San Jose, CA. The 100G Lambda Multi-Source Agreement (MSA) Group has announced the release of preliminary specifications based on 100-Gb/s per wavelength PAM4 optical technology. Under the MSA, member companies addressed the technical challenges to achieving optical interfaces utilizing 100-Gb/s per wavelength PAM4 technology, enabling multivendor interoperability for optical transceivers produced by different manufacturers and in various form factors. These new optical interface specifications target the next generation of networking equipment that is required to address the industry’s ever-growing demand for increased bandwidth and bandwidth density.
The 100G Lambda MSA Group Promoter members include Alibaba, Applied OptoElectronics, Arista Networks, Broadcom, Ciena, Cisco, Finisar, Foxconn Interconnect Technology, Inphi, Intel, Juniper Networks, Lumentum, Luxtera, MACOM, MaxLinear, Microsoft, Molex, NeoPhotonics, Nokia, Oclaro, Semtech, Source Photonics, and Sumitomo Electric.
The new interfaces defined by the 100G Lambda MSA increase the distances supported for 100-GbE and 400-GbE applications compared to the 100-Gb/s (100GBASE-DR) and 400-Gb/s (400GBASE-DR4) 500-meter reach interfaces currently being defined by IEEE 802.3 Ethernet. The 100G Lambda MSA has developed optical specifications for 100 GbE with reaches of 2 and 10 km and for 400 GbE with a reach of 2 km over duplex single-mode fiber. By focusing on 100 Gb/s per wavelength, the 100G Lambda MSA is enabling a technology ecosystem for next generation networking equipment.
The 100G Lambda MSA preliminary specifications are available for download at www.100GLambda.com. The MSA Group expects to complete the full specifications by early 2018. Companies are invited to join the consortium as Contributor members.