NVIDIA High-Speed Cables: 400G/800G Interconnect Selection and Cabling Essentials

As data centers evolve to support AI, HPC, and cloud workloads, the demand for higher network bandwidth continues to accelerate. NVIDIA's 400G and 800G high-speed cable solutions provide critical infrastructure for next-generation data center interconnects.

NVIDIA offers two primary types of high-speed cabling solutions for 400G and 800G deployments:

• Direct Attach Copper (DAC) Cables: Cost-effective copper solutions ideal for short-reach applications within racks or between adjacent racks
• Active Optical Cables (AOC): Fiber-based solutions offering longer reach and higher bandwidth density for more flexible data center layouts

When choosing between DAC and AOC solutions for your 400G/800G infrastructure, consider these critical factors:

• Distance Requirements: DAC cables typically support up to 3 meters for 400G and 2 meters for 800G, while AOC can extend to 100 meters or more
• Power Consumption: DAC solutions generally consume less power compared to AOC alternatives
• Cost Considerations: DAC provides the most economical solution for short-reach applications
• Weight and Flexibility: AOC cables are lighter and more flexible, simplifying cable management in high-density environments

NVIDIA's 400G high-speed cable portfolio includes QSFP-DD and OSFP form factors, while 800G solutions leverage OSFP and OSFP-XD connectors. These cables support the latest Ethernet and InfiniBand standards, ensuring compatibility with NVIDIA Spectrum switches and NVIDIA InfiniBand adapters.

The transition to 800G represents a significant leap in data center connectivity, doubling the bandwidth of 400G solutions while maintaining similar power envelopes. This makes 800G DAC and AOC solutions particularly valuable for AI training clusters and HPC applications where bandwidth density is critical.

Proper cable management is essential for maintaining signal integrity and ensuring optimal performance in high-speed networks:

• Maintain minimum bend radii to prevent signal degradation
• Implement proper strain relief to avoid connector damage
• Ensure adequate airflow around cables to prevent thermal issues
• Use appropriate cable organizers for high-density deployments

As data centers prepare for 1.6T and beyond, selecting the right 400G/800G cable infrastructure today provides a foundation for future upgrades. NVIDIA's high-speed cable ecosystem is designed with backward compatibility and forward scalability in mind, protecting your investment while enabling seamless technology transitions.

Whether deploying new AI clusters or upgrading existing data center networks, understanding the trade-offs between DAC and AOC solutions at 400G and 800G speeds is crucial for optimizing performance, cost, and operational efficiency.