Emerging Trends in 800G Ethernet Development

Ethernet has flexibly reacted to the growing need for faster technologies since the 1970s, showing its revolutionary significance in our interconnected global landscape. The introduction of 800G Ethernet adds to this journey by meeting the compelled requirement to handle and transmit high-performance applications effectively. As a result, the future development tendencies of 800G Ethernet are well worth analyzing.

800G Ethernet Demand

Over the past 12 years, switches have evolved continuously, with processing capacity increasing from 640G to 102.4T, and the number of channels in switches has grown from 64 to 512. Ethernet rates ranging from 10G to 100G, and even higher, can now be handled by a single channel. Meanwhile, as shown in the picture below, pluggable connections have developed from QSFP+ to QSFPDD800/OSFP. The term 800G Ethernet refers to the most recent generation of 51.2T switches, which serve as the underlying technology for the 800G pluggable modules that enable them. Its remarkable flexibility, speed negotiation, backward compatibility, and versatility in utilizing various media uphold its status as the favored choice for network technology.

Simultaneously, the growing demand, as depicted in the following figure from IEEE802, is fueled by a multitude of data-centric applications. The increasing prevalence of the Internet of Things (IoT), cloud storage, virtual/augmented reality, video streaming, and online collaborative tools indicates a substantial surge in data volumes. This heightened demand aligns with the evolving landscape, necessitating advanced solutions like 800G Ethernet chips with DAC/AOC.

Moreover, the expectation of a significant surge in demand for 800G Ethernet is substantiated by next-generation 800G modules, poised to double the bandwidth for each port. Statistics presented at the 2022 OCP (Open Compute Project) Summit, as depicted below, suggest that 800G pluggable devices will surpass their 400G counterparts by 2025. With the doubling of channel counts, data centers can seamlessly support 800G Ethernet without a complete overhaul of their port configurations, facilitating a smoother transition and emphasizing the growing demand for advanced networking capabilities.

The Implementation of 800G Ethernet

800G Ethernet Infrastructure

The implementation of 800G Ethernet relies on 8 channels, each operating at a speed of 100Gb/s. This 800G architecture introduces a new Media Access Control (MAC) and Physical Coding Sublayer (PCS), reusing two sets of existing 400G Ethernet logic to distribute data across eight 106.25 Gbps physical channels. By utilizing the 400G Ethernet PCS logic, the forward error correction module is retained, ensuring seamless compatibility with current physical layer specifications.

And the diagram below presents a reference schematic of an 800G chip, featuring an 8-channel 100G SerDes, 800G PCS, MAC, test logic, and application interfaces. Successful implementation of the chip hinges on robust testability and debug capabilities within application software interfaces. 

800G Ethernet Implementation Challenges

Backward Compatibility, Low Error Rate and Low Latency

On one hand, ensuring backward compatibility with 200G/400G Ethernet poses numerous challenges to both logical and physical domains for 800G Ethernet networks. On the other hand, achieving faster clock and data recovery (CDR), parallel paths, and intricate signaling requirements while addressing the criteria for minimal latency and power consumption is a highly complex task.

Advanced Wiring Techniques for System Performance

The design of 800G Ethernet implementation aims to function as the network interface for upcoming data center networks and other network interfaces in the next generation. To cope with the growing demands for CPU, bus, and storage bandwidth, rack servers or blade servers are required to provide a total throughput of 800Gb/s from Network Interface Cards (NICs). This necessitates achieving a speed of 100G per channel for Switch Silicon SerDes, demanding the application of advanced wiring techniques. Undoubtedly, this requires innovative ideas to address these challenges.

Scaling the Internet for the Future With FS 800G Ethernet Solution

Common Challenges Encountered

The expanding business landscape and surging data processing requirements pose significant challenges for data centers. The need to establish new 800G data centers or upgrade existing ones involves problems such as:

• 1. Bandwidth limitations, unable to satisfy the rapid expansion of the data center market.

• 2. Heightened power consumption, which influences heat dissipation and reliability.

• 3. Inflexible deployment, resulting in redundant construction.

How Does FS Address those Challenges with 800G Ethernet Solution?

Fortunately, the FS 800G Ethernet Solution comes with advantages such as high density, low power consumption, and flexible deployment, which effectively addresses these issues. Despite these difficulties, there are several key methods for this solution:

• 1. Deploying QSFP-DD/OSFP modules, such as QDD-DR8-800G and QDD-SR8-800G, in a high-density configuration enhances transmission capacity, thereby providing an increased bandwidth rate.

• 2. Using DSP chips integrated into related QSFP-DD/OSFP modules facilitates reduced power consumption and enhanced integration capabilities.

• 3. Offering diverse breakout or direct connection schemes provides greater abundance, flexibility, and convenience for a seamless transition during future upgrade implementations.

800G Ethernet Future Development Trends

In summary, the introduction of 800G Ethernet is aimed at meeting the demands of modern data centers. The deployment of 800G, organized into eight channels, introduces innovative elements while utilizing the existing 400G logic. Challenges include achieving higher speeds and navigating the complexities of signaling. 800G Ethernet is strategically positioned as an essential solution for upcoming networking needs.