800G - GIGALIGHT

7Mar, 2024

AI data center architecture upgrade triggers surge in demand for 800G optical transceivers

The surge in demand for 800G optical transceivers directly reflects the increasing demand for artificial intelligence-driven applications. As the digital environment continues to evolve, the need for faster and more efficient data transmission becomes imperative. The deployment of 800G optical transceivers, coupled with the transition to a tier 2 leaf-spine architecture, reflects a strategic move to meet the needs of modern computing.

Why do we need 800G optical transceivers?

The surge in demand for 800G optical transceivers is closely related to changes in data center network architecture. The traditional three-tier architecture (including access tier, aggregation tier and core tier) has been the standard for many years. As the scale of AI technology and east-west traffic continue to expand, data center network architecture is also constantly evolving. In the traditional three-tier topology, data exchange between servers needs to go through access switches, aggregation switches and core switches, which puts huge pressure on aggregation switches and core switches.

If the server cluster scale continues to expand according to the traditional three-tier topology, high-performance equipment will need to be deployed at the core tier and aggregation tier, resulting in a significant increase in equipment costs. This is where the new Spine-Leaf topology comes into play, flattening the traditional three-tier topology into a two-tier architecture. The adoption of 800G optical transceivers has promoted the emergence of Spine-Leaf network architecture, which has many advantages such as high bandwidth utilization, excellent scalability, predictable network delay, and enhanced security.

In this architecture, leaf switches serve as access switches in the traditional three-tier architecture and are directly connected to servers. Spine switches act as core switches, but they are directly connected to Leaf switches, and each Spine switch needs to be connected to all Leaf switches.

The number of downlink ports on a Leaf switch determines the number of Leaf switches, and the number of uplink ports on a Leaf switch determines the number of Spine switches. Together, they determine the scale of the Spine-Leaf network.

The Leaf-Spine architecture significantly improves the efficiency of data transmission between servers. When the number of servers needs to be expanded, the scalability of the data center can be enhanced by simply increasing the number of Spine switches. The only drawback is that the Spine-Leaf architecture requires a large number of ports compared to the traditional three-tire topology. Therefore, servers and switches require more optical transceivers for fiber optic communications, stimulating the demand for 800G optical transceivers.

Introduction to GIGALIGHT 800G optical transceivers

In response to the surge in demand for 800G optical transceivers, Gigalight has successively launched short-distance 800G VR8/SR8 optical transceivers/AOCs based on VCSEL lasers and 800G DR8/DR8+/DR8++ optical transceivers based on silicon photonic technology. Gigalight’s silicon optical transceivers and multi-mode VCSEL optical transceivers constitute a complete interconnection solution for high-speed AI data centers.

The multi-mode series 800G VR8/SR8/AOC is equipped with high-performance 112Gbps VCSEL laser and 7nm DSP. The electrical host interface is 112Gbps PAM4 signal per channel and supports CMIS version 4.0 protocol. Using QSFP-DD, OSFP form factor, VR8 supports 30 meters (OM3 MMF) and 50 meters (OM4 MMF) transmission distance; SR8 supports 60 meters (OM3 MMF) and 100 meters (OM4 MMF) transmission distance, with MPO16 and 2×MPO12 Two interfaces are available, suitable for short-distance data center application scenarios.

Silicon optical transceivers focus on solving interconnection scenarios with links exceeding 100 meters. Gigalight silicon optical 800G DR8 supports QSFP-DD and OSFP two form factors. The DR8 transmission distance is 500m, DR8+ can transmit 2km, and DR8++ can transmit 10km. The transceivers uses four 1310nm CW lasers; the maximum power consumption is less than 18W. The currently released version supports two connector architectures: MPO16/APC and Dual MPO12/APC. Compared with the 800G optical transceiver of the conventional 8-channel EML solution, the silicon optical transceiver can use fewer lasers. For example, 800G DR8 can use one laser to achieve lower power consumption. This year, Gigalight will also launch 800G QSFP-DD PSM DWDM8 and 800G OSFP/QSFP-DD 2×FR4 optical transceivers based on silicon photonics, providing customers with more choices.

The adoption of 800G optical transceivers not only solves current challenges, but also provides forward-looking solutions to accommodate the expected growth in data processing and transmission. As technology advances, the synergy between artificial intelligence computing and high-speed optical communications will play a key role in shaping the future of information technology infrastructure.

2Jan, 2024

GIGALIGHT Empowers Overseas Data Centers with Bulk Deployment of 400G/800G Silicon Optical Modules, Leveraging Custom COP TM Process Platform

Shenzhen, China, Jan. 02, 2024 – In 2023, GIGALIGHT secured and successfully executed a large-scale deployment project for 400G silicon optical modules in an overseas data center. As per prospective client communications, there are imminent plans for the rapid implementation of an 800G data center, leveraging GIGALIGHT’s state-of-the-art and reliable 800G silicon photonics (SiPh) optical modules.

GIGALIGHT has made significant strides in silicon optical chip and module development since 2018, successfully completing the production or sampling stage for at least 10 different kinds of silicon photonics modules. More innovative and differentiated silicon photonics optical modules are set for release in 2024.

Bulk production:

100G QSFP28 DR1/FR1/LR1 SiPh Optical Modules
400G QSFP-DD/QSFP112/OSFP-RHS DR4&DR4+ SiPh Optical Modules

Sample production:

400G QSFP-DD/QSFP112/OSFP-RHS FR4&LR4 SiPh Optical Modules
100G QSFP28 DWDM1 SiPh Optical Modules
800G QSFP-DD DR8/DR8+/DR8++ SiPh Optical Modules
800G OSFP DR8/DR8+/DR8++ SiPh Optical Modules
400G QSFP-DD PSM DWDM4 SiPh Optical Modules
800G OSFP/QSFP-DD 2×FR4 SiPh Optical Modules

The mass production of SiPh optical modules is primarily attributed to our proprietary and customized COP TM (Chip on Plane) process platform. This single platform enables the planar form factor of various lasers, including DML, EML, silicon optics, and TFLN. Leveraging the capabilities of this process platform and substantial investments in 800G/400G automated testing equipment, GIGALIGHT has recently achieved a composite monthly output capacity of 10K for 800G/400G multimode and single-mode optical modules!

GIGALIGHT’s SiPh optical modules and multimode VCSEL technology collectively comprise an integrated solution tailored for high-speed AI data center interconnections. These SiPh optical modules specifically target interconnection scenarios exceeding 100 meters, while within the 100-meter range, the preference leans towards low-power 400G SR4/800G SR8 multimode optical modules. Looking ahead, silicon optics might eventually emerge as the ultimate solution.

However, assessing SiPh optical technology based solely on power consumption might be an unnecessary focus. In fact, GIGALIGHT’s product line showcases that both the silicon-based 400G and 800G optical modules do not exhibit power consumption disadvantages compared to EML technology. Currently, debates on power consumption might not hold immediate significance, given that power consumption primarily depends on the utilized DSP. In the forthcoming future, silicon optics could take on the significant task of reducing power consumption in the link away from DSPs. Philosophically speaking, the focus should shift from debating the current state to earnestly approaching future innovations.

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.

1Dec, 2023

800G Innovation Reshapes Network Dynamic

The initial wave of switches featuring 800G ports has entered the market, facilitating a comprehensive evaluation of opportunities and strategic deployment planning by service providers. Accompanying this release are 800G client-side optical modules, designed to support either two 400GE connections or eight 100GE connections. Furthermore, as industry standards continue to evolve, an 800GE version is poised for introduction. The advancement from 400G to 800G technology streamlines this transition, simplifying the adoption of dual-density optical modules and branching connection methodologies.

The emergence of 800G switch ports, optical modules, and Direct Attach Cables (DACs) presents an enticing prospect for service providers aiming to enhance network performance without delay, bypassing the need to await the formalization of the 800GE standard. In parallel, the ongoing efforts of the IEEE 802.3df 800G and 1.6T working groups, coupled with notable industry progressions, ensure the formulation of a robust roadmap for forthcoming upgrades. The swift deployment of 400G technology signifies the industry’s agility in delivering cutting-edge solutions, thus aligning with the imminent shift towards 800G as service providers expand and modernize their data center infrastructure.

The release of 25.6T switches with 800G ports creates new opportunities for data center operators, leveraging networks that significantly enhance performance while reducing complexity, costs, and power consumption.

As depicted in Figure 1, a single 25.6T switch can replace six 12.8T switches. Each 800G port on the 25.6T switch comprises 8x 100G PAM4 channels and will support 8x 100GE connections, two 400GE connections, or a single 800GE interface. By utilizing 100G PAM4 serial interfaces, the number of signal channels on the 25.6T switch matches each one of the six 12.8T switches, reducing the overall complexity of the solution. Replacing six switches with one at the same 25.6T network capacity significantly decreases power consumption and costs.

Figure 1, Decreasing Complexity, Cost and Power Consumption with 25.6T Switches (Resource from Earlswood Marketing)

Figure 2 depicts a 25.6T platform equipped with 800G ports, featuring 32 ports in a compact 1RU form factor, supporting 64 400GE links or 256 100GE links using breakout cables. Several use cases exploring this flexibility are discussed below.

Figure 2: 25.6T Platform with 32 800G Ports

Figure 3 illustrates an 800G port supporting two IEEE 400G BASE-FR4 connections extending up to 2km, offering high-density 400G interfaces. Compared to 12.8T systems, the configuration using breakout cables enables a doubling of the 400GE link count supported by the 1RU 25.6T switch system. Deployments with this versatile configuration are progressing in various applications, including high-density AI/ML clusters and ultra-high-definition video processing in data centers.

Figure 3, 2x400G QSFP-DD to 400GBASE-FR4 Breakout

Figure 4 illustrates an 800G port supporting 8 IEEE 100GBASE-DR (up to 500m)/IEEE 100GBASE-FR (up to 2km)/IEEE 100GBASE-LR (up to 10km) connections, offering high-density 100G interfaces. The figure displays branching into 8 independent 100G links, branching into two 400G connections, and an 800G direct connection. These configurations are highly suitable for upgrades in peer/hosted networks and distributed data centers requiring numerous 100GE network connections.

Figure 4, 8x100G to 100GBASE-DR/FR Breakout

800G technology undoubtedly stands as a significant driving force in the field of communications, leading us towards an unprecedented future of high-speed, high-efficiency, and highly interconnected networks in the upcoming digital era. Its outstanding transmission speed and vast bandwidth enable various industries to embrace new application scenarios and innovative opportunities.

Reference: “800G Client Optics in the Data Center — A Heavy Reading white paper produced for Cisco,” SIMON STANLEY, ANALYST AT LARGE, HEAVY READING

22Aug, 2023

GIGALIGHT Unveils 800G VR8/SR8, 400G VR4/SR4 Optical Modules and AOC in QSFP-DD & OSFP Form Factors

[Shenzhen, China, August 22, 2023] Open Optical Network Devices Explorer — GIGALIGHT, on the occasion of the Qixi Festival, announces the launch of 800G QSFP-DD VR8/SR8, 800G OSFP VR8/SR8, 400G QSFP112 VR4/SR4, and 400G OSFP112 VR4/SR4 optical modules, along with active optical cables. This product series is equipped with high-performance 112Gbps VCSEL lasers and 7nm DSP technology. The electrical host interface supports 112Gbps PAM4 signals per channel, in compliance with CMIS 4.0 protocol.

Key Performance Highlights

Eye Diagram and Sensitivity Metrics TDECQ

Per channel is less than 3dB; OMA RXsen sensitivity meets -5.2dBm @ 2.4E-4 Pre-FEC 53.125GBd.

Transmission Distances

VR8/VR4 supports transmission distances of 30 meters (OM3 MMF) and 50 meters (OM4 MMF).

SR8/SR4 supports transmission distances of 60 meters (OM3 MMF) and 100 meters (OM4 MMF).

Form Factors

400G/800G optical modules support two form factor: QSFP-DD and OSFP.

Power Consumption Design

Power consumption is less than 14W for 800G optical modules/AOCs, and less than 8W for 400G optical modules/AOCs.

The complete product lineup of this series includes:

800G (8x112G) MMF Products

400G (4x112G) MMF Products

About Gigalight

19May, 2023

GIGALIGHT Launches 800G QSFP-DD ACC to Faciliate HPC Data Center and AI High Computational Applications

Shenzhen, China, May 19, 2023 – High-speed copper cable products have natural advantages in cost, power consumption, transmission delay, and failure rate, while active copper cable (ACC) further extends the transmission distance of passive copper cable products. Today, GIGALIGHT launched its first 800G active copper cable product – 800G QSFP-DD ACC, which helps high-speed data centers and AI high-computational applications.

GIGALIGHT 800G QSFP-DD ACC follows the QSFP-DD800 MSA and IEEE802.3ck specifications, using 16 pairs of copper cables to support bidirectional transmission of 8 channels at a rate of 112GB/s. Compared to the 2m maximum transmission distance of the 800G QSFP-DD PCC, the ACC extends up to 4m, which meets the cabling needs of typical data center short distance interconnects.
The products features are as follows,

Shows superior SI performance and excellent consistency in 44GHZ network splitting

Tested on an 800G network tester with KP4-FEC enabled, it meets the IEEE Auto-Negotiation and Link Training requirements, with a Post-FEC BER <1E-15 and an FEC margin of more than 27%. The entire process FEC Frame Loss Ratio is 0.

The product adopts a Re-Driver scheme, with the power consumption of about 2.5W and the latency less than 20ns. Balance and signal-to-noise ratio balance are crucial, and the power consumption and delay are far superior to the Re-Timer scheme.

Utilizing innovative production technology ensures good reliability, and the 800G QSFP-DD ACC 26AWG 4m weighs only about 600g.

GIGALIGHT has now fully opened the 200G/400G/800G QSFP-DD series ACC product samples and plans to launch the OSFP series passive and active copper cable products in the second half of the year. Stay tuned for more updates!

About GIGALIGHT

As an open optical network device explorer, GIGALIGHT integrates the design, manufacturing, and sales of active and passive optical devices and subsystems. Its products mainly include 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 wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) transmission, and ultra-high-definition broadcasting and video. It is an innovative high-speed optical interconnect hardware solutions provider.