The constant growth in traffic caused by cloud applications, artificial intelligence (AI), and video streaming is driving the demand for faster and higher-capacity campus network solutions. They are pushing campus networks to new heights with 25G/100G Ethernet solutions due to their high bandwidth, low power consumption, and high density.
25G/100G Ethernet Solutions
A 25G/100G campus network's typical uplink bandwidth is 25G from the access layer to the distribution layer and 100G from the distribution layer to the core layer. 25G/100G upgrade solutions typically drive campus networks toward greater performance and scalability due to the numerous benefits it offers.
Since 25G SFP28 transceivers were introduced to the market, network operators have sought direct upgrades from 1G and 10G optics to 25G. However, the optical properties of 25G Ethernet over fiber have limited the reach of 25G to 40km, leaving network operators with the choice of seeking costly alternatives for upgrades of up to 80km.
ProLabs' new SFP28 25G ZR transceiver offers a low-cost solution for long-distance connections up to 80km. The SFP28 25G ZR uses proven 1310nm optical technology to ensure optical signal delivery over single-mode fiber up to 80km.
Increase bandwidth & distance while decreasing latency with SFP28 25G ZR:
The reduction of network latency is critical for business models that rely on a high frequency of transactions. Reduced network latency will allow for an increase in transactions and, thus, more revenue. The forward error correction (FEC) in short-reach and intermediate-reach data center transceivers introduces latency that may cost these high-performance networks both time and revenue.
ProLabs' new QSFP28 100G CLR4 transceivers offer a powerful solution for latency-sensitive environments. The CLR4 technology supports 100G Ethernet up to 2km without FEC and is also interoperable with legacy CWDM4 transceivers in the network. ProLabs offers a lifetime warranty for the QSFP28 CLR4 and is compatible with platforms from leading network equipment manufacturers.
Minimize FEC-related issues with QSFP28 100G CLR4:
As 400G optical transport technologies continue being in high demand due to the exponential development of networks and data traffic, data centers need to meet the rising demands to make sure their applications are reliable and flexible.
400G Transceivers
400G transceivers are commonly used solutions for 400G data center connections. There are several 400G transceiver form factors available, including QSFP-DD and OSFP. All of these transceivers differ in terms of transmission distance, connector, form type, and other characteristics.
400G Transceivers
SR8
100m reach using multi-mode fiber
Uses an MPO-16 connector to connect 8 fiber pairs
DR4 / PLR4
500m/2km/10km reach using single mode fiber
Uses an MPO-12 connector to connect 4 fiber pairs
FR4 / LR4
2km/10km reach using single mode fiber
Unlike DR4 and SR8, all 4 channels from an FR4/LR4 are multiplexed onto one fiber
The primary function of 400G transceivers in data centers is to increase bandwidth and port density. As data centers' bandwidth requirements grow, 400G optical modules will be the best way to improve system efficiency and lower bandwidth costs in the future.
400G DACs & AOCs
400G Direct Attached Cables (DACs) are a cost-effective solution for short-distance data center interconnections. DACs are typically divided into two types: passive copper cables for distances ranging from 0 to 5m and active copper cables (AOCs) for distances ranging from 5 to 15m.
400G DACs
As opposed to 400G DACs, 400G Active Optical Cables (AOCs) transmit data using fiber optical fibers, which is the same as using separate wires and transceivers. 400G AOCs permit transmission over longer distances than DACs and are limited to 100m. Although they cost more, they are more compact and lighter than DACs. AOCs are not impacted by electromagnetic interference, in contrast to DACs.
400G AOCs
There are two basic form factors for 400G DAC and 400G AOC: QSFP-DD and OSFP, both of which can transport 8x50G PAM4 electrical lanes. There are also 400G breakout DACs and AOCs with a single 400G connector on one end and many connectors with the same total rate on the other.
Both 400G DAC and AOC are economical options for short-distance transmission. 400G optical transceivers in conjunction with matching fiber optic cables are an appropriate solution for transmission over 100m.
Which is Best Suited for You?
There are three main options concerning 400G: transceivers, DACs, and AOCs. But which one is best suited for you?
First, we need to understand the kind of data you need to transmit, how far it travels, and the environmental conditions. After that is finalized, you can narrow down your options. The table below shows a general guide for your selection:
Comparison
400G Transceiver
400G DAC
400G AOC
Reach
400GBase-DR4: 500m 400GBase-LR8: 10m 400GBase-ER8: 40m 400GBase-SR8: 70m - 100m
Max 2.5m
Max 50m
Fiber Type
OM3/OM4/OS2 fiber cable
Copper cable
OM3/OM4 fiber cable
Power Consumption
High
Low
Medium
Application
ToR switch to server EoR switch to server Data center interconnection
EoR switch to server
ToR switch to server EoR switch to server
Ultimately, regardless of which you choose the most important factor is how to balance cost and demand. The 400G DACs and AOCs are both better suited for close-range transmission, although the 400G DAC is more affordable, the 400G AOC supports faster data transfer rates. For application scenarios, 400G transceivers are more varied and are best to transmit large amounts of data over longer distances. Depending on your needs, data center operators should consider all these factors when finalizing their decision.
For additional information on 400G check out our cabling for 400G transceivers guide here.
The insatiable demand for bandwidth has put data center operators and network engineers under tremendous strain. Data centers and network engineers are looking to upgrade from 100G to 400G Ethernet in order to adapt to 5G, cloud services, IoT, and other next-generation applications and technologies.
ProLabs provides an alternative to OEM OSFP transceivers in order to counter the dominance of vertically integrated OEMs. We now offer 400G coherent ZR in an OSFP form factor with the new OSFP 400G ZR transceivers. The OSFP includes an integrated heatsink, which improves thermal performance and enables modules with up to 15W of power.
Reduce power consumption and assure reliability in demanding high-density environments:
MSA and TAA 400GBase-ZR Coherent OSFP Transceiver (SMF, 1528.77nm to 1567.13nm, 40km, LC, DOM)
In today's CAPEX environment, network operators must decide whether to utilize existing network infrastructure or invest in new equipment. 40G QSFP+ technologies have been dismissed in favor of more scalable 100G data rates and longer reach optics. Networks with available 40G QSFP+ ports simply did not have options for links longer than 40km, potentially leaving these ports stranded.
ProLabs' QSFP+ 40G ZR4 transceiver offers a solution to stranded 40G QSFP+ network ports. The plug-and-play QSFP+ 40G ZR4 transceiver works in tandem with existing network ports to extend the maximum reach to 80km, thereby increasing the value of your existing investment.
Provide a highly reliable, performant, and cost-effective solution for your existing network:
MSA and TAA 40GBase-ZR4 QSFP+ Transceiver (SMF, 1295nm to 1309nm, 80km, LC, DOM)
