For a short link inside a rack, which cable type is the usual low-cost choice?
Why A is the answer
Direct attach copper
DAC suits short distances. Fiber suits longer runs.
In detail
- DAC suits short distances at low cost.
- Fiber suits longer runs.
Use case
An illustrative scenario, not a real incident.
Short links within a rack use direct attach copper, at low cost.
See it in different ways
flowchart LR A["Is it connected to the right port?"] --> B["Compare with the cabling map"] C["Is the signal good?"] --> D["Check link errors"]
mindmap
root((Links))
Short
Direct attach copper
Long
Optical transceivers
Layout
Rail-optimized
Proof
Cabling map
Error countersflowchart TD
Q{"How far is the link?"}
Q -->|"Inside a rack"| A0["Direct attach copper"]
Q -->|"Between distant racks"| A1["Optical fiber"]Key point: DAC suits short distances.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. Long-reach single-mode fiber
- Long-reach fiber costs more.
- C. A wireless bridge between the servers
- That is not a data center fabric.
- D. A console cable
- That is for console access.