QNAP CAB-DAC15M-SFPP SFP+ 10GbE Direct Attach Cable
Overview
The CAB-DAC15M-SFPP is a 1.5-meter SFP+ twinaxial direct attach cable designed to connect QNAP NAS units, expansion units, and network switches over a short-range 10GbE link without the added cost or latency of optical transceivers. At 1.5M, it covers top-of-rack and adjacent-rack interconnects — the exact scenario where a DAC eliminates the transceiver-plus-fiber overhead entirely. If you're building a 10GbE backbone between a QNAP storage system and a 10G-capable switch within the same rack or adjacent rack, this cable handles it with no additional hardware.
Compatibility
Designed for use with QNAP NAS devices and expansion units equipped with SFP+ ports, including the QNAP TVS, TS, and TES series NAS families with 10GbE SFP+ expansion cards, as well as QNAP QSW-series managed and unmanaged 10GbE switches. The SFP+ interface also provides broad compatibility with third-party switches and NICs that accept standard SFP+ DAC cables — Cisco, Juniper, Arista, and comparable enterprise-grade switch platforms commonly support SFP+ DAC insertion, though compatibility should be confirmed against your specific switch model's interoperability matrix before ordering. This cable is not suitable for runs exceeding 1.5M; for longer distances, an active optical cable or dedicated SFP+ transceivers with fiber are the appropriate path — see network cabling options for alternatives. The SFP+ interface supports 10GbE only; it is not a 25G or 40G solution.
Installation Notes
DAC cables are passive and require no configuration — insert both ends into SFP+ cages and the link negotiates automatically. Ensure adequate bend radius and cable management clearance; twinaxial cables are stiffer than patch cables and should not be sharply kinked. Confirm your switch's SFP+ cage accepts third-party DAC modules if operating outside the QNAP ecosystem.
