IEEE Targets High-Density 100 Gbps Backplanes

The IEEE has approved work on a new amendment to the 802.3 Ethernet standard aimed at specifying 100 Gbps operation over backplanes and short-reach copper cables. The project is essential for the development of systems with higher densities of 100 Gbps ports.


The work undertaken by the IEEE P802.3bj Task Force will define four-lane, 25 Gbps electrical signaling architectures that will support 100 Gbps Ethernet operation across backplanes up to one meter in length and copper cable operations up to at least five meters in length. Furthermore, IEEE P802.3bj will specify maximum compliance and compatibility with other IEEE 802.3 installations.


“From the challenges of ever-increasing front-panel capacities to continuing advances in processors, high-performance computing, and server virtualization technologies, the ability of systems to meet spiraling bandwidth demands remains challenging,�? said John D'Ambrosia, chair, IEEE P802.3bj Task Force and chief Ethernet evangelist, CTO Office, Dell. “By expanding on the solid foundational standards work already completed, IEEE P802.3bj will provide better options for system designers to minimize or eliminate the bandwidth bottlenecks facing end-users.�?http://standards.ieee.orghttp://www.ieee802.org/3/100GCU/index.html