May, 2024 - GIGALIGHT

31May, 2024

100G 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.

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-FR4 Technical Spec D2p0

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

24May, 2024

GIGALIGHT 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.

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.

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.

21May, 2024

SFP56: 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.

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

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.

13May, 2024

Next-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.

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.

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.

6May, 2024

GIGALIGHT 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.

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.

800G OSFP 2×LR4 eye diagram

800G OSFP 2×FR4 TDECQ

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.

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.