The 4 Typical Connection Scenarios for 400G Networks that You Need to Know

With the increasing demand for faster data transfer speeds and higher bandwidth capacity in almost every sector, the introduction of 400G interconnection solution has been a game-changer. However, implementing a new solution always presents challenges, and 400G is no exception.

In this article, we will explore the different application scenarios for 400G interconnection, namely data center networking and metro integrated bearer network. We will also delve into the specific aspects that are addressed by implementing 400G, providing a comprehensive understanding of its benefits and capabilities.

4 Typical Connection Solutions for 400G Networks

400G optical module connection solution are including

• 400G-400G direct connection
• 400G-2X200G direct connection
• 400G-4X100G direct connection
• 400G-8X50G direct connection.
  

Solution 1: 400G-400G Direct Connection

400G direct connection is the simplest & the most typical connection solution, it just select the corresponding fiber cables to connect the 400G optical modules at both ends, such as:

The 400G QSFP-DD DR4 optical module can be used not only with 8-core MTP/MPO single-mode fiber patch cord, but also with 12-core MTP/MPO single-mode fiber patch cord too. When using 12-core MTP/MPO single-mode fiber patch cord, there will be 4-core optical fiber in an idle state, because the 400G QSFP-DD DR4 optical module uses four 100Gbps channels, only 2 cores are required for one channel.

Solution 2: 400G-2*200G Direct Connection

Dual-carrier 400G technology offers benefits that are not present in single-carrier 400G technology, such as the reduction of channel spacing, extension of transmission distance, and improvement of spectrum efficiency. As a result, the 400G-2*200G direct connection method proves to be an effective approach in reducing the use of bandwidth resources, and is mainly ideal for 400G backbone networks and relatively intricate metropolitan area networks.

The 400G network solution under this connection method needs to use a 16-core MTP/MPO breakout fiber patch cord, one end can be connected to a 400G QSFP-DD SR8 optical module, and the other two MTP fiber optic connectors on the other end can be connected to two 200G QSFP56 SR4 optical module.

Solution 3: 400G-4X100G Direct Connection

Take the 400G DR4 optical module as an example, since the connector interface of the 400G DR4 optical module is MTP/MPO, and the connector interface of the 100G DR optical module is LC duplex, so if you want to achieve 400G-4*100G connection, you need to use 8-core MTP to 4-core LC duplex branch optical fiber jumper, the MTP connector at one end is connected to 400G DR4 optical modules, and the 4 LC connectors at the other end are connected to 4 100G DR optical modules.

Solution 4: 400G-8x50G Direct Connection

Although 50G Ethernet is not very popular in the market at present, it can provide an expansion path for the upcoming 400G Ethernet (through 8 * 50Gbps channels to achieve 400Gbps transmission), with the rapid development of 400G Ethernet, it will also drive to a certain extent 50G Ethernet development.

The 400G-8x50G direct connection solution is similar to the above 400G-4*100G direct connection solution. Taking the 400G SR8 optical module as an example, one end uses a 16-core MTP optical fiber patch cord, and the other end uses an LC duplex optical fiber patch cord to connect eight 50G optical modules .

Conclusion

As the demand for faster data transfer speeds and higher bandwidth capacity increases, 400G networks and optical solutions are gradually replacing existing frameworks. It is expected that 400G will become the new norm in the near future, though there are challenges in terms of specifications and implementation.

In this article, we explored the application scenarios of 400G optical solutions, considering how they can benefit data center networks and metro integrated bearer networks. With more broadband services emerging, 400G optical solutions are poised to revolutionize this industry.

Additionally, it is worth noting that the construction of 400G networks is closely linked to MTP cabling, which is expected to become the mainstream solution for high-performance and high-density network construction in the future, especially for large-scale data centers, due to the maturity and popularization of 400G Ethernet.

Related Resources:
400G Optical Transceiver Module Types
Typical Solutions for 400G Data Center
The Next Station of Data Center Networks—200G vs 400G
400G Optical Module Application Scenarios
Four Types of Typical 400G Network Solution Plan Explained