Products & Solutions
GIGALIGHT focuses on developing decoupled optical network modules and subsystems to reduce capital expenditure(CAPEX) and operating expenditure(OPEX) for data centers and telecom operators. Since its establishment, the company has actively cooperated with global operators to realize the interconnection of optical networks, and has been widely recognized as a veritable advocate and leader of open optical interconnection middleware.
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Data Center & Cloud Computing
- Immersion Liquid Cooling
- Silicon Photonics
- III-V Transceivers
- High Speed Interconnect Cable
- Optical Network Adapter
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5G & Metro Network
- 5G Fronthaul Transceivers
- 5G Fronthaul HAOC
- 5G OMUX & Metro WDM Passive
- 5G Mid/Backhaul Transceivers
- ETHERNET/SDH/OTN Transceivers
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Open DWDM Network
- COLOR ZR+ DWDM Module
- COLOR ZR+ DWDM Subsystem
- Coherent Optical Module
- Coherent DCI BOX & Cards
- Passive AAWG DWDM
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Campus Switch VS Data Center Switch
Campus switches and Data Center switches are two major categories in the field of switches, and many people are familiar with them. However, the differences between these two are not very clear. In this article, we will provide a detailed explanation of campus switches and data center switches, and compare the differences between the two, allowing you to more clearly distinguish between these two types of switches.
What is a Campus Switch?
![](https://www.gigalight.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/S2510-C-300x300.png)
A campus switch is a switch specifically deployed in environments such as campuses and office buildings, primarily used to connect end-user devices, such as IP phones, surveillance cameras, APs, and ACs. Its design aims to meet the network connectivity needs between multiple buildings or office areas within a campus. Typical features of a campus switch include:
- Abundant Port Quantity: To connect with a large number of end-user devices, campus switches are equipped with multiple RJ45 ports, allowing flexibility in choosing the number of ports based on actual requirements.
- Excellent Security: campus switches typically come with built-in firewalls and other security features such as ACL and port security. These features enhance network security, effectively preventing unauthorized access and attacks.
- Flexible Management and Configuration: campus switches with management capabilities enable administrators to configure and manage the network. Advanced network management tools allow administrators to easily monitor the entire network, supporting basic management functions such as QoS and VLAN.
- Reliability and Redundancy: To ensure the reliability of office and campus networks, campus switches are usually equipped with fault recovery mechanisms, such as link aggregation and redundant links, ensuring network connectivity even in the event of device failures.
What is a Data Center Switch?
![](https://www.gigalight.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/E780-无面贴-侧面-1024x427.png)
A Data Center Switch is designed for large-scale data centers to connect core network devices, including servers, storage devices, and network equipment. It handles extensive data processing, providing high-performance computing and cloud services. Data centers typically exhibit the following characteristics:
- High Performance and Low Latency: Data Center Switches are designed to meet the demands of large-scale data processing and high-performance computing, featuring high data transfer rates and low latency. They typically have ports with speeds of 10G, 25G, or higher.
- Robust Reliability and Redundancy: Given their role in processing vast amounts of data and providing high-performance computing, strong reliability is a crucial characteristic of Data Center Switches. They often feature redundant power supplies, fans, hot-swappable components, enhancing availability and fault recovery. Additionally, these switches boast high capacity, large buffers, virtualization support, FCoE (Fibre Channel over Ethernet), Layer 2 TRILL technology, and traffic identification and control capabilities to ensure stable and reliable data transmission.
- Data Center Features: Data Center Switches typically include features such as VXLAN (Virtual Extensible LAN), MLAG (Multi-Chassis Link Aggregation Group), load balancing, and QoS (Quality of Service). These features enhance network scalability, flexibility, and support link aggregation and redundancy, ensuring a higher quality of service for critical applications or traffic.
- Virtualization: Virtualization is a critical feature of Data Center Switches, breaking through physical limitations by unifying the management of multiple devices and providing complete isolation for specific devices.
- Large Capacity and Scalability: To support connections for numerous servers and storage devices, Data Center Switches usually offer a plethora of port configurations and flexible scalability. They can be expanded through stacking and modular configurations to meet the evolving network demands of growing data centers.
Campus Switch vs Data Center Switch
In the preceding sections, we easily grasped the concepts of campus switches and Data Center Switches. Now, what are the distinctions between them? I will present a table and elucidate their significance:
Campus Switch | Data Center Switch | |
Application Scenarios | Campus or small office buildings | Large data center |
Port Speeds | 1G Port | 10G Port to 800G Port |
Performance and Latency | Moderate performance and latency | High performance, low latency |
Scalability | Elementary scalability | High scalability |
Reliability and Redundancy | Basic reliability and redundancy | High reliability and redundancy |
Management Features | Simple network management functions | Advanced network management features |
Security | Basic security | Strong security |
- Application Scenarios: Data Center switches are designed specifically for the core network equipment in large-scale data centers, aimed at handling massive data, providing high-performance computing, and supporting cloud services. On the other hand, campus switches are predominantly deployed in areas like campuses and office buildings, connecting IP phones, surveillance cameras, etc., to meet the network requirements between multiple buildings or offices within a campus.
- Port Speeds: Due to the need to process substantial amounts of data, Data Center Switches typically have port speeds of 10 Gigabits per second or higher. In contrast, campus switches, catering to end-user devices, usually feature port speeds of 1 Gigabit per second.
- Performance and Latency: Data Centers demand high-performance computing and cloud services, necessitating robust data processing capabilities and lower latency. Conversely, campus switches, handling comparatively smaller amounts of data, have lower performance and latency requirements, making them suitable for general office and campus networks.
- Scalability: Data Center Switches exhibit high scalability to accommodate the ever-growing demands of networks. campus switches, offering smaller scalability, have their required connections more or less determined during the initial deployment phase.
- Reliability and Redundancy: Data Center Switches are usually equipped with features such as redundant power supplies, fans, and hot-swappable components to ensure continuous network operation. Conversely, while lacking some of these redundant features, campus switches incorporate fault recovery mechanisms.
- Management Features: Given the need to handle large volumes of data and complex network structures, Data Center Switches boast advanced network management capabilities to meet the intricate demands of data centers. On the other hand, campus switches have relatively simpler management functionalities.
- Security: Data Center Switches, dealing with substantial data that may include confidential files, require robust security features to ensure data integrity. In contrast, campus switches, connecting to end-user devices, do not demand high-security measures and typically feature basic security functionalities.
Conclusion
Campus switches and Data Center Switches exhibit notable differences in their applicable scenarios, functionalities, and principles. campus switches are designed for campuses and small office buildings, connecting end-user devices with adequate performance, simple network management features, and basic scalability. On the other hand, Data Center Switches are tailored for large-scale data centers, tasked with processing substantial data, providing high-performance computing and cloud services. They boast high performance, low latency, advanced network management capabilities, and flexible scalability.
0 2Data Center Switch Buying Guide
The data center switches are emerging as a new class of switch since data center networking infrastructures have become more disaggregated. Unlike the network switch for traditional three-tier hierarchical networks, data center class switches are designed to support data and storage for mission critical applications. Now with various data center switches and vendors in the market, buying a good one can be a difficult task. Here will help you learn what a data center switch is, the requirements for data center switches, as well as some useful buying tips.
![](https://www.gigalight.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/32C_俯视-1024x387.jpg)
What Is a Data Center Switch?
Generally speaking, the data center switch is a high performance switch mainly for large enterprises and cloud providers who rely heavily on virtualization. It can be deployed throughout the data center, or to anchor a two-tier (spine-leaf) or one-tier flat mesh or fabric architecture. Data center switches share some common features as follows:
- They can handle both north-south and east-west traffic flows;
- All data center switches are used both in top-of-rack (ToR) and end-of-row (EoR) architecture;
- They support high-bandwidth interconnections using both standard LAN Ethernet protocol and SAN protocols. For example, Fibre Channel and Fibre Channel over Ethernet;
- All components of a distributed data center switch can be managed from a single management interface for ease of use.
Things To Consider When Buying Data Center Switches
Choosing a data center switch can be a difficult task, no matter if you are deploying a new data center or deciding to upgrade the existing network infrastructure. There are many factors to consider and here lists some of the most important ones in several aspects.
Data Center Architecture and Configuration
Modern data centers use spine-leaf architecture and the switches located at each layer have their own requirements. Generally, spine switches are supposed to handle more traffic with higher capacity and better performance than leaf switches.
Whether to use ToR or EoR configuration determines what types of data center switches you will need. If you already have an end-of-row network cabling in place, it’s better to make use of the existing wiring and deploy larger capacity data center EoR switches. If you plan to build a new data center or new cabling, Using ToR data center switches for the ToR network is a better idea, for they will offer more flexibility in terms of physical port coverage across the data center.
Functions
All switches have the same basic functionality, such as using standards-based protocols or maintaining a MAC address-to-port table. Based on their use cases and applications, different switches have unique characteristics. You should ask yourself a few questions to decide what functions are needed. Are you going to use enterprise-level applications? Are you considering redundancy? Do you have a virtualized infrastructure? For example, a reliable data center switch should have the capability to automate as well as support newer protocols such as EVPN and VXLAN. And some data center switches support Ansible/OpenFlow configuration and automation tools for easy management.
Size, Number of Ports, and Data Rate
Data center switches come in varying sizes. Choosing the right size for your business will depend on the current and future data flow. A large switch requires more resources to install and will serve your current and future needs. A smaller switch is economical, but you’ll have to install it in a top-of-rack manner to prevent bottlenecks.
The size of the fiber connections that you’ll need should also be well considered. It’s advisable to make up your mind early enough on the connectivity that you will be using. Fiber connectivity varies from 10 Gbps, 25 Gbps to 40 Gbps, and even more. Nowadays the adoption of 100Gps has gained momentum in most data centers and some hyperscale data centers are moving towards higher speed 400Gbps, which paves the way for the development of 400G data center switches.
Data center switches also have varying port types and numbers, based on which specific cabling and transceivers are selected, so you should know what you need now and make a reasonable estimate of what you’ll need in the future.
Hardware and Software
With cloud data centers growing and the trends of virtualization and new applications showing up these years, new data center switch types are coming to the market, such as white box switches and bare metal switches, of which the OS is open. As for data centers where large amounts of traffic are required to handle all the time, the white box switches or bare metal ones give network engineers an alternative choice other than brand-name switches, which brings both offering flexibility as well as low costs. Meanwhile, for data centers to upgrade, it is important to make clear what brands of switches, and what OSs are currently used on the network.
Cooling and Airflow
Before buying a switch, you should know that the way you install and connect the switches will affect the quality of airflow and cooling. If the cables block the airflow, that could mean a reduced lifetime due to overheating, which could cause premature failure.
Similarly, the airflow direction of the switches influences the data center cooling. For instance, if the connections are located in the front of the servers, you should choose front-to-back cooling. However, if the connections are located on the back of the servers, you should go for back-to-front cooling.
A small disruption for a couple of hours or days may not cause serious harm inside the data center. However, a design problem that’s overlooked for months and even years could mean frequent downtimes and even costly repairs and upgrades.
other considerations
- Redundancy: You should consider the level of redundancy that you need for your data center switches. You need to ensure that your switches have redundant power supplies, fans, and other critical components.
- Management: You need to consider the management capabilities of your switches. You should choose switches that have a robust management interface that allows you to monitor and manage your network effectively.
- Security: You should consider the security features of your switches. You need to ensure that your switches have advanced security features that can protect your network from cyber threats.
Switch Vendor
After considering all of these vital factors above, you’ve got a sense of what should you keep in mind. But remember, the data center switch’s performance, price, and support service vary from one vendor to the other, so please check out your vendor list and make sure you’ll work well with the selected vendor.
Go through the user testimonials and reviews to find one with a good reputation. Evaluate them by their services, i.e., software advancements and configurations, hardware spare and replacements, and troubleshooting support. You may consider buying the switches from different vendors as the SDN is emerging. However, unless you use a truly open SDN platform, buying from a single vendor is a wise choice for it is future-proofing. We should select a data center switch vendor that offers the most premium features and services at the most competitive price.
Picking the Right Data Center Switch
Now that you know what factors to consider in choosing a data center switch, what’s left is to narrow down your options to find the type you want. When picking a data center switch from the flooded market, a rule of thumb is to seek professional advice, i.e., if you aren’t an expert in the field. Where possible, have one of your IT guys around. A professional will better understand some technical terms such as buffer size, latency, and even port speeds, helping you avoid confusion so you can pick the right product.
Aiming at the requirements of next-generation enterprise, data center, metropolitan area and HCI (hyper-converged infrastructure) networks, Gigalight launches the GS-680 series 100GE data center switches, which support mainstream protocols and applications and facilitate deployment and management. You are welcome to purchase.
GS-680 Series 100G Switch
32 100G ports are provided with low latency and non-blocking performance, 40G ports are used for access switches or servers, and 100G uplinks are used for core switches.
MLAG achieves uninterrupted service
Switches under MLAG can be upgraded without disrupting MLAG traffic. During the upgrading process, another switch in the system takes over traffic forwarding to ensure that services are not interrupted.
1+1 hot-swappable power supply 3+1 redundant fans
Dual power supplies can be replaced without shutting down the system, and the variable-speed fan uses front-to-back airflow and automatically adjusts fan speed to reduce power consumption.
Breakout mode leverages existing equipment
The 100G ports can be splitted into four 25G ports to provide higher compatibility and reduce hardware costs, and can be flexibly suitable for your existing campus network.
QoS implements traffic control
It could provide users or data flows different priorities for different applications to reduce packet loss, latency and shock on the network.
MPLS establishes point-to-point connection
MPLS enables small and medium-sized enterprises to build networks for their users, establish point-to-point connections, and realize network communication between users.
![](https://www.gigalight.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/lQDPKeTdU1KbtuHNA0LNBhuwtctCGo_u0B0GO-oA3RXfAA_1563_834-1024x546.jpg)
GIGALIGHT Will Attend ICTCOMM VIETNAM 2024 With Five Major Product Lines
June 4, 2024. Shenzhen, China. – From June 6 to 8, ICTCOMM VIETNAM 2024 will be held at the Saigon Convention and Exhibition Center (SECC) in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. During the exhibition, GIGALIGHT will display five major product lines (DCI BOX equipment, non-coherent DWDM transmission equipment, Solutions for 5G Fronthaul and Silicon Photonics Solutions for 800G AI DCI, 100G Switches for Data Center) to ICTCOMM VIETNAM 2024 at Booth#G6.
![](https://www.gigalight.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/b9ba5c168af5cb195991ae185fb9d941-1024x506.jpg)
ICTCOMM VIETNAM 2024 is jointly organized by the Ministry of Information and Communications, the Ministry of Industry and Trade and Vietnam Post and Telecommunications Corporation VNPT (Vietnam’s largest telecommunications operator). Currently it is the most influential telecommunications exhibition in Vietnam. The products exhibited by GIGALIGHT this time are as follows:
![](https://www.gigalight.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/2464e-1024x424.jpg)
Among them, GIGALIGHT will demonstrate a single-lambda 400G DWDM DCI BOX network system at the ICTCOMM. The system uses the latest 400G QSFP-DD ZR/ZR+ coherent optical modules and 400G CFP2 DCO coherent optical modules. A 1U single frame can support a maximum bandwidth capacity of 6.4T, and provides 1U and 2U frame options; 2U supports 2x 6.4T broadband capacity.
With GIGALIGHT 400G QSFP-DD DCO ZR+ coherent module, DWDM single-lambda 400G, Tx optical power supports 0~-6dbm adjustable, supports flexible grid and openZR+ protocol, adopts OFEC, has good interconnection operability, Rx OSNR meets 24db/0.1nm@400G 16QAM, meets 300km~400km business interconnection, and typical power consumption is less than 22W.
The newly launched GS-680 series 100GE data center switches achieve a switching capacity of up to 4Tbps and are high-performance switches that meet the needs of next-generation enterprise, data center, metropolitan area and HCI (hyper-converged infrastructure) networks.
![](https://www.gigalight.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/lQDPKeTdU1KbtuHNA0LNBhuwtctCGo_u0B0GO-oA3RXfAA_1563_834-1024x546.jpg)
Please visit GIGALIGHT booth G6 for more exhibits and on-site DEMO. We sincerely invite you to witness GIGALIGHT’s new technologies and products.
About GIGALIGHT
As an open optical networking explorer, Gigalight integrates the design, manufacturing, and sales of both active and passive optical devices and subsystems. The company’s product portfolio includes optical modules, silicon photonics modules, liquid-cooled modules, passive optical components, active optical cables, direct attach copper cables, coherent optical communication modules, and OPEN DCI BOX subsystems. Gigalight focuses on serving applications such as data centers, 5G transport networks, metropolitan WDM transmission, ultra-HD broadcast and video, and more. It stands as an innovative designer of high-speed optical interconnect hardware solutions.
0 5100G Lambda MSA Protocol Resources Free Download
Although optical transceivers operating at 100 Gb/s like 100GBASE-LR4, 100G-CWDM4, 100G-PSM4, and 100GBASE-SR4 are already available in the market. But to reduce the total cost and to obtain higher transmission efficiency, a 100G Single Lambda transceiver specification has been proposed. This article will give you an in-depth introduction to 100G Single Lambda from the definition, comparison with the common 100G QSFP28, performance, and development prospects.
100G Lambda MSA is an industry consortium with a common focus to provide a new set of optical interface specifications, developed around an optical channel data rate of 100Gb/s. These specifications are targeted for 100GE and 400GE applications to be used as cost effective solution for high density multi-Terabit Switching, Routing and Transport networks.
![](https://www.gigalight.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/100GLambdaMSA.jpg)
The 100G Lambda Multi-Source Agreement (MSA) Working Group announced the release of a draft of PAM4 optical technology parameters based on 100 Gbps per wavelength. Member companies of the MSA organization have successfully solved the technical difficulties of optical interfaces using PAM4 technology at 100 Gbps per wavelength, enabling optical transceivers from different manufacturers and with multiple packaging types to interoperate with each other. These new optical interface parameters are targeted at next-generation network equipment and are designed to meet the growing bandwidth and bandwidth density requirements in the field of optical communications.
The 100G Lambda MSA defines 100G PAM-4 optical signaling and coding, FEC and link characteristics for 100G and 400G applications at 100Gb/s per optical channel over a specified distance range. The MSA will leverage the IEEE 802.3 draft specification and methodology to achieve similar 100Gb/s single-channel specifications over single-mode fiber. The MSA specifications will be aligned with the IEEE specifications in PAM4 signaling and RS (544, 514) FEC to maintain compatibility with existing systems and PHY technologies currently under development.
Currently, the most popular 100Gb/s optical standards such as 100GBASE-LR4, 100G-CWDM4, 100G-PSM4, rely on 25 Gb/s optical lanes that align with 25Gb/s SERDES commonly used on ASICs for the switching, routing and transport applications. As ASIC SERDES increase in speed, it is necessary to increase the optical channel speeds to avoid additional cost that comes from needing to translate to slower speeds. Cost savings can further be realized by reducing the number of optical lanes and increasing the speed from four times 25Gb/s per lane to a single lane of 100Gb/s. It has been recognized by the IEEE and the members of this MSA that a single optical lane of 100Gb/s can be at least 40% lower cost than four lanes of 25G. The MSA members expect 400 Gb/s specifications defined by the MSA using 100Gb/s per optical channel will be much more conducive to high density, and lower cost, implementations in module form factors and networking systems.
100G-FR、 100G-LR和400G-FR4
On September 20, 2018, 100G Lambda MSA announced the release of three specifications D2.0 based on 100 Gb/s PAM4 optical technology per wavelength. These specifications are targeted at data center and service provider network applications, enabling multi-vendor interoperability between various form factors optical transceivers produced by different manufacturers. These updated 100 GbE interface specifications are specified as 100G-FR and 100G-LR for duplex single-mode links of 2km and 10km, respectively. MSA also updated the 400G-FR4 specification for 400 GbE duplex single-mode fiber links that rely on 100 Gb/s PAM4 modulated optical signals multiplexing 4 wavelengths. In addition, members of the 100G Lambda MSA group announced the success of its optical interoperability private plug-and-pull test activities, successfully verifying the compatibility, testability and optical interoperability between member transceiver or test equipment designs and the newly released specifications.
100G-FR and 100G-LR Technical Specs rev2.0
400G-LR4-10
On October 8, 2020, 100G Lambda MSA announced the release of the 400 Gigabit Ethernet (GbE) specification based on 100 Gb/s PAM4 optical technology per wavelength, with a transmission distance of up to 10km. This specification is aimed at data center and service provider network applications, and can achieve multi-vendor interoperability between various form factors optical transceivers produced by different manufacturers. The new 400GbE specification is designated as 400G-LR4-10, which is used for duplex single-mode links with a transmission distance of up to 10km and relies on 100 Gb/s PAM4 modulated optical signals multiplexed on 4 wavelengths.
MSA members have developed the 400GbE specification based on the success of previously released and widely adopted specifications to fully meet the market demand for 2km to 10km transmission distances for 100GbE and 400GbE duplex single-mode. MSA believes that the 10km transmission distance specification will be fully interoperable with the 6km version being developed by another industry standards organization. The “-10” nomenclature in 400G-LR4-10 will inform users of the target transmission distance.
400G-LR4-10 Technical Spec rev1.0
100G LR1-20和ER1-30 ER1-40
On December 7, 2020, 100G Lambda MSA announced the release of three enhanced 100 Gigabit Ethernet (GbE) specifications, extending the transmission distance of single-mode optical fiber to three different lengths of 20, 30 and 40 km. These specifications are based on the 100 Gb/s per wavelength PAM4 optical technology promoted by MSA. These specifications are mainly aimed at applications for service providers, data center operators and enterprise networks, including emerging 5G wireless networks, thereby achieving multi-vendor interoperability between optical transceivers of variousform factors produced by different manufacturers.
That is, 100G-LR1-20 for 20km and 100G-ER1-30 and 100G-ER1-40 for 30km and 40km respectively. “Single-wavelength 100G PAM4 optical technology has been adopted by the entire industry,” said Mark Nowell, co-chairman of 100G Lambda MSA. “These longer-distance specifications will further accelerate the widespread acceptance of single-wavelength 100G solutions throughout the industry, especially for service providers and operators who have high requirements for efficient and high-speed transmission…”
100G LR1-20 ER1-30 ER1-40 Technical Specs rev 1p1
400G-ER4-30
On February 21, 2023, 100G Lambda MSA released the 400 Gigabit Ethernet (GbE) specification, extending the transmission distance of single-mode optical fiber to 30km. The specification is based on the 100 Gb/s per wavelength PAM4 optical technology promoted by MSA. These specifications are mainly aimed at applications for service providers, data center operators and enterprise networks, thereby achieving multi-vendor interoperability between optical transceivers of various form factors produced by different manufacturers.
400G-ER4-30 Technical Specification 1.0
Follow us to get timely updates on 100G Lambda MSA specifications or get more industry specifications.
0 6GIGALIGHT Data Center Switches Debuts At Singapore Telecom Exhibition 2024
May 24, 2024. Shenzhen, China. – GIGALIGHT plans to officially launch the data center switch product line at the 2024 Singapore Telecom Show CommunicAsia from May 29 to 31 to demonstrate to the industry its capabilities and determination in the integrated solutions of data center IT complete cabinet equipment and optical interconnection hardware.
GS-680 Series 100G Switch
32 100G ports are provided with low latency and non-blocking performance, 40G ports are used for access switches or servers, and 100G uplinks are used for core switches.
MLAG achieves uninterrupted service
Switches under MLAG can be upgraded without disrupting MLAG traffic. During the upgrading process, another switch in the system takes over traffic forwarding to ensure that services are not interrupted.
1+1 hot-swappable power supply 3+1 redundant fans
Dual power supplies can be replaced without shutting down the system, and the variable-speed fan uses front-to-back airflow and automatically adjusts fan speed to reduce power consumption.
Breakout mode leverages existing equipment
The 100G ports can be splitted into four 25G ports to provide higher compatibility and reduce hardware costs, and can be flexibly suitable for your existing campus network.
QoS implements traffic control
It could provide users or data flows different priorities for different applications to reduce packet loss, latency and shock on the network.
MPLS establishes point-to-point connection
MPLS enables small and medium-sized enterprises to build networks for their users, establish point-to-point connections, and realize network communication between users.
![](https://www.gigalight.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/lQDPKeTdU1KbtuHNA0LNBhuwtctCGo_u0B0GO-oA3RXfAA_1563_834-1024x546.jpg)
In addition, GIGALIGHT will also demonstrate the latest 400G DCI BOX on site, which integrates the latest 4× 400G QSFP-DD DCO OEO board, achieving a 1U 6400G transmission capacity.
![](https://www.gigalight.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/新加坡邀请-1024x556.jpg)
We sincerely invite you to visit GIGALIGHT’s booth (4E2-12) at the Singapore Digital Communications Exhibition to witness with us the new technologies and products that GIGALIGHT is working on.
About GIGALIGHT
As an open optical networking explorer, Gigalight integrates the design, manufacturing, and sales of both active and passive optical devices and subsystems. The company’s product portfolio includes optical modules, silicon photonics modules, liquid-cooled modules, passive optical components, active optical cables, direct attach copper cables, coherent optical communication modules, and OPEN DCI BOX subsystems. Gigalight focuses on serving applications such as data centers, 5G transport networks, metropolitan WDM transmission, ultra-HD broadcast and video, and more. It stands as an innovative designer of high-speed optical interconnect hardware solutions.
0 7SFP56: Modern Twist on a Classic
Introduction
During modern times – telecommunication technology has evolved with faster data rates in mind. As the need for enhanced connectivity and swift data transfer continues to surge, the cornerstone of this lies in the evolution of transceivers. The focus today is to achieve faster data rates not only through new emerging technologies but also by upgrading long-forgotten technologies. Years ago, optical transceiver manufacturers introduced the SFP form factor, the main advantage of which was its compact size, enhancing port density on telecom equipment. Nowadays, a transceiver with the same physical dimensions as the SFP form factor can achieve a 50G data rate, thanks to the PAM4 technology and enhanced form factor known by the abbreviation SFP56.
Getting to know about 50G:
We have already heard about 200G, 400G, 800G and maybe even thinking about higher data rates, so why do we speak about 50G just now? The demand for bandwidth has led the industry to reach higher data rates as soon as possible. This has resulted in the introduction of multilane transceivers, and only after the technology has matured does the industry consider the possibilities of single-lane transceivers.
Engineers always try to find a more cost effective solution for network designers and service providers. As multilane modules have already demonstrated their performance, we now witness the emergence of a single-lane version of 50G that is more compact, less expensive, and consumes less power.
![](https://www.gigalight.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/50g-pt1-1024x709.jpg)
50G SFP56 is a chance to double the data rate of existing SFP28 links. SFP56 optimized construction minimizes insertion loss and cross talk, and the solution is backward compatible with existing SFP+ and SFP28 ports.
Primary applications for these products include server to switch and switch to switch 50G Ethernet connections, as well as future 5G wireless applications.
What is SFP56?
Some time has already passed since NRZ modules were first introduced, but the demand has still risen up, the development of PAM4 QSFP-DD modules was started and was pioneering in such high density data rates in small form-factors. SFP, a small form factor’s turn was to embrace new technology previously only used in High density optical transceivers, the trick was to lower the channel count to more suitable for the old and reliable SFP form factor. Unlike other optical transceivers which use PAM4 modulation technology on a few optical lines. SFP56 uses a 25G NRZ electrical flow, modulated with PAM4 on a single wavelength, to achieve 50G PAM4 modulated optical signal. A logical question may arise, if such new technology even has some similarity or interchangeability with older SFP variants(SFP+/SFP28), well in this case, SFP56 modules are compatible with older SFP ports, but for an equipment to fully utilize the power of 50G data rate over PAM4, a special type of switches has to be used. Thankfully most of modern-day build equipment already comes with 50G SerDes built in into their ASICs. Backwards compatibility is as well possible, you could easily use the SFP+ or SFP28 modules in a port specifically designed to be used by 50G modules.
So in short, you can call this new technology, used in an older SFP+ caging. But in such a small footprint, it provides double the data rate of previously used SFP28 modules which in turn will provide even faster bandwidth for data centers and 5G base stations.
GIGALIGHT 50G SFP56 portfolio
![](https://www.gigalight.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/50g.jpg)
Conclusion
The demand for higher bandwidth has steered the industry towards accelerated data rates, leading to the evolution of multilane transceivers. However, our exploration into 50G brings us to a groundbreaking revelation — the potential of a single-lane, single-wavelength technology.
Engineers, driven by the desire for cost-effective solutions, have not only witnessed the performance of multilane modules but are now embracing a more compact, cost-efficient, and energy-conserving single-lane version of 50G. The 50G SFP56, characterized by its optimized construction and backward compatibility, presents an opportunity to double the data rate of existing SFP28 links. Its applications extend to pivotal connections such as server-to-switch and switch-to-switch 50G Ethernet links, along with its role in shaping the future landscape of 5G wireless applications.
In final thoughts, the journey from the introduction of the SFP form factor to the advanced SFP56 form factor – reshapes the industry’s commitment to speed, efficiency, and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. The 50G SFP56, with its technology, promises to transform the narrative of data transmission, providing a seamless bridge between the old and the new telecommunication technology.
0 8Next-Generation Optical Network Single-Lambda 100G Optics
100G single lambda is a widely used optical specification based on PAM4 signaling. 100G single lambda is commonly used for transmission of 100G data streams over a single wavelength or laser. 100G Lambda MSA governs the development of this specification and it is designed for use in 400G and 100G applications.
The occurrence of 100G single lambda is not uncommon as various optical transceivers such as 100GBASE-SR4, 100GBASE-LR4, 100G-CWDM4 and 100G-PSM4 are equipped with four sets of receivers and transceivers to operate within 25Gb/s parallel lanes. These four optical signals are either optically multiplexed or coupled via parallel fibers to a single fiber for data transmission. This arrangement cannot be implemented without the use of expensive optical components. On the other hand, 100G lambda is a cost-effective solution that results in higher transmission efficiency at lower cost. Transceivers that meet this specification use 100G PAM4 signaling technology for 100G transmission per wavelength – an arrangement that reduces overall cost and optical complexity by reducing the number of optical receivers and transmitters from four to one.
100G Single Lambda Vs. 100G Four Channels
For example, 100GBASE-LR4, 100G-CWDM4 and 100G-PSM4.100GBASE-LR4 is proposed for up to 10km stretched links consisting of 4 multiplexed wavelengths carried by a single fiber. However, closely spaced wavelengths with LAN WDM wavelength spacing cannot be accommodated without expensive hermetic packaging for optimal laser temperature control.
Let us now proceed to the second option, i.e. 100GBASE-CWDM4. This option is better in terms of wavelength spacing, but no connections over 2km are possible with this configuration. Here comes the third option, i.e. 100GBASE-PSM4. This option uses 4 fiber pairs and a wide wavelength for data transmission and thus can resolve the complexity associated with lasers with multiple wavelengths. 100GBASE-PSM4 is a good option, but can only be considered for links up to 500m.
Now let us bring 100G single lambda into the discussion. Three common optical modules included in the 100G single-lambda series are 100GBASE-LR (100G-LR), 100GBASE-FR (100G-FR) and 100GBASE-DR. These optical transceivers are designed to receive electrical signals from a host (in a 4 x 25G configuration) and feature a DSP that converts the received signal using PAM4 modulation instead of PSM4, LR4 or CWDM4 using NRZ signals. The application of PAM4 signals on a single lambda means that a single laser can be used to transmit a complete 100G data stream. This network infrastructure eliminates the need for parallel fiber optics or WDM, thereby reducing the number of optical components required such as receivers and transmitters. The design of 100G single lambda technology is simpler, the number of optical components is significantly reduced, and manufacturing costs are reduced. 100G Lambda MSA has recognized that the cost of a single 100G lambda is at least 40% lower than the cost of four channels of 25G.
GIGALIGHE Single Lambda 100G Optical Transceiver
100GBASE-DR supports links up to 500m, while 100GBASE-FR and 100GBASE-LR support 2km and 10km respectively. The corresponding GIGALIGHT products include 100G QSFP28 DR1/FR1 and LR1 optical transceivers, including III-V family and silicon photonic versions. At the same time, GIGALIGHT also has 100G QSFP28 BIDI LR1 and ER1 based on the EML version, which can transmit 10km and 40km.
![](https://www.gigalight.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/22228fme.jpg)
Not only that, GIGALIGHT also launched 100G single-lambda optical transceivers based on SFP56-DD form factor, including 100G SFP56-DD FR1/LR1 and ER1, which meet the transmission requirements of 2km, 20km and 30km, and are suitable for data centers, 5G communication networks, etc. application scenarios.
![](https://www.gigalight.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/373×224光模块100G-SFP56-DD-E.jpg)
100G Single Lambda in 400G Network
100G Single Lambda technology is attractive because it reduces the cost of upgrading infrastructure to 400G while also opening up new possibilities for the future. In fact, this technology is used to break down 400G signals into 4×100G instead of NZR’s 8×50G. Single-channel 100G also reduces the manufacturing cost of 400G QSFP-DD optical transceivers.100G Lambda can ease the transition from 100 to 400G by reducing the structural complexity of 400G transceivers. At the same time, it will also bring great savings by reducing the number of fibers.
0 9GIGALIGHT Launches 800G OSFP DR8/DR8+ & 2×FR4/2×LR4 Silicon Optical Transceivers With 16W Power Consumption
May 6, 2024. Shenzhen, China. – In response to the comprehensive goals of large-scale commercialization and technological advancement of the 800G architecture in domestic and foreign AI data centers, Gigalight today announced the launch of 800G OSFP DR8/DR8+/DR8++& 800G OSFP 2×FR4/2×LR4 series of silicon optical transceivers based on 7nm DSP with a power consumption of 16W The transceivers has laid a solid delivery foundation for the company to become a pioneer in this field.
![](https://www.gigalight.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/2356pte-1024x528.jpg)
Gigalight’s 800G OSFP 2×FR4 and 800G OSFP 2×LR4 optical transceiver ports use 2× Dual LC interfaces. The transmitter adopts a single-chip integrated silicon light modulation chip solution, using 4 CWDM4 light sources, and is implemented in the integrated silicon light chip. The light source is divided into 1/2 and CWDM wavelength division and MZ modulation. The receiving end is 2 separate free-space optical POSAs. It adopts a low-power direct drive 7nm DSP chip solution. This product has the advantages of low power consumption and high performance. The key to these two products is The parameters are as follows:
- TDECQ per channel is less than 2.1dB, better than protocol specification: 2×FR4<3.4dB; 2×LR4<3.9dB;
- RxSens (OMA) sensitivity is better than -9dBm @ 2.4e-4 Pre-FEC 53GBd PAM4, better than protocol specification: 2×FR4<-4.6dBm, 2×LR4<-6.8dBm;
- The maximum power consumption of the optical module at three temperatures is less than 16W.
![](https://www.gigalight.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/2456pt1.png)
800G OSFP 2×LR4 eye diagram
![](https://www.gigalight.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/2456pt2-1024x643.png)
800G OSFP 2×FR4 TDECQ
![](https://www.gigalight.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/2456pt3-1024x633.png)
800G OSFP 2×FR4 OMA sensitivity
Gigalight’s 800G OSFP DR8/DR8+/DR8++ optical transceiver port adopts 2×MPO-12/APC interface. The transmitter adopts a single-chip integrated silicon light modulation chip solution, using 2 CWL light sources, and the light source is implemented in the integrated silicon light chip. 1 minute 4 and MZ modulation, the receiving end is 2 separate FA solutions, using a low-power direct drive 7nm DSP chip solution. This product has the advantages of low power consumption and high performance. The key parameters of the product are as follows:
- TDECQ per channel is less than 2.0dB, which is better than the protocol specification of up to 3.4dB;
- RxSens (OMA) sensitivity is better than -9dBm @ 2.4e-4 Pre-FEC 53GBd PAM4, better than the protocol specification maximum -4.4dBm;
- Maximum power consumption is less than 16W.
![](https://www.gigalight.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/2456pt4.png)
800G OSFP DR8(2×MPO12) eye diagram
Gigalight has mass-produced 400G OSFP-RHS DR4 and 400G QSFP112 DR4 silicon optical transceivers as early as 2023. The addition of the latest low-power version of the 800G silicon optical series has strongly promoted the company’s confidence in the performance growth of the next generation of optical communications. Gigalight has substantially entered the research and development of silicon optical chips and silicon optical transceivers since 2018. It has completed the mass production or sample stage of at least 10 silicon optical transceivers. Thanks to the strong collaboration of the global supply chain, there will be more innovations in the future. Unique and differentiated silicon optical transceivers will be released one after another in Gigalight.
About GIGALIGHT
As an open optical networking explorer, Gigalight integrates the design, manufacturing, and sales of both active and passive optical devices and subsystems. The company’s product portfolio includes optical modules, silicon photonics modules, liquid-cooled modules, passive optical components, active optical cables, direct attach copper cables, coherent optical communication modules, and OPEN DCI BOX subsystems. Gigalight focuses on serving applications such as data centers, 5G transport networks, metropolitan WDM transmission, ultra-HD broadcast and video, and more. It stands as an innovative designer of high-speed optical interconnect hardware solutions.
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