10Gbps XFP transceivers mature plug-in package also continue to evolve. Transmode based integrated XFP tunable laser in their systems, said tunable XFP have important advantages. Menara Networks in turn, will be integrated into the general system functions only for XFP line card.

Until now, the deployment of fixed-wavelength DWDM XFP means the system supplier must have a considerable amount of inventory to prepare for operators need to deploy new DWDM wavelength. If there is no inventory, system vendors must wait for the client to order transceiver suppliers confirm wavelength, this means that the delivery of 12-18 weeks. The tunable XFP, a transceiver to meet all operators wavelength planning requirements.

In addition, the optical properties of XFP only slightly inferior to 10Gbps 300 pin SFF MSA, which is just an "optical signal to noise ratio advantage 2-3dB means that take longer to reach the rate of the signal by more optical amplifiers". Use 300-pin package can be the case without the use of repeaters increase in total up to 1000km outer rates.

MSA power and space specifications (such as XFP) is important for the component suppliers?

Padraig OMathuna GigOptix director of product marketing, said, "Only when there is a demand to show the importance." For example, a XFP maximum rated power of 3.5W, if you are using a tunable XFP, thermoelectric cooler takes up 1.5-2W, laser occupancy 0.5W, TIA occupy part, then left to the modulator drive is running out.

At the same time, Menara Networks XFP has implemented the ITU-T optical transport network (OTN) in application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) form. Add OTN for transmission optical performance monitoring and error correction functions at the same time, the signal transmission package. By integrating OTN plug-in package, the package can be added to the signal, and an optical signal up rate management capabilities to IP router and carrier Ethernet switch routers. This design has several advantages: the elimination of the use of an additional 10 Gbps transponders switch or router to forward signal (for DWDM transmission) needs, and allows system vendors to develop the capabilities required to support OTN common line cards, etc.. But in terms of Menara biggest technical challenges is not to develop OTN ASIC, but the development of the included software.

Plug-in and optical engine

CFP for data centers, but the link switches and high-performance computing applications that require high-density more compact design, such as QSFP, CXP and the so-called optical engine.

QSFP active optical cable is favored interface, it is one of the alternative options of copper interconnects. QSFP transceiver supports Quad Data Rate (QDR) 4x Infiniband, may extend up to the rate of copper 4x10Gbps Ethernet 7m away. It is also more compact one of the options a short distance 40GbE interfaces.

Implement 100GbE is also a problem in QSFP because how QSFP meet power limitation and add a 25Gbps / channel interface and a number of high-speed lasers cause quite a headache problem, you may need a definition of the middle class package.

The CXP is to achieve a more intensive interface front panel interface in the data center, is particularly useful for inter-chassis links. Infiniband is CXP first target market, but CXP 100GbE Ethernet connector can be used before the need to resolve a number of technical challenges, such as to meet the optical specifications of the IEEE.

For optical engine, such as SNAP12 parallel optical module can be used to connect a large number of IP router configuration platforms, as well as for high-end computing. But this module is not a plug-in package, but by an independent 12-channel transmitter and receiver modules, with a data rate 6.25Gbps / channel.

CXP and SNAP12 own self-advantage, such as SNAP12 located on the motherboard and its small package makes it possible to set the ASIC side. For companies that use parallel optical engine to reduce costs and meet the interface requirements of high-speed interface between the motherboard, chassis, and system between such methods exact meaning.

Luxtera's OptoPHY is such optical engine, which uses the same optical Luxtera's AOC technology is about a 1490nm distributed feedback (DFB) laser is used for both single-channel and four-channel products use the company's silicon photonics technology modulates. Single-channel power consumption of 450mW, while the four-channel power consumption of 800mW. Luxtera said the upcoming 12-channel version is only priced around $120 (ie, only $1 per 1Gbps), several times lower than the cost SNAP12. And using the same package on the same chip, the next generation of products will be able to achieve a rate 25Gbps per channel, so that the optical engine can handle for 100GbE and Infiniband next acceleration (so-called "eight times the data rate", EDR) channel speeds.

100GbE and arrival times higher rate, plus 25Gbps electrical interface will further promote the development of the optical engine. But in the standard printed circuit board FR4 10Gbps routing is very difficult, and longer link (up to 10 inches) you need to use pre-emphasis, electronic dispersion compensation and retiming techniques.

Fiber optic transceivers may be in a response network traffic surge center of attention, but the link platform, panel-board equipment and other functions is the supplier of fiber optic transceivers can achieve product differentiation play space.