800G Optics Solution for Data Centers

The optical communication industry is experiencing a surge in demand for high-speed network solutions, primarily driven by the widespread adoption of cloud services among businesses. In response, leading cloud service providers are proactively constructing and enhancing hyper-scale data centers, equipped with cutting-edge server and networking solutions. Consequently, data center operators now have an increasing appetite for even higher bandwidths and faster time-to-market for new networking technologies. Advanced technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and machine learning (ML) require the highest bandwidth for seamless performance. These demands have led to the development of 800G optics.

Why Should You Consider 800G Optics?

The introduction of 800G marked a significant milestone in the industry. The deployment of 800G optics in hyper-scale data centers has already begun, which hinges on advancements in three key areas: 800G optical modules and DAC cables, switch ASICs, and the establishment of the 800GE standard. These modules address the growing bandwidth requirements that traditional optical modules cannot meet. For those networking on the edge, 800G speed is beginning to replace 400G as the expected optimal data transmission rate. With 800G optics in place, demand for 800G transceivers, with their high data rate and capacity, will continue to increase. For enterprises with steady business growth, 800G upgrades should be considered initially.

Key Technology Enablers and Drivers for 800G Optics

PAM4 Modulation

The use of PAM4 modulation in 800G optics improves network performance and enables higher data rates. This technology allows for the transmission of twice as much data per signal compared to traditional NRZ (Non-Return to Zero) modulation used in low-speed transceivers. PAM4 is a critical technology for achieving maximum data rates over the same bandwidth, which is essential to meet the growing demand for high-speed data transmission. Unlike traditional binary modulation (PAM2), PAM4 modulation encodes four levels of amplitude per symbol, effectively doubling the data rate. This advancement in optical technology allows for greater bandwidth capacity and supports the increasing demand for faster and more efficient data transmission in various industries. This enables 800G optics to achieve data rates of up to 800 Gbps on a single optical channel. By leveraging PAM4 modulation, optical networks can transmit more data while utilizing the same channel bandwidth, making it ideal for applications like data centers and cloud computing.

Silicon Photonics

Silicon Photonics is a field of study and technology that focuses on the integration of photonic components, such as lasers, modulators, and detectors, into silicon-based integrated circuits (ICs). The demand for higher bandwidth and faster data transmission rates in data centers and telecommunications networks has driven the need for advancements in optical communication technologies. The transition from 400G to 800G optics requires improvements in both the capacity and efficiency of optical systems. The use of Silicon Photonics in 800G optics enables higher data rates and improved performance while reducing power consumption and footprint. Overall, Silicon Photonics plays a crucial role in enabling the development and deployment of 800G optics by providing a technology platform that combines high performance, scalability, and cost-effectiveness.

800G Optics Solution Use Cases for Data Centers

FS is a leading provider of cutting-edge data center solutions and products that support lightning-fast 800 gigabits per second (Gbps) data transmission rates. The advent of switches featuring 800G optics opens up possibilities for data center operators to leverage use cases that offer substantially improved network performance while reducing complexity, cost, and power consumption. This development presents a valuable opportunity for data centers to enhance operations and deliver improved networking capabilities.

The following description showcases an enhanced utilization of an 800G port, enabling support for multiple high-speed connections. With a range of 2km, these connections with 800G 2FR4 offer high-density interfaces, catering to various applications.

In the upper configuration, a breakout cable is used to efficiently double the number of supported 400GE links within a compact 1RU 25.6T switch system. This configuration outperforms the 12.8T systems, making it an ideal choice for deployments in diverse applications. Notably, it finds applications in high-density AI/ML clusters within data centers, as well as ultra-high-definition video processing systems.

Alternatively, the lower configuration implements an 800G connection using dual 400GBASE-FR4 links. This setup is specifically designed for network deployments in high-performance computing (HPC) systems that support scientific research and other demanding processing applications.

Furthermore, the figure below illustrates an 800G port's versatility, which can be utilized to support eight 100GBASE-DR connections spanning up to 500m or 100GBASE-FR connections reaching up to 2km. These configurations are designed to provide high-density 100G interfaces and are ideal for upgrading peering/colocation networks and distributed data centers.

The figure demonstrates three distinct setups: a breakout to eight separate 100GBASE-FR links, a breakout to two 400G connections, and an 800G connection established over eight 100G links. These configurations offer flexible options for network upgrades, catering to the requirements of peering/colocation networks and distributed data centers. These setups enable the provision of numerous 100GE network connections, supporting their expanding needs.

Conclusion

The demand for AI servers has unleashed the amazing power of 800G optics, boosting bandwidth and performance over previous generations. While 400G optical transceivers are still relevant in the industry, the field is advancing towards more advanced technologies. FS's 800G optical modules and DAC cables have stable transmission performance and provide efficient O&M assurance.

Due to the significant evolution in Al computing power, the demand for optical modules from cloud computing providers will continue growing. The market for 800G optics presents new opportunities as high-performance computing (HPC), data-intensive applications, cloud platforms, edge computing, and data center construction drive the need for higher bandwidth and faster data transmission.