#ECOC23: 1.6 Tbps Pluggable QSFP-DD specification

 The Quad Small Form Factor Pluggable Double Density (QSFP-DD) Multi-Source Agreement (MSA) group released revision 7.0 of its hardware specification . The release updates the existing QSFP-DD MSA spec and introduces the QSFP-DD1600 module variant , extending QSFP-DD leadership to 1.6 Tbps with broad support from component manufacturers .

Highlights:

• The new specification maintains the form factor’s eight electrical lanes with each lane operating at the new higher 200 Gbps rate to provide an aggregate module bandwidth capacity of 1.6 Tbps. 
• The 1.6 Tbps host port maintains backwards compatibility with the entire family of QSFP and QSFP-DD modules and cables. 
• The new release includes enhancements to further improve the power handling capability of QSFP and QSFP-DD form factor’s small faceplate profile and the QSFP-DD’s riding heatsink feature. The combination of these features enables system designers to more efficiently cool the majority of modules as well as support even higher power modules that may be required in next-generation high-density Ethernet switch platforms, supporting all module variants such as coherent 1600ZR modules.
• The new QSFP-DD1600 specification maintains the current port density and fully utilizes the faceplate to efficiently use the rack-space that is expected from next-generation capacity switches.
• The QSFP-DD/QSFP-DD800/QSFP-DD1600 memory map are based on “Common Management Interface Specification (CMIS).

“Network operators are continuing to push the QSFP-DD form factor to meet the expectations of next generation system while maintaining backward compatibility,” says Scott Sommers, MSA co-chair. “This is a critical step for the operational strategy of next generation deployments.”

“The design flexibility that the QSFP-DD form factor enables with its riding heatsink and small faceplate profile maximizes the available air flow and provides engineers the flexibility to meet the challenges for the next-generation of system design,” says Mark Nowell, MSA co-chair. “QSFP-DD continues to be the cornerstone of high-performance, high-density pluggable optics for the foreseeable future.”

A new whitepaper focusing on the thermal enhancements, including the resulting reduction of system power of QSFP-DD1600 is available on the QSFP-DD MSA website: www.qsfp-dd.com

Read More

#ECOC23: Optomind and MaxLinear partner on PAM4 112Gbps OSFP 800 Gbps

At ECOC23 in Glasgow, Optomind and MaxLinear are demonstrating 800Gbps OSFP active optical cables (AOC) and SR8 optical transceivers.

Optomind has developed PAM4 100Gbps/lane SR optical transceivers and AOCs using MaxLinear's 5nm Keystone PAM4 DSP.

Optomind says it selected MaxLinear's 5nm Keystone PAM4 DSP as the best-in-class solution for 800Gbps SR8 transceiver with high-performance and the lowest power consumption to meet the market demand. Both 800G-AOCs and 800G-SR8 transceivers are ready for customer sampling and shall be available in volume production by the end of Q4 this year.

Optomind's optical engine fully integrates optics and mechanics. And its patented prealigned OSA architecture enables a unique manufacturing process in a nimble and simple way without any alignment equipment.

Read More

#ECOC23: Keysight demos terabit data center innovations

At ECOC 2023, Keysight is showcasing solutions that accelerate the transition of networks and data centers to 800G, 1.6T, or higher, including:

• Photonic IC testing –Verify photonic integrated circuits (PIC) designs on chip level for optical parameters insertion loss (IL), polarization dependent loss/gain (PDL / PDG), and optoelectronic S-parameters S21, S(l) .
• 224 Gbps optical test –Keysight N1032A/B optical reference receiver for testing 100-Gbaud class transmitters. When combined with the Keysight high-speed arbitrary waveform generator (AWG) or bit error ratio tester (BERT), next-generation 800G / 1.6T systems can be verified.
• Multichannel optical test – the new Keysight FlexOTO optical test automation software reduces test and validation time by maximizing test efficiency without compromising measurement integrity for high channel count Tx validation, characterization, and manufacturing testing.
• 200 Gbaud optics research – a 1.6 Tbps optical transmission using the Keysight M8199B AWG connected to an ultra-high bandwidth coherent-driver modulator with a Keysight N4391B optical modulation analyzer (OMA) performing the signal reception and demodulation.
• 1.6 TAUI design validation – the Keysight 224G Reference Receiver measures jitter decomposition and high-precision phase-locked loop (PLL) operations on a live 224G transmitter design. The solution supports C2M TP1a electrical validation measurements of IEEE 802.3dj and OIF-CEI 224G standards.
• 224 Gbit/s electrical test – he Keysight M8050A high-performance bit error ratio tester (BERT), which validates and characterizes digital receivers operating at speeds up to 224 Gbps. Also learn how to analyze error performance and measure jitter tolerance in real-time by employing the Keysight M8043A error analyzer, which features powerful equalization and de-embedding functions up to 64 Gbaud when using the Keysight M8067A ISI channel board.

Read More

NTT launches OREX services for telecom operators based on Open RAN

As part of its commitment to becoming an Open RAN service provider for international telecom operators, NTT DOCOMO announced a new lineup of OREX RAN, OREX SMO, and OREX Services.

OREX is DOCOMO's Open RAN service brand, allowing the combination of various vendor products to provide base stations that are highly cost-effective. OREX integrates the strengths of its 13 OREX PARTNERS3 to offer an extensive range of virtualized radio base networks (vRANs) and radio units (RUs) compatible with the range of different frequencies in use in various countries. With the addition of seven new RU vendors,4 OREX is poised to meet the demands of an even larger customer base.

On September 22, DOCOMO initiated the deployment and operation of OREX RAN and OREX SMO in its domestic 5G network, incorporating base station software from Fujitsu Limited, cloud platform from Wind River, hardware accelerator from NVIDIA, and COTS server with Intel processors. Building on the operational experience they have accumulated within DOCOMO's network, these companies plan to enhance OREX Open RAN services and expand their product combinations, striving to offer improved cost-effectiveness and reliability.

Going forward, DOCOMO will continue to support global telecom operators in their adoption of Open RAN with its new OREX offerings, strengthening its cooperation with global partners to make Open RAN a reality. 

Read More

Saint Helena activates branch to Equiano subsea cable

Saint Helena, the British overseas territory in the South Atlantic, activated a 1,140km cable branch into Google’s Equiano cable.

The island, which has a population of 4,400, was previously dependent on satellite connectivity. Kenttik reveals that latency between St. Helena and London dropped from 657ms to 131ms with activation of the fiber spur.

 The Equiano subsea cable, which is named for Olaudah Equiano, a Nigerian-born writer and abolitionist, connects Lisbon, Portugal and Cape Town, South Africa with branching units along the west coast of Africa.

https://www.kentik.com/analysis/saint-helena-activates-long-awaited-subsea-connection/

Read More

Eutelsat completes merger with OneWeb

Eutelsat Communications  completed its all-share merger with OneWeb, creating a global provider of space communications with a a powerful GEO fleet and a new ow latency, LEO constellation. The deal was first announced in July 2022.

The new Eutelsat Group remains headquartered in Paris. OneWeb will be a subsidiary operating commercially as Eutelsat OneWeb with its centre of operations remaining in London. The company remains listed on the Euronext Paris Stock Exchange and has applied for standard listing on the London Stock Exchange.

With OneWeb’s network already active and set to be globally operational by end of 2023, the combined GEO-LEO service will open up new markets and applications for customers, including Fixed Connectivity (Backhaul, Corporate networks), Government Services and Mobile Connectivity (Maritime and Inflight). Broadcast and video services will remain integral to Eutelsat Group’s business and continue to deliver unparalleled and innovative services for customers, including new IP native video services, at the convergence of broadband and broadcast.

Dominique D'Hinnin, Chairman of the Board of Directors, said: “This is an historic moment for the satellite industry. We are bringing together two businesses that are at the forefront of delivering integrated, seamless and reliable connectivity to customers worldwide. We will be moving fast to accelerate the growth of the combined business. With the support of strategic shareholders of both entities, we are confident of maximising financial performance and operational excellence, while capitalising on the high-return investment of next generation satellites.”

Read More