Advanced Optical Technology Computer Networking Transceivers
This article will discuss advanced optical technologies for computer networking. We'll look at their optical signal transport capability, power efficiency, and applications in high-performance computing systems. You'll also learn how to choose the right transceiver for your needs. Here are a few tips:
Advances in fiber-optic communication technologies
Advances in fiber-optic communication technologies are paving the way for the future of computer networking. These new technologies enable networks to communicate at the highest performance levels over long distances. Coherent optics uses amplitude and phase modulation and polarization to transmit multiple bits of information. This technique makes it possible to move more data onto a single strand of fiber.
In addition to their high-speed data-transmission capabilities, fiber optic cables are also able to transmit video signals long distances without significant amplification. This makes them ideal for use in network video systems, which are exposed to harsh outdoor environments. In addition, fiber optics help prevent data loss due to interference caused by radio frequencies and other types of signals. Furthermore, fiber optics are immune to noise and environmental changes.
Modern fiber-optic networks also support high-speed Ethernet. These networks are used for high-volume data transfers. The data rates in this connection type are between 2.5-10 gigabits per second. The data rates in the telecom industry are too high for traditional twisted-copper pairs. To make it more efficient, high-speed optical fibers are used. Similarly, high-speed Ethernet is used in local area networks. Ethernet uses the same technology as fiber optic cables but allows for greater speed and higher data rates.
The choice of fiber optic components for the outside plant begins with route development. This process determines the cable type, splice locations, termination locations, and installation methods. Most projects start with the cable choice, and cable designs are optimized based on application type. There are four types of OSP cables: aerial, buried, and submarine. These cable systems are easier to maintain than twisted-pair wires.
Optical signal transport capability
Modern network infrastructure requires more than just a fiber optic cable. The latest generation of computer networking transceivers can also handle 100G data rates. These transceivers can be used as uplink coherent interfaces and client interfaces, and can support multiple lanes and distances of more than 2500km. In addition, they can support multiple-source agreements. And as they become more common, more types of network equipment will be coming out.
To support 5G, network infrastructure should be able to support high-speed transmissions of 10 Gbit/s and even higher. These high-speed optical transceivers will be capable of fronthaul transmissions. The market analysis firm LightCounting also provides data on 5G deployments. China and South Korea led the way, and deployments will continue into 2020. Similarly, 5G will become a worldwide standard before 2020.
As the demand for higher-speed computing grows, it is likely that we will see even more advances in the field of computer networks. For example, low-energy VCSEL, multimode waveguides, and ribbon fibers are all being developed for board-to-board communications. But the challenges remain, including manufacturing-compliant integration of optics on electronic PCBs and robust connector technologies.
Another major advancement in computer networking is the advent of muxponders. With muxponders, multiple services are aggregated into a single wavelength or uplink, improving spectral efficiency and reducing bandwidth requirements. This makes muxponders the preferred choice for large-scale networks that need to maximize their capacity. Moreover, they enable easy future network expansion and scaling. Among the services that can be aggregated are Ethernet, SONET/SDH, Fibre Channel, HD/SD-SDI, and PacketLight.
Depending on the type of link, 10G and 40G TRx typically require higher power than lower-end FSO transceivers. However, the corresponding loss in power is negligible compared to the latter. Depending on the type of ADOP Advanced Optical Technology Computer Networking Transceivers, they can achieve up to 20 pJ/bit.
The biggest contributor to transceiver power is the electrical channel, which sits between the switch ASIC and module ASIC. The electrical channel is typically comprised of discrete chips that perform digital signal processing and clock recovery. In addition, there are eight electrical lanes. The optical engine consists of lasers and modulators/drivers, as well as detectors/TIAs.
Each transceiver is capable of operating at two different wavelengths, each with a different signal-carrying capability. The ODN can receive up to 10 Gbps, while the ONU can only receive up to 1 Gbps. The latter can be switched off when traffic load is low or if it fails a 10 Gbps TRx. For transmission at lower data rates, the OLT is capable of switching on only one wavelength at a time, thus saving energy.
While FSO is a convenient technology for legacy network expansion, its link connectivity is dependent on weather conditions. Rain or haze will lead to significant link losses. Even though service providers are required to send high optical powers to achieve connectivity, these wavelengths are harmful to living creatures. Furthermore, the energy resources available are limited. So, the need to transmit data in the fastest possible way is critical.
Application in high-performance computing systems
The technology behind the upcoming CPOs is not all that new. For example, a number of high-performance computing systems use CPOs for their data center networking needs. The technology has undergone several changes over the last few years. Its performance has remained nearly constant, despite the fact that transistor performance has declined due to die thermal dissipation and transistor limitations. High-performance computing systems are also becoming increasingly mobile and Internet of Things. This development has posed new challenges to the high-speed wireline and high-performance computing systems.
Today's high-performance computing systems use a high-speed network that can scale to support enormous amounts of data. High-performance silicon photonic devices are the backbone of such systems, enabling unprecedented bandwidth scalability while minimizing power consumption. A wide range of new computer systems have been designed to support this technology. The next generation of high-speed networks will provide a solution that allows for a more efficient way to connect high-performance systems.
The Aurora platform has been developed by Broadcom and Finisar. Several research projects in Europe and the United States have been conducted using this platform. The culmination of these projects involved a comprehensive round-robin with multinational organizations, including Intel, AMD, Samsung, Fujitsu, R&M, Toshiba, and Nokia. There are two major types of transceivers, IMDD.
Datacom transceivers have undergone five generations of technology. In the last decade, silicon photonics datacom transceivers have grown from being a mere prototype to multi-million-unit-production. Today, the interconnect between the optical module and the ASIC is comprised of an increasing proportion of system power. ASICs with integrated electronics have dramatically reduced the power requirements, reducing system-level capacitance. Target power requirements are dropping, as are the costs for such devices. In the future, the semiconductor laser will become a key interconnect.
On-board optics in high-performance computing systems
On-board optics are widely used in high-performance computing systems, such as the IBM Power775 interconnect and the Atos/Bull BXI interconnect. Multi-mode optical modules make efficient use of parallel optical modules, allowing them to be used in high-bandwidth applications. Unlike bare copper wires, fiber-optic cables can withstand high strain.
In addition to providing flexibility in next-generation data center designs, on-board optics are also more efficient. With COBO standards, on-board optical modules can utilize the same footprint as short-reach optics. These standards create a common framework for system designers, component makers, and integrators. They provide the basis for a new class of products, known as Co-Packaged Optics.
The two organisations collaborate closely to create a roadmap to 3D integration. As part of this process, EPIC and COBO have begun to create standardized packaging for 64-GBd Tx and Rx chips and eight optical ports. This will pave the way for increased production of 64-GBd Tx and Rx chips. If this roadmap becomes a reality, then CPOs will become an integral part of high-performance computing systems.
Switch ASICs are already highly integrated, but the challenges for optical modules have not. Conventional optical modules consist of complicated micro-optical systems. They are often hand-assembled and packaged at low density. This requires a much higher level of integration and manufacturing automation. Silicon photonics provides the necessary integration to make this possible. This is a key component in the silicon photonics revolution.
The COBO consortium has developed specifications for 16-lane on-board modules. These modules can support up to 800 Gb/s. The COBO form factor is also a good fit for high-performance computing systems. This form factor frees up a faceplate that can be used for other purposes. Because COBO modules require their own heatsinks, they are not stackable. Unlike FPP modules, COBOs can be used in the same computing system as critical components.