconnects (DAC/AEC) will remain essential for short-reach connectivity

C-LIGHT is committed to continuous innovation in high-speed interconnect technologies, empowering next-generation data centers.

C-LIGHT 400G / 800G DAC AEC solutions deliver low latency, low power consumption, and cost efficiency, making them a critical component in AI, HPC, and cloud data center environments.

As the industry moves toward 800G and beyond, DAC and AEC will continue to play a vital role in short-reach, high-performance connectivity.