100G Lambda MSA releases preliminary specs for 100GbE and 400GbE interfaces based on 100Gbps-per-wavelength technology

The 100G Lambda Multi-Source Agreement (MSA) Group has announced the release of preliminary specifications based on 100Gbps-per-wavelength PAM4 (4-level pulse amplitude modulation) optical technology.

Under the MSA, member companies addressed the technical challenges to achieving optical interfaces using 100Gbps-per-wavelength PAM4 technology, enabling multi-vendor interoperability for optical transceivers produced by different manufacturers and in various form factors. The new optical interface specifications target the next generation of networking equipment required to address the industry’s growing demand for increased bandwidth and bandwidth density.

The new interfaces defined by the 100G Lambda MSA increase the distances supported for 100GbE and 400GbE applications compared with the 100Gbps (100GBASE-DR) and 400Gbps (400GBASE-DR4) 500m-reach interfaces currently being defined by IEEE 802.3 Ethernet. The 100G Lambda MSA has developed optical specifications for 100GbE with reaches of 2km and 10km and for 400GbE with a reach of 2km over duplex single-mode fiber. By focusing on 100Gbps per wavelength, the 100G Lambda MSA says that it is enabling a technology ecosystem for next-generation networking equipment.

The 100G Lambda MSA Group’s 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. Companies are invited to join the consortium as Contributor members.