May, 2024 - GIGALIGHT

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: A Modern Reinvention of the Classic Form Factor

In the modern era, telecommunications technology has progressed with a relentless pursuit of faster data transmission speeds. The relentless demand for heightened connectivity and swift data exchange has driven the evolution of transceivers to new heights. The quest for faster data rates encompasses not only the adoption of cutting-edge technologies but also the revitalization of older, previously overlooked technologies.

Years ago, optical transceiver manufacturers revolutionized the industry with the introduction of the SFP form factor, which boasted a compact size that significantly increased port density on telecommunication equipment. Today, this same physical footprint has been transformed into a powerful tool capable of achieving a staggering 50G data rate. This transformation is attributed to the innovative PAM4 technology and the enhanced form factor known as SFP56, representing a modern twist on a classic design that continues to push the boundaries of high-speed data transmission.

Understanding the Basics of 50G Technology:

As the telecommunications landscape advances, with discussions of 200G, 400G, 800G, and even higher data rates filling the air, one might wonder why 50G technology is just now gaining prominence. The relentless demand for bandwidth has propelled the industry to strive for ever-higher data rates, leading to the rapid adoption of multilane transceivers. However, as these technologies mature, the industry begins to explore the potential of single-lane transceivers, offering a new frontier in data transmission.

Engineers are constantly on the lookout for cost-effective solutions that cater to the needs of network designers and service providers. With multilane modules already proving their mettle, the industry is now embracing the emergence of a 50G single-lane transceiver that boasts a more compact design, lower cost, and reduced power consumption. This innovation represents a significant step forward in optimizing network infrastructure and enhancing overall performance.

The 50G SFP56 transceiver presents an exciting opportunity to double the data rate of existing SFP28 links, revolutionizing network performance. Its optimized construction ensures minimal insertion loss and crosstalk, enhancing signal integrity and reliability. Importantly, this solution maintains backward compatibility with existing SFP+ and SFP28 ports, simplifying upgrades and ensuring seamless integration within existing network infrastructures.

The primary applications for these groundbreaking products encompass server-to-switch and switch-to-switch 50G Ethernet connections, empowering data centers and enterprise networks with unparalleled speed and efficiency. Furthermore, they pave the way for future-proofing networks in anticipation of emerging technologies such as 5G wireless applications, ensuring that your infrastructure is ready to harness the full potential of these groundbreaking advancements.

What is SFP56?

NRZ modules have been around for a while, but demand is still growing, and the development of PAM4 QSFP-DD modules has started and is leading the way in high-density data rates in a small form factor. The small form factor SFP uses new technology that was previously only used in high-density optical transceivers, the trick is to reduce the number of channels to better fit the old reliable SFP form factor. Unlike other optical transceivers that use PAM4 modulation technology on a few optical paths. SFP56 uses 25G NRZ current, using PAM4 modulation on a single wavelength to achieve 50G PAM4 modulated optical signals. A logical question is if this new technology has some similarity or interchangeability with the older SFP variants (SFP+/SFP28), in which case SFP56 modules are compatible with the older SFP ports, but for equipment to take full advantage of 50G data rates on PAM4, a special type of switch must be used. Thankfully, most modern build equipment already has 50G SerDes built into its ASIC. Backward compatibility is also possible, and you can easily use SFP+ or SFP28 modules in ports designed for 50G modules.

In short, you can call this technology a new technology used in the older SFP+ form factor. But in such a small size, it provides twice the data rate of the previously used SFP28 module, thus providing faster bandwidth for data centers and 5G base stations.

GIGALIGHT 50G SFP56 portfolio

Conclusion

The need for higher bandwidth has driven the industry toward faster data rates, leading to the evolution of multi-channel transceivers. However, our quest for 50G has given us a groundbreaking revelation – the potential of single-channel, single-wavelength technology.

Engineers’ demand for cost-effective solutions has not only driven the performance of multi-channel modules, but is now also beginning to adopt more compact, economical and energy-efficient single-channel 50G versions. With its optimized structure and backward compatibility, the 50G SFP56 provides an opportunity to double the data rate of existing SFP28 links. Its application range extends to critical connections such as 50G Ethernet links from server to switch and switch to switch, as well as its role in shaping the future landscape of 5G wireless applications.

Finally, the journey from the introduction of the SFP form factor to the advanced SFP56 form factor – reinventing the industry’s promise of speed, efficiency, and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. The 50G SFP56 and its technology promise to change the narrative of data transmission, providing a seamless bridge between new and legacy telecommunication technologies.

13May, 2024

Revolutionizing Optical Networks: Next-Gen Single-Lambda 100G Optics Solution

The 100G single lambda optical specification, grounded in PAM4 signaling technology, has become ubiquitous in the industry. It facilitates the efficient transmission of 100G data streams over a single wavelength or laser channel, offering significant advantages in terms of capacity and simplicity. The 100G Lambda Multi-Source Agreement (MSA) oversees the development of this standard, ensuring its compatibility and optimization for both 400G and 100G network applications. By adhering to this MSA, network operators can leverage the robust and reliable performance of 100G single lambda optics to meet their evolving bandwidth demands.

The prevalence of 100G single lambda technology underscores its value in modern optical networks. Advanced optical transceivers like 100GBASE-SR4, 100GBASE-LR4, 100G-CWDM4, and 100G-PSM4 harness four sets of receivers and transmitters, each operating at 25Gb/s in parallel lanes. These systems either optically multiplex or combine these four signals onto a single fiber for data transmission, a process that traditionally necessitated costly optical components.

In contrast, the 100G lambda approach offers a cost-effective alternative, achieving greater transmission efficiency at a lower cost. By leveraging 100G PAM4 signaling technology, transceivers adhering to this specification consolidate the transmission of 100G data per wavelength into a single optical signal. This not only simplifies the optical architecture by reducing the number of receivers and transmitters from four to one but also helps to minimize overall costs and optical complexity.

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.

Moving on to the second option, 100GBASE-CWDM4 offers improved wavelength spacing compared to other technologies, which can be advantageous in certain deployment scenarios. However, this configuration has a limitation in that it does not support connections exceeding 2 kilometers in length. This constraint may make it less suitable for applications requiring longer reach.

The third option, 100GBASE-PSM4, addresses some of these challenges by utilizing four fiber pairs and a wide wavelength for data transmission. This approach simplifies the complexity associated with managing multiple wavelengths and lasers, making it an attractive choice for certain applications. However, 100GBASE-PSM4 is also limited in its reach, typically suitable for links up to 500 meters in length.

In summary, each of these 100G single lambda technologies has its unique strengths and limitations, making it essential to carefully consider the specific requirements of the network when selecting the most appropriate option.

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.