CONNECTIONS_53-e

Focus
«It took 40 years for the IEEE to standardize
six Ethernet rates and we are now working on
six new rates at the same time!»
John D’Ambrosia, Ethernet Alliance
At present, the market offers more transmission
methods and connection options than
ever before. Nonetheless, the question arises
as to which connectivity solution will succeed
in making the leap successfully to 100 and
400 GbE.
A holistic approach
With this in mind, R&M advocates following
a farsighted and thorough approach. Instead
of first looking for the very latest products
on the market, we recommend an approach
based on the physical variables seen in optical
signal transmission.
The three options for achieving higher data
rates are more fibers, more wavelengths
and higher modulation. The advantages and
disadvantages of the variables and specifications
have to be weighed up first according
to the specific project and the individual
preferences.
More fibers
If the option of «more fibers» is considered,
then the points to be discussed include the
following. Parallel optical connection technology
will be the most obvious technical
solution. It is considered as being robust,
well established and versatile – yet also
complex. When planned correctly it is easily
and logically scalable. The data throughput
can be increased immediately via plug and
play. Migrations to 100 or 400 GbE could
be implemented gradually and systematically.
However, more fibers also results in more
space, more manual work and more cable
management is necessary. This means that
user-friendly solutions must be found – with
maximum packing density, variable and
migration-capable equipment possibilities,
and the possibility of automation. Moreover,
multi-fiber connections also must be manufactured
with great precision and operated
with care. Cleaning the fibers is a complex
process. This also needs to be considered
during planning.
Finally, we also must consider whether
the preferred option is fit for the future.
MPO technology definitely has potential
for innovation. The performance, handling
and maintenance can be optimized. For
example, R&M is developing an expanded
beam technology based on micro lenses for
multi-fiber connectors. The transmitting area
of the connector is increased thus making
it less sensitive to dirt and misalignment.
Additionally, the fibers no longer have to be
pressed for physical contact.
Higher modulation
The latest transceiver generations follow the
path of higher modulation. Among these are
QSFP-DD (Quad Small Form Factor Pluggable
Double Density) and OSFP (Octal Small
Form Factor Pluggable).
Pluggables Trend
Tomorrow’s Possible Interfaces
9
This graphic from the Ethernet Alliance shows just how varied the current standards for fiber-optic modules are (as of 2015).
Source & Graphic: Ethernet Alliance
050.6555
6 10I2017–53 CONNECTIONS