Although the adoption and deployment of 100G systems and related equipment in data centers has been growing at a steady rate over the past few years, network equipment manufacturers have begun to take the next step by developing 400G optics as well as optical modules and transmission systems to meet Greater bandwidth requirements.
Similar to how various technical approaches are devised to enable 100G (e.g. 10x10G, 4x25G, etc.) over multiple transmit/receive formats using multi-fiber MPO connections or duplex LC connections (depending on the application), the same is true for 400G. Therefore, when designing, testing or deploying 400G optics, it is imperative that engineers have a method of effectively simulating real-world links in order to obtain the most accurate performance results.
Determine the fiber type and distance of the link
When simulating any fiber optic link in a test environment, it is an accepted best practice to utilize the same length of fiber that will be deployed in the actual network, as this is the only way to accurately replicate all key performance characteristics. Due to differences in various fiber types and subtle differences in performance specifications between fiber manufacturers, matching fiber types as closely as possible will yield the most accurate results.
In addition to fiber type, the length of fiber used when simulating a link is also important. Fortunately, industry standards have been developed that specify not only fiber types, but also the distances associated with different 400G optics and applications.
optical module
Here are some examples of 400G optical industry specifications that define the maximum transmission distance, the number and type of fibers, and the connection interface:
400GBase-LR8; QSFP-DD fiber optic transceiver: 8x50G, 10km SMF, duplex LC interface
400GBase-FR8; QSFP-DD fiber optic transceiver: 8x50G, 2km SMF, duplex LC interface
400GBase-SR8 ; QSFP-DD optical module: 8x50G, 100m OM4 MMF, MPO interface
Using known information and industry standards, engineers who design, test or deploy these optics and systems now have the information needed to simulate the corresponding links.
Hardware Setup Configuration and Options
Once you have identified your specific needs in terms of the necessary fiber types and lengths, the next step is to choose the best solution for your test environment.
To meet the different testing goals of engineers in the lab, working with a proven network emulation solution provider such as M2 Optics, various setup configurations can be selected, along with the necessary customization required to achieve the goals. Do you prefer rack mount or portable solutions? What is the most space efficient setup? What precision do you need in length or delay values?
All of these are important considerations when considering your 400G setup configuration, but working with a proven partner like M2 Optics will help you identify the setup that provides the most value for meeting your testing goals.
Now is the future of analog 400G networks/links
Although deploying a 400G system will take a similar amount of time as previous 10G and 100G types, the good news for communications engineering teams is that effective solutions are already available to simulate the relevant physical links in the test lab. Whether you are a network equipment manufacturer who needs to simulate many different links to certify multiple 400G equipment formats, or you are a network engineer specifying optics and qualifying the best supplier during the pre-deployment phase, it is our responsibility Definition settings can be built according to your exact application needs and test environment needs.
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