? Message us on When building a modern high-speed network, one of the most important factors is the interconnection between switches, servers, and storage devices. While fiber optics are common, not every situation demands the complexity and cost of fiber modules. This is where Mikrotik XS+DA0003 SFP 1G, SFP+ 10G Direct Attach Cable becomes essential. This MikroTik product is a ready-to-use, plug-and-play solution that combines SFP/SFP+ compatibility with reliable copper cabling, delivering up to 10Gbps connectivity at a fraction of the cost of fiber.
Detailed Product Overview : Mikrotik XS+DA0003 Attach Cable
The Mikrotik XS+DA0003 SFP 1G, SFP+ 10G Direct Attach Cable is designed to simplify data center and enterprise interconnects. Instead of buying separate SFP+ modules and patch cables, Mikrotik provides a combined unit: a twinax copper cable with integrated SFP/SFP+ connectors at both ends. This integration ensures minimal latency, reduced power consumption, and improved reliability.
The cable supports 1G and 10G Ethernet speeds, making it versatile for both legacy and high-performance devices. At 3 meters in length, it offers the flexibility to connect devices within the same rack or adjacent racks, which is the most common use case in enterprise and ISP environments. Since the SFP+ connectors are pre-attached and factory-tested, installation is straightforward: simply plug it into compatible Mikrotik or third-party networking equipment, and the link is established.
One of the strongest points of the Mikrotik XS+DA0003 is its compatibility. It works with most Mikrotik devices featuring SFP or SFP+ ports, such as the CRS series switches, CCR routers, and other enterprise gear. It also supports a wide range of other vendors’ SFP/SFP+ ports, which is important for businesses running mixed environments.
Applications of Mikrotik XS+DA0003 SFP 1G, SFP+ 10G Direct Attach Cable
This cable is highly suitable for environments where short-range, high-bandwidth interconnections are critical. Typical use cases include:
- Data Centers: Linking top-of-rack switches to aggregation switches.
- Enterprise Networks: Connecting servers and storage arrays to distribution switches.
- ISP Networks: Establishing reliable, high-speed links between routers and switches in colocation facilities.
- Lab and Test Environments: Providing a cost-effective way to test 10G links without purchasing expensive fiber modules.
Because of its direct attach design, it eliminates the need for optical transceivers, which reduces complexity and cost.
Ports and Connectivity
The Mikrotik XS+DA0003 features integrated SFP/SFP+ connectors on both ends of the cable. Each connector is hot-pluggable and designed to fit seamlessly into any standard SFP/SFP+ cage. The cable itself is passive twinax, meaning it does not require external power to operate. Instead, it relies on the device’s SFP/SFP+ port for operation.
Supported speeds include:
- 1G Ethernet (SFP standard)
- 10G Ethernet (SFP+ standard)
This dual compatibility ensures that the same cable can be used across different generations of devices, protecting long-term investments.
Build Quality and Reliability
Mikrotik is known for offering durable networking equipment at accessible prices, and the XS+DA0003 is no exception. The connectors are manufactured with precision to ensure a secure fit and minimal insertion loss. The copper twinax cable is shielded to minimize electromagnetic interference, making it reliable even in environments with dense cabling and multiple sources of electrical noise.
The cable length of 3 meters strikes a balance between flexibility and performance. Longer copper cables can suffer from signal degradation, but this model is designed specifically for rack-to-rack or in-rack connectivity where distance rarely exceeds a few meters. As a result, users get consistent 10Gbps throughput with low latency.
Why Choose Direct Attach Instead of Fiber?
One of the key reasons organizations choose Mikrotik XS+DA0003 SFP 1G, SFP+ 10G Direct Attach Cable is cost savings. Fiber optic solutions require separate transceivers, patch cables, and sometimes specialized handling. Direct Attach Cables (DACs) provide an all-in-one solution with lower power consumption (typically under 0.15W per cable) compared to optical modules.
For short distances, DAC is the more practical choice. Fiber still dominates in long-range connections, but for typical rack interconnects, DACs are faster to deploy and more budget-friendly.
When to Use Mikrotik XS+DA0003
- If you need high-speed uplinks between switches in the same rack.
- If you want to avoid the expense of buying multiple optical transceivers.
- If you are setting up a lab or staging environment where cost-effective 10G links are important.
- If you run an enterprise environment with both 1G and 10G equipment and want a single versatile cable.
Comparison with Similar Mikrotik Products
Mikrotik offers several DAC models, each designed for different distances and use cases:
| Model | Length | Speed Support | Best Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|
| XS+DA0001 | 1m | 1G/10G | For very short, within-rack connections |
| XS+DA0003 | 3m | 1G/10G | Flexible length, most popular for rack-to-rack |
| XS+DA0005 | 5m | 1G/10G | Longer runs, but may not be ideal in noisy environments |
| XS+DA0009 | 9m | 1G/10G | Extended reach within larger racks |
Compared to these, the XS+DA0003 strikes the best balance of performance, flexibility, and reliability. It is long enough for practical setups but short enough to maintain signal quality.
Technical Specifications of Mikrotik XS+DA0003 Attach Cable
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Mikrotik XS+DA0003 SFP 1G, SFP+ 10G Direct Attach Cable |
| Cable Type | Passive Twinax Copper |
| Length | 3 meters |
| Connector Type | Integrated SFP/SFP+ |
| Supported Standards | SFP (1Gbps), SFP+ (10Gbps) |
| Compatibility | Mikrotik CRS/CCR devices and other vendor SFP/SFP+ ports |
| Power Consumption | <0.15W |
| Hot-Plug Support | Yes |
| Application | Data center, enterprise, ISP, lab environments |
FAQ about Mikrotik XS+DA0003 SFP 1G, SFP+ 10G Direct Attach Cable
- What speeds does the XS+DA0003 support?
It supports both 1Gbps and 10Gbps Ethernet. - Is this cable active or passive?
It is a passive twinax cable, requiring no external power. - What devices are compatible with this cable?
It works with Mikrotik devices like CRS switches, CCR routers, and most standard SFP/SFP+ ports from other vendors. - Can it replace fiber optic connections?
Yes, for short distances (up to 3m), it can replace fiber while offering the same 10Gbps performance. - Does it require SFP modules?
No, the cable has built-in SFP/SFP+ connectors, eliminating the need for separate modules. - Is hot-plugging supported?
Yes, the cable supports hot-swappable installation. - What is the typical use case?
Connecting switches, servers, or storage devices within a rack or between adjacent racks. - Does it work with non-Mikrotik devices?
Yes, it is compatible with many third-party vendors that support standard SFP/SFP+. - Is it suitable for long-distance runs?
No, it is intended for short runs up to 3 meters. - Why choose XS+DA0003 instead of XS+DA0001 or XS+DA0005?
Because it offers the ideal balance of length, cost, and reliability for most network setups.
Conclusion
The Mikrotik XS+DA0003 SFP 1G, SFP+ 10G Direct Attach Cable is a must-have for IT managers, system integrators, and network engineers who need cost-effective, reliable, and high-performance connectivity. With its support for both 1G and 10G, universal compatibility, and excellent build quality, it eliminates the need for additional SFP+ modules while providing consistent results.
For most short-range deployments, this cable is the smarter choice compared to fiber, combining performance with simplicity. At ITMan, we proudly offer this product to help you build faster and more efficient networks.
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