UniFi Gateway Consoles WiFi Switching Cameras & Security New Integrations Accessory Tech Identity UISP
Support
UniFi Help Articles UISP Help Articles Video Tutorials Community Forums UniFi Design Center UISP Design Center RMA and Warranty Contact Support
Store
Support
UniFi Help Articles UISP Help Articles Video Tutorials Community Forums UniFi Design Center UISP Design Center RMA and Warranty Contact Support
UniFi Gateway Consoles WiFi Switching Cameras & Security New Integrations Accessory Tech Identity UISP Store
  1. Ubiquiti Support and Help Center
  2. UniFi
  3. Network
  4. References & Specifications
Help Center
Back to Top

UniFi - SFP Modules and DAC Cables

2023-06-07 12:48:11 UTC

SFP modules and DAC cables are used inside SFP28/SFP/SFP+ slots on UniFi or client devices. These type of slots allow for versatile connectivity options using different types of cabling:

  • DAC Cable - Cables with an SFP+ or SFP28 connector that provide 10Gbps or 25Gbps speeds.
  • SFP+ Modules - Copper or fiber modules that provide 10Gbps speeds.
  • SFP Modules - Copper or fiber modules that provide 1Gbps speeds.
  • SFP28 Modules - Fiber modules that provide 25Gbps speeds.

Each SFP module is rated for a maximum supported cable distance, above which the connection will not establish. See the SFP Modules & Cables section of the UI Store for a streamlined way of selecting a product based on your requirements.

DAC Cables

DAC cables are used for establishing connections of 10Gbps or 25Gbps across short distances, often between devices in the same rack.

dac.png

Connecting a rack-mounted USW-Pro-Aggregation and UDM-SE at 10Gbps speeds using a UACC-DAC-SFP10-0.5M DAC cable.

SFP/SFP+ Modules

SFP and SFP+ modules have various applications:

  • Connecting two devices over a long distance using fiber cables.
  • Connecting a computer directly to a UniFi switch or gateway at 2.5/5/10Gbps speeds.
  • Connecting a UniFi gateway to an ISP modem at 2.5/5/10Gbps speeds.

Note: SFP modules provide 1Gbps speeds and SFP+ modules provide 10Gbps speeds.

lan.png

Connecting a UDM-SE to an ISP modem on the WAN and a computer on the LAN using the UACC-CM-RJ45-MG at 2.5/5/10Gbps speeds.

SFP28 Modules

SFP28 modules are used to provide high speed 25Gbps connections over a long distance using fiber cables. For example, use the UACC-OM-SFP28-SR to connect the USW-EnterpriseXG-24 and USW-Pro-Aggregation over a 100m distance. 

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can UI SFP+ modules and DAC cables be used in SFP slots?

Yes, SFP+ modules such as the UACC-CM-RJ45-MG and DAC cables such as the UACC-DAC-SFP10 support both 1Gbps and 10Gbps speeds.

2. My ISP provides a 2.5 or 5Gbps modem. Which SFP+ module should I use?

For 2.5 or 5Gbps, use the UACC-CM-RJ45-MG module which supports 1/2.5/5/10Gbps.

3. I want to connect devices at around 300ft / 100m at 10Gbps speeds. Should I use a fiber or copper module? 

Our UACC-CM-RJ45-MG SFP+ module supports distances up to 300ft / 100m, however this also requires using high quality Ethernet cables.

If you are not sure about the quality of the cables, then we recommend to use Multi-mode or Single-mode fiber modules instead.

4. My Ethernet 10Gbps connection is not establishing over a longer distance. What could be the issue? 

10Gbps Ethernet connections over a longer distance require high quality cables.

If the connection between two devices does not establish when using the UACC-CM-RJ45-MG or UF-RJ45-10G, then we recommend to test using a short (3ft / 1m) cable. If the connection establishes, then there is likely an issue with the longer cables.

5. Can I use third-party SFP modules or DAC cables with UniFi devices?

We do not impose any artificial restrictions to limit third-party SFP modules or DAC cables. However, we also do not formally test these. As a result there may be some modules or cables that are not fully compatible with UniFi devices. See the SFP Modules & Cables section of the UI Store for officially supported equipment.

Usage of a third-party SFP module or DAC cable comes with the following risks:

  • The connection may not establish or drops randomly.
  • The performance over the connection is affected due to an incompatibility.
  • A module that doesn't work well can run at a high temperature.
  • A module that is claimed to be working by others does not actually work.
  • Some hardware revisions of the same module work but others do not.
Was this article helpful?
372 out of 539 found this helpful