Igniting the Future of Data Centers with 400G Optical Modules

As data center network architectures evolve, the current 100G solutions, while meeting the same-scale data center's demand for unblocked network throughput, require additional ports and rack space for servers and switches, leading to a geometric increase in network architecture complexity.

 

Migrating from 100G to 400G is a more economical and simplified way to inject more bandwidth into data centers. According to the trend in the development of network equipment, when the interface rate grows to 4 times, reaching 400G, and with mature transceiver technology, the cost of a 400G network device typically accounts for only about 50% of the cost of 4 100G devices and interfaces. From a cost perspective, the application of 400G has significant advantages, driving the commercial adoption of 400G and representing an inevitable trend in the development of new data centers.

 

400G optical modules are already widely used in data center applications

 

 

• In Data Center Interconnect (DCI) scenarios, 400G has become the preferred solution for optical transmission.

 

 

• In POD interconnection, especially in Hyperscale data centers, 400G has become the preferred solution.

 

 

• In ToR-Server architecture, 100G is used for downstream traffic and 400G for upstream traffic.

 

 

 

Regarding the market forecast of 400G optical modules

 

It is expected that by 2023, 400G-rate optical modules will be deployed on a large scale and will account for the vast majority of sales revenue in the optical module market by 2025.

 

 

With the backdrop of the physical layer's single-link electrical port rate reaching 112Gbps, data center networks will face significant challenges. In response, the QSFP112 MSA group released the new QSFP112 specification 1.0 on June 13, 2021, to meet the industry's demand for high-speed, high-density network solutions. This specification will help traditional QSFP users upgrade link bandwidth to 400G per port at lower costs and in shorter transition times.

 

 

Iterative direction of 400G optical modules

 

In the optical module industry, NADDOD has launched excellent performance 400G QSFP112 AOC/VR4/SR4, which has been verified by Internet companies. The 400G QSFP112 SR4/FR4/DR4 based on the 112G SerDes rate will also be deployed on a large scale in the future upgrade of data centers.

 

By adopting 400G optical modules, data centers will achieve higher bandwidth and lower latency, enabling more efficient operations and better user experiences.

 

In conclusion, the widespread adoption of 400G optical modules signifies a transformative shift in data center networking. By leveraging the increased bandwidth and efficiency offered by 400G technology, data centers can meet the ever-growing demands of modern applications and services. As the industry continues to evolve, it is imperative for organizations to embrace these advancements to stay competitive in an increasingly digital world. With 400G optical modules at the forefront, the future of data centers promises unprecedented speed, scalability, and reliability, paving the way for continued innovation and growth in the digital landscape.