Six key advantages of optical interconnect technology

We keep hearing about the construction of future-oriented 5G and FTTH networks around the world. At the heart of these networks are data center-to-data center connections and chip-to-chip connections.

But what exactly makes these connections and networks future-proof? The idea is that they should be able to support the ever-increasing speeds of interconnecting optical cables, reaching 100GB/s and beyond. The faster the speed, the greater the ability to meet the insatiable demand for data from emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, the Internet of Things, cloud computing, video streaming and hyperconvergence.

One of the most promising technologies in this field is optical interconnect. Unlike traditional copper-based interconnects, optical interconnects use light to transmit data through optical fibers, providing faster speeds and longer distances. Integrated optical interconnects are designed to meet the needs of low-cost, energy-efficient, high-bandwidth interconnects, especially for server communications in data centers.

As a successor technology, the benefits of optical interconnects are numerous. In this article, we will explore the main advantages of optical interconnect technology and why it is becoming increasingly important in modern communication systems.

What does a typical optical interconnect consist of?

Imagine a bunch of fiber optic cables connected to transceivers between different hardware. These transceivers consist of a set of lasers and detectors equipped to receive and transmit optical signals. The specifications of these transceivers are also constantly changing, depending on multiple requirements: form factor, specifications, speed, protocol, etc.

But that’s not all. Optical interconnects also include multiple categories of equipment used for specific applications. This includes everything from fiber termination closures and splice closures, to patch cords and complete fiber management systems. These optical interconnect products are often designed as modular, customizable solutions that can be plugged into existing fiber networks to enhance their performance.

Therefore, optical interconnects connect hardware over varying degrees of distance. They can bridge long-distance data networks, or more commonly connect data centers. Optical interconnects also have applications in wired and wireless access networks. Ultimately, the main advantages that make optical interconnects so popular are low latency, improved power efficiency, and higher throughput.

6 Key Advantages of Optical Interconnect Technology

1. Faster speed and greater bandwidth

More and more businesses are moving to the cloud, and by 2025, network traffic generated just by connecting devices will reach 79.4 zettabytes. This places even more emphasis on upgrading data center capacity, speed, and availability. One of the most obvious benefits of optical interconnect technology is that it enables higher bandwidth and faster data transfer speeds.

Since light travels much faster than electricity, optical interconnects can transmit data at much higher speeds than traditional copper-based interconnects. In fact, modern optical interconnects can transmit data at speeds of up to 100Gbps, which is 10 times faster than traditional copper-based interconnects. As the advantages of optical interconnects continue to develop, this speed can be further increased to 800G or even higher.

2. Distance

Distance is another important factor in communication systems. Traditional copper-based interconnects are limited in how far they can transmit data. Therefore, as bandwidth requirements increase, the signal deteriorates over longer distances.

Optical interconnects, however, are able to transmit data over much longer distances without losing signal quality. This is because optical fiber is made of glass or plastic, does not conduct electricity, and is not affected by electromagnetic interference (EMI) and radio frequency interference (RFI). This means that optical interconnects can transmit data over distances of several miles without the need for signal amplifiers or repeaters.

3. Reliable and durable

Another major benefit of optical interconnect technology is its reliability and durability. Optical fibers are made of glass or plastic and are more durable than traditional copper wires. They are also immune to EMI and RFI, meaning they are less likely to be affected by external factors such as weather or power surges. This makes optical interconnects ideal for harsh environments where traditional copper-based interconnects cannot operate reliably.

4. Cost-effectiveness and energy efficiency

Although the initial cost of optical interconnects may be higher than traditional copper-based interconnects, they may be more cost-effective in the long run. This is because optical interconnects have a longer lifespan than traditional copper-based interconnects.

They also have lower maintenance costs and power consumption. This is because optical signals can travel longer distances without the need for amplification, which can be achieved with low transmission powers. This can generate significant savings over time. In fact, one study has demonstrated that all-optical networks in data centers can save up to 75% of energy.

5. Modularity and Upgradability

The disaggregation of modern data centers is another key paradigm unfolding before our eyes. This is also driven by the seamless integration of optical interconnect technology. Due to its modularity and "plug-and-play" nature, optical interconnect bundles can be flexibly plugged into existing data network infrastructure without any compatibility issues. This paves the way for supporting 400G, 800G and 1.6T Ethernet.

6. Reduce network overhead

Managing the growing energy and power demands of data infrastructure means reducing network overhead. This is where the smaller form factor and reduced weight of fiber optic interconnects come in handy. By implementing optical interconnects, we can reduce heat dissipation and network cabling. In addition, optical interconnects also facilitate the use of planar architecture designs, further reducing network overhead.

Summarize

With the continuous development of optical interconnect technology, the global optical interconnect market is expected to reach US$17.1 billion by 2025, with a compound annual growth rate of 13.7%.

One area of ​​particular interest is the potential for increased bandwidth. With the growth of Internet usage and the increasing demand for data-intensive applications, the need for bandwidth is greater than ever. This will be further exacerbated by the growing machine-to-machine traffic in the era of the Internet of Things.

Another area of ​​future advantage for optical interconnects is the potential for new applications. For example, optical interconnects can be used to transmit high-resolution images in medical instruments or to transmit large amounts of data in real time in self-driving vehicles. Optical interconnect technology has already improved short-distance communications at the chip and processor level through integrated photonics.

These are just a few examples of the many possibilities that optical interconnects offer. We expect to see more developments in the future as many companies drive innovation in this area. Our broad portfolio of modular, plug-and-play, customizable and highly compatible optical interconnects is ready for expanded fiber deployment.