TP-Link TL-SM5220-1M 1m 10G SFP+ Direct Attach Cable (DAC) Price in Kenya

The TP-Link TL-SM5220-1M, also listed by TP-Link as the SM5220-1M, is a 1-metre passive 10G SFP+ Direct Attach Cable (DAC) designed for short-distance high-speed Ethernet connections between network devices equipped with compatible SFP+ ports.

Unlike optical SFP+ transceivers, the TL-SM5220-1M does not require separate fibre modules and patch cords. It consists of a passive twinax copper cable with an integrated SFP+ connector at each end, creating a simple direct connection between two devices. TP-Link specifically recommends it for connections within racks and across adjacent racks. 

The cable supports 10Gbps Ethernet over a fixed 1m distance and uses silver-plated copper conductors. It is particularly suitable for data centres, server rooms, enterprise networks and network cabinets where switches, routers or servers are located close together. 

TP-Link TL-SM5220-1M Technical Specifications

TP-Link's current 2026 V2.0 datasheet confirms the 1m maximum length, 10Gbps data rate, silver-plated copper conductor and SFP+ connectors on both ends.

Revision note: older TP-Link documentation specifies a storage range of -40°C to 80°C, while the current V2.0 datasheet specifies -40°C to 85°C. Use the documentation for your exact hardware revision where environmental limits are critical. 

What Is the TP-Link TL-SM5220-1M?

The TL-SM5220-1M is a ready-made cable for connecting two compatible 10G SFP+ ports.

A typical connection is:

10G Switch SFP+ Port
↓
TL-SM5220-1M DAC
↓
10G Switch SFP+ Port

Another common application is:

Server 10G NIC
↓
TL-SM5220-1M
↓
10G Network Switch

Because the SFP+ ends are permanently attached to the cable, there is no need to purchase separate optical transceivers.

What Is a 10G SFP+ DAC Cable?

DAC means:

Direct Attach Cable

A DAC combines the cable and SFP+ connectors into one assembly.

The TL-SM5220-1M specifically uses a:

Passive twinax copper cable assembly

with:

SFP+ connector → 1m twinax cable → SFP+ connector.

This makes it fundamentally different from an optical connection such as:

SFP+ SR transceiver → multimode fibre → SFP+ SR transceiver.

10Gbps Ethernet

The TL-SM5220-1M supports a data rate of:

10Gbps. 

This makes it suitable for high-bandwidth applications including:

• Server networking

• Network storage

• Switch uplinks

• Virtualization

• Data-centre traffic

• CCTV aggregation

• Backup infrastructure

• High-speed enterprise networks

1 Metre Cable Length

The cable has a fixed maximum length of:

1 metre / 1,000mm / approximately 39.37 inches. 

It is specifically designed for devices located close together.

Typical applications include:

• Equipment in the same rack

• Adjacent switches

• Server-to-switch connections

• Router-to-switch connections

• Adjacent racks

SFP+ Connectors on Both Ends

The TL-SM5220-1M comes with:

1 × SFP+ connector on each end

for a total of:

2 integrated SFP+ connectors.

TP-Link specifically describes the product as having a 10G SFP+ connector on both sides. 

Passive Twinax Cable

The TL-SM5220-1M is a:

Passive Twinax Direct Attach Cable. 

A passive DAC does not contain the active signal-conditioning electronics found in an active DAC.

For a short 1m connection, passive DAC provides a straightforward and economical solution.

Silver-Plated Copper Conductor

TP-Link specifies:

Silver-Plated Copper

as the conductor material. 

This is an electrical copper connection rather than an optical fibre connection.

Therefore, specifications such as:

• Optical wavelength

• Optical transmit power

• Receiver sensitivity

• Single-mode fibre

• Multimode fibre

do not apply to the TL-SM5220-1M.

Watch TP-Link TL-SM5220-1M Video

https://youtu.be/mCL8MWviuOQ

The TP-Link TL-SM5220-1M provides a straightforward way to create a 10Gbps connection between two nearby SFP+ devices. Since both SFP+ connectors are already integrated into the cable, installation is simpler than building a short optical link with two separate transceivers and a fibre patch cord.

Its 1-metre passive twinax design makes it particularly appropriate for switches, servers and other network equipment mounted within the same rack or in adjacent racks. TP-Link specifically positions the cable as a cost-effective solution for these short-distance connections. 

The cable uses silver-plated copper conductors and supports a fixed 10Gbps data rate. For longer links, however, optical SFP+ transceivers and appropriate fibre cabling are generally a better solution. 

TL-SM5220-1M for Switch-to-Switch Connections

One of the most common applications is connecting two switches.

For example:

TP-Link 10G Switch
↓
SFP+ Port
↓
TL-SM5220-1M
↓
SFP+ Port
↓
Second 10G Switch

This can provide a 10Gbps inter-switch link without separate transceivers.

TL-SM5220-1M for Server-to-Switch Connections

A server equipped with a compatible 10G SFP+ network interface card can connect directly to a compatible switch.

Example:

Server 10G NIC → TL-SM5220-1M → 10G SFP+ Switch

This is particularly useful in server racks where the server and switch are less than 1m apart.

TL-SM5220-1M for Data Centres

DAC cables are commonly useful in data centres because many high-speed connections occur over very short distances.

Potential applications include:

• Top-of-rack switches

• Servers

• Storage appliances

• Hypervisors

• Network appliances

• Firewalls

• Routers

• Backup servers

TL-SM5220-1M for Network Racks

TP-Link specifically states that the cable is suitable for:

connections within racks and across adjacent racks. 

For example:

Rack Switch → Server

or:

Rack Switch → Rack Switch

can be connected directly where the 1m length is sufficient.

TL-SM5220-1M for Storage Networks

10Gbps DAC connectivity can also be used between compatible devices in:

• NAS networks

• Storage servers

• Backup servers

• Virtualization clusters

• High-performance storage infrastructure

TL-SM5220-1M for CCTV Networks

Large CCTV installations can generate substantial aggregate bandwidth.

The TL-SM5220-1M can be used for short 10G links between compatible:

• Core switches

• Aggregation switches

• NVR servers

• Video management servers

within a network rack.

No Fibre Optic Cable Required

The TL-SM5220-1M is not an optical cable.

You do not need:

• OM3 fibre

• OM4 fibre

• OS2 fibre

• LC connectors

• Fibre adapters

• Optical SFP+ transceivers

for the direct DAC connection itself.

No Separate SFP+ Transceivers Required

A conventional 10G optical connection might require:

SFP+ Transceiver + Fibre Patch Cord + SFP+ Transceiver

The TL-SM5220-1M combines the required electrical SFP+ ends and cable into a single fixed assembly.

This can reduce cost and simplify short-distance connections.

TL-SM5220-1M vs 10G SFP+ Optical Link

TL-SM5220-1M vs TP-Link SM5110-SR

The SM5110-SR is a 10G optical transceiver, while the TL-SM5220-1M is a complete copper DAC.

TL-SM5220-1M vs SM5110-LR

The SM5110-LR is designed for long-distance single-mode fibre.

DAC vs AOC

A DAC uses electrical copper conductors.

An Active Optical Cable (AOC) uses optical technology within an integrated cable assembly.

For very short links, DAC is commonly attractive because of:

• Low cost

• Low power

• Simple installation

AOC becomes more attractive where greater cable distance or lighter cabling is required.

Passive DAC vs Active DAC

The TL-SM5220-1M is specifically described by TP-Link as a:

passive twinax cable assembly. 

A passive DAC does not perform active signal amplification or conditioning.

Active DACs include additional electronics and can support applications where greater electrical reach is required.

Is TL-SM5220-1M Fibre Optic?

No.

It uses a:

silver-plated copper conductor. 

It simply connects to SFP+ ports, which are often associated with optical transceivers.

Does TL-SM5220-1M Have LC Connectors?

No.

It has:

SFP+ connectors on both ends.

There are no LC, SC, FC or ST fibre connectors.

Does It Use RJ45?

No.

The cable terminates directly in:

SFP+ connectors.

For a 10GBase-T RJ45 connection, a different product such as a compatible 10GBase-T SFP+ module would be required.

Does TL-SM5220-1M Have a Wavelength?

No.

Wavelength specifications apply to optical transmission.

Because the TL-SM5220-1M uses copper twinax, specifications such as:

850nm

or:

1310nm

do not apply.

Does It Require DDM?

DDM is primarily associated with monitoring optical transceiver parameters such as transmit power, receive power and laser temperature.

Those optical parameters do not apply to this passive copper DAC.

Does It Need External Power?

No external power supply is required.

The cable is a passive twinax assembly.

Plug Dimensions

TP-Link specifies each plug at approximately:

57.5 × 13.55 × 8.55mm.

Overall Length

The overall cable length is:

1,000mm

or:

1 metre. 

Operating Temperature

TP-Link specifies:

0°C to 70°C

for operation. 

Storage Temperature

The latest TP-Link V2.0 datasheet specifies:

-40°C to 85°C.

Older product documentation gives -40°C to 80°C, so check the exact hardware revision where this matters. 

Operating Humidity

TP-Link specifies:

10% to 90% RH non-condensing. 

Storage Humidity

The storage humidity range is:

5% to 90% RH non-condensing. 

TP-Link TL-SM5220-1M Price in Kenya

The TP-Link TL-SM5220-1M price in Kenya varies according to supplier, stock, VAT, warranty and quantity.

A current Kenyan market listing from Senetic shows approximately:

KES 3,799.74 excluding VAT

or:

KES 4,407.70 including VAT. 

Approximate TL-SM5220-1M Price in Kenya

These figures are third-party market references, not fixed Fiber Optics Kenya selling prices, and can change with stock and supplier pricing.

Contact Fiber Optics Kenya for the current TL-SM5220-1M price and availability.

Benefits of the TL-SM5220-1M

The cable offers several advantages for short 10G connections:

• 10Gbps Ethernet

• SFP+ connectors already attached

• No separate transceivers

• No fibre patch cord required

• Passive design

• Silver-plated copper conductor

• Simple installation

• 1m fixed length

• Ideal for network racks

• Cost-effective short-range connectivity

TP-Link itself positions the product as a cost-effective method for short-distance connections within and between adjacent racks. 

How to Choose Between DAC and Fibre

Choose the TL-SM5220-1M DAC when:

• Devices are approximately 1m apart.

• Both devices have compatible SFP+ ports.

• You need 10Gbps.

• Both devices are in the same or adjacent rack.

• You want to avoid separate optical transceivers.

Choose an optical SFP+ connection when:

• Distance exceeds practical DAC reach.

• You need building-to-building connectivity.

• Existing fibre infrastructure is available.

• Electrical isolation is desirable.

• The route is hundreds of metres or kilometres long.

Installation

Installation is straightforward:

1. Confirm both devices have compatible 10G SFP+ ports.

2. Remove protective covers from the DAC ends if present.

3. Insert one SFP+ end into the first device.

4. Insert the other SFP+ end into the second device.

5. Ensure both connectors are fully seated.

6. Configure the ports if required.

7. Verify the 10G link status.

Avoid sharply bending or crushing the twinax cable.

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Frequently Asked Questions About TP-Link TL-SM5220-1M

What is the TP-Link TL-SM5220-1M?

It is a 1m passive 10G SFP+ Direct Attach Cable with integrated SFP+ connectors on both ends.

Is SM5220-1M the same as TL-SM5220-1M?

TP-Link documentation uses both designations. Its 2024 documentation explicitly identifies the product as SM5220-1M (TL-SM5220-1M). 

What speed does it support?

10Gbps. 

How long is the cable?

1 metre. 

Is it an SFP+ cable?

Yes.

How many SFP+ connectors does it have?

Two — one at each end.

Is TL-SM5220-1M a DAC?

Yes.

What does DAC mean?

Direct Attach Cable.

Is it passive or active?

Passive. 

Is it Twinax?

Yes. TP-Link describes it as a passive twinax cable assembly. 

What conductor does it use?

Silver-plated copper. 

Is it fibre optic?

No.

Does it use multimode fibre?

No.

Does it use single-mode fibre?

No.

Does it need OM3?

No.

Does it need OM4?

No.

Does it need OS2 fibre?

No.

Does it use LC connectors?

No.

Does it use RJ45 connectors?

No.

Does it have SFP+ connectors on both ends?

Yes. 

Do I need separate SFP+ transceivers?

No. The SFP+ ends are integrated into the cable.

Does it require an optical patch cord?

No.

What wavelength does it use?

None. It is an electrical copper DAC rather than an optical transceiver.

Can it connect two switches?

Yes, provided both have compatible SFP+ ports.

Can it connect a server to a switch?

Yes, provided the server NIC and switch have compatible SFP+ interfaces.

Can it connect a router to a switch?

Yes, where both devices have compatible 10G SFP+ ports.

Is it suitable for data centres?

Yes.

Is it suitable for server rooms?

Yes.

Is it suitable for same-rack connections?

Yes. This is one of its primary applications.

Is it suitable for adjacent racks?

Yes. TP-Link specifically mentions connections across adjacent racks where the 1m length is sufficient. 

Can it run 10 Gigabit Ethernet?

Yes.

Can it run 25Gbps?

No. TP-Link rates this model at 10Gbps. 

Can it run 40Gbps?

No.

Can it run 100Gbps?

No.

Can it work in a 1G SFP port?

It is designed for 10G SFP+ connectivity. Do not assume compatibility with a 1G-only SFP port.

Can it work in a 25G SFP28 port?

The cable itself is specified for 10Gbps. Host-port backward compatibility depends on the equipment, so verify the exact switch or NIC documentation.

Can it connect devices 10m apart?

No. This model is only 1m long.

Can it connect devices 100m apart?

No. Use an appropriate 10G optical solution.

Can it connect buildings?

A 1m passive DAC is not appropriate for normal building-to-building links. Use fibre.

Is DAC better than fibre?

For very short rack connections, DAC can be simpler and more economical. Fibre is better for substantially longer distances.

Is DAC better than RJ45 10GBase-T?

It depends on the application. DAC is particularly convenient where both devices already have SFP+ ports and are close together.

Does the cable need external power?

No external power supply is required.

Does it support DDM?

Optical DDM measurements are not applicable because this is a passive copper DAC rather than an optical transceiver.

Does it need an Optical Power Meter?

No.

Can I test it with an OTDR?

No. An OTDR is designed for fibre optic cable testing.

Can I test it with a VFL?

No. A VFL is a fibre optic testing tool.

What is the operating temperature?

0°C to 70°C. 

What is the current storage temperature specification?

The current V2.0 datasheet specifies -40°C to 85°C. 

What is the operating humidity?

10%–90% RH non-condensing. 

What are the SFP+ plug dimensions?

Approximately 57.5 × 13.55 × 8.55mm. 

What is the overall cable length?

Approximately 1,000mm. 

What is the TP-Link TL-SM5220-1M price in Kenya?

A current third-party Kenyan listing is approximately KES 3,800 excluding VAT or KES 4,408 including VAT. 

Is that Fiber Optics Kenya's exact price?

No. It is a current third-party market reference. Contact Fiber Optics Kenya for the current selling price.

Do you supply 10G DAC cables?

Yes, subject to stock availability.

Do you supply 10G SFP+ modules?

Yes.

Do you supply 10G multimode SFP+ transceivers?

Yes, subject to stock.

Do you supply 10G single-mode transceivers?

Yes, subject to stock.

Can businesses and ISPs order in bulk?

Yes. Bulk supply is suitable for ISPs, data centres, enterprises, CCTV integrators and network contractors.

Do you deliver outside Nairobi?

Yes. Fiber Optics Kenya supplies networking and fibre optic equipment throughout Kenya.

Why Buy TP-Link TL-SM5220-1M from Fiber Optics Kenya?

Contact Fiber Optics Kenya

Fiber Optics Kenya
Lyric House, 7th Floor Room S9
Kimathi Street, Nairobi

Phone: +254 704 991 492
Email: info@fibreopticskenya.co.ke

The TP-Link TL-SM5220-1M / SM5220-1M 1m 10G SFP+ Direct Attach Cable is a practical solution for short-distance 10 Gigabit Ethernet connections. It combines two SFP+ connectors with a 1-metre passive twinax cable and uses silver-plated copper conductors, eliminating the need for separate optical transceivers and fibre patch cords. 

It is particularly well suited to switch-to-switch, server-to-switch and other same-rack or adjacent-rack 10G connections. TP-Link specifically positions the cable as a cost-effective solution for these short-distance applications. 

A current Kenyan market listing places the cable at approximately KES 3,800 excluding VAT or KES 4,408 including VAT, although supplier pricing and availability can change. 

Contact Fiber Optics Kenya for the current TP-Link TL-SM5220-1M price in Kenya, 10G SFP+ DAC cables, SFP+ transceivers, 10G switches, bulk orders and nationwide delivery.