Ubiquiti UACC-DAC-SFP28-1M 25G SFP28 Direct Attach Cable
Overview
The UACC-DAC-SFP28-1M is a 1-meter direct attach copper (DAC) cable terminated in dual SFP28 connectors, purpose-built for 25GBase interconnect in data center and enterprise network deployments. This cable eliminates the need for separate SFP28 transceivers or optical modules when connecting adjacent network switches or compatible infrastructure within Ubiquiti's UniFi ecosystem. The copper conductor design delivers lower latency and reduced cost-per-port compared to optical alternatives — a meaningful tradeoff when you're linking core aggregation layers or high-density switch pairs in the same rack or adjacent racks.
Key Features
- 25GBase Copper Connectivity: Delivers full 25 Gbps throughput without external transceivers. Eliminates transceiver latency and cost — you save roughly $300–500 per transceiver pair versus pluggable optics on short runs.
- 1-Meter Fixed Length: Optimized for adjacent equipment mounting. At this distance, copper DAC is the preferred choice over optical in most data center builds — optical becomes the better option beyond 3–5 meters or when cable routing demands flex.
- SFP28 Dual Termination: Plugs directly into any SFP28 25G port on UniFi switches (e.g., UniFi Dream Machine Pro SE, UniFi Dream Machine SE) or compatible third-party infrastructure. No configuration or driver installation required — it negotiates automatically on insertion.
- Black Finish: Standard industrial appearance, matches enterprise switch aesthetics in rack environments.
- Passive Design: No active electronics, power consumption, or firmware to manage — reduces failure modes and simplifies inventory.
- UniFi Integration: Works within Ubiquiti surveillance and networking systems wherever 25G backbone capacity is needed. Ideal for high-throughput NVR interconnect or multi-switch aggregation in large deployments.
Integration & Compatibility
The UACC-DAC-SFP28-1M (often searched as UACC DAC SFP28 1M) integrates with any network device featuring SFP28 25G ports. Ubiquiti UniFi switches that carry SFP28 slots support this cable natively. Deployment is immediate — insert both connectors, and full 25 Gbps speed negotiates automatically. No additional configuration, licensing, or software updates needed. This cable is a pure plug-and-play interface — its job is to move bits between two ports, and it does exactly that.
When to Choose a Different Approach
If your cable run exceeds 5 meters, or if ducting and routing constraints demand flexibility, consider 25G optical transceivers and single-mode or multi-mode fiber instead. DAC is stiffer than fiber and harder to bend through tight cable trays. If you need the cable to span across multiple rooms or buildings, optical is mandatory. For short intra-rack or adjacent-rack links under 3 meters, this DAC is the cost-effective standard.
Typical Deployment Context
Use this cable to backbone multiple UniFi switches, link an NVR cluster to a core aggregation switch, or provide redundant 25G paths between switch pairs. It's common in warehouse automation networks and security operations centers where you're consolidating camera and sensor feeds into a few high-capacity collection points. The 1-meter length suits standard 19-inch rack spacing; if you need longer runs, plan for optical modules or a different cable variant.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Will the UACC-DAC-SFP28-1M work with non-Ubiquiti switches?
A: Yes. Any switch or network appliance with SFP28 25G ports supports this cable. SFP28 is a standardized connector; Ubiquiti didn't invent it. Verify your device's datasheet lists SFP28 support at 25GBase speeds.
Q: What is the maximum cable length for a direct attach copper cable at 25G?
A: DAC cables are typically rated for distances up to 5–7 meters at 25G without signal degradation, depending on the cable specification. The UACC-DAC-SFP28-1M at 1 meter is well within safe range. Beyond 7 meters, optical transceivers and fiber are recommended.
Q: Do I need to terminate this cable or perform any installation steps?
A: No. The cable ships pre-terminated and ready to use. Insert both SFP28 connectors into compatible ports and power on the devices. No crimping, soldering, or configuration required.
Q: Can this cable be used for video surveillance network aggregation?
A: Yes. If you're running an NVR with 25G SFP28 ports and uplink switches with matching ports, this cable can serve as a backbone link. It's commonly deployed in large multi-camera estates where you need high-speed aggregation from distributed IP cameras back to central recording infrastructure.
Q: Is the UACC-DAC-SFP28-1M compatible with PoE or powered switches?
A: Yes. This is a passive copper cable — it carries data only, no power. It's compatible with any switch type: powered, unpowered, managed, unmanaged. The cable itself does not consume power.
Ted PerryPerspective based on aggregated IP Security Depot and affiliated engineering team experience.
I've deployed the UACC-DAC-SFP28-1M in several warehouse automation and video surveillance backbone builds. The 1-meter fixed length is deliberately short — it's built for rack-adjacent interconnect, and that constraint is its strength, not a limitation. At 25 Gbps over passive copper, you're looking at roughly $150–200 per cable versus $400–600 for a pair of SFP28 optical transceivers, which adds up fast when you're tying together 3–4 switch pairs in a core layer.
Technical Highlights:
- 25GBase Full Duplex: Delivers the rated speed with zero buffering or negotiation overhead. A fully passive cable means no transceiver latency — you get wire-speed forwarding between ports. Critical in surveillance setups where you're moving 10–15 cameras' worth of 4K H.265 streams through a single uplink.
- SFP28 Standardization: The connector is standardized across vendors (Ubiquiti, Juniper, Cisco, Arista, etc.). You're not locked into Ubiquiti ecosystem — this cable works with any 25G-capable switch. Matters for mixed-vendor deployments or future upgrades.
- Passive Design, No Power Draw: Zero active components means zero firmware bugs, zero transceiver failure modes, zero power budget drain. In large deployments, this simplicity saves troubleshooting time and reduces spare-parts inventory.
Deployment Considerations:
- Cable Routing Constraint: Copper DAC is stiff and less forgiving than fiber. If your rack cable trays demand tight bends or long routing runs, you'll fight this cable. At 1 meter for adjacent racks, it's fine; beyond that, plan for optical or accept routing friction.
- Distance Limit: DAC is rated to roughly 5–7 meters before signal integrity begins to degrade at 25G speeds. The UACC-DAC-SFP28-1M's 1-meter length sits comfortably in that safe zone, but it's not a backbone solution for campus-scale deployments — that's fiber's job.
Deploy this cable when you're aggregating high-density camera or sensor feeds into a central switch pair, or when you're building a compact core layer in a data center or server room. It's a straightforward, cost-effective play for short, high-speed interconnect where passive reliability and low latency matter.
