Meet ever-increasing bandwidth demands with scalable 400G network speed solutions
400GB Network Speed
Many hyperscale data centers are beginning to make the jump to a 400G fabric as high bandwidth and capacity demands continue to grow. New applications such as machine-to-machine learning, virtual reality, 5G, and online gaming are accelerating the transition to new types of fiber connectivity protocols and media.
AFL Hyperscale offer a range of cabling and connectivity options for 400G data center deployments.
The below examples all use single-mode fiber, due to its bandwidth and transmission distance capabilities, with a mixture of MPO (either BASE-8 or BASE-16 deployment) and LC/SN connector-based assemblies that can be used with 400G transceivers.
MPO BASE-8 to MPO BASE-8 with Trunk Cabling
Products in this network
MPO Trunk
BASE-8
MPO MicroCable Trunk Assembly
U-Series MPO Adapter Plates
U-Series
2RU Housing
U-Series
1RU Housing
U-Series MPO Cassette BASE-8 16f
Products in this network
Premium LC Duplex Polarity Reversible Uniboot Patch Cord
MPO Trunk
BASE-8
MPO MicroCable Trunk Assembly
U-Series MPO Cassette BASE-8 16f
U-Series
2RU Housing
U-Series MPO Cassette BASE-8 24f
Products in this network
Premium LC Duplex Polarity Reversible Uniboot Patch Cord
MPO Trunk
BASE-8
MPO MicroCable Trunk Assembly
U-Series MPO Cassette BASE-8 16f
U-Series
2RU Housing
Use of MPO Cassettes & Pre-Terminated MPO Trunks
Products in this network
Premium LC Duplex Polarity Reversible Uniboot Patch Cord
MPO MicroCable Trunk Assembly
U-Series MPO Cassette BASE-12
U-Series
2RU Housing
U-Series
1RU Housing
Use of Pre-Terminated LC-LC Trunks & LC Adapter Plates
Products in this network
Premium LC Duplex Polarity Reversible Uniboot Patch Cord
Pre-Terminated Assemblies
U-Series Patch Adapter Plate
U-Series
2RU Housing
U-Series
1RU Housing
Use of Pre-Terminated Cassettes
Products in this network
Premium LC Duplex Polarity Reversible Uniboot Patch Cord
U-Series Pre-Terminated Cassette
U-Series
2RU Housing
U-Series
1RU Housing
SN Connector-Based Connectivity
The most commonly used connector types in the industry today are LC and MPO. The introduction of a new connector type, namely the SN connector, is set to have a profound impact on 400G.
The SN interface has already been adopted in transceiver specifications of QSFP-DD and OSFP. These transceivers are the new specifications for the next generation of pluggable transceivers for 200Gbps, 400Gbps, and 800Gbps data center interconnects (DCI).
The SN connector is a new, duplex optical fiber connector that uses LC-style 1.25mm O.D. Zirconia ferrules, designed for the next generation Hyperscale, Edge, Enterprise, or Colocation data centers. The SN connector provides superior optical performance while reducing the typical number of connection points in the optical path.
The SN connector was designed to provide individual and independent duplex fiber breakout at a quad-style transceiver (QSFP, QSFP-DD & OSFP) that is more efficient, reliable, and scalable than the MPO connector. The SFP-DD has also adopted the SN as their independent duo-style interface, mainly for wireless front-haul applications.
Beyond transceiver interfaces, SN increases and improves the fiber density and capacity for the existing fiber optic cassettes and patch panels. Compared to the LC connector, SN provides 3 times higher density. This will further support the implementation of more fibers without adding new rack units.
Below are some examples of how the new SN connector can be utilized in 400G hyperscale networks.
Direct Patching SN – SN
Direct Patching SN – LC
Direct Patching SN – MPO
Products in this network
The uptake of 400G is a key step along the way to the 800G and 1.6T Ethernet future. The right topology today can support the growing data demands of tomorrow.
400Gb Quick Reference Table
| Speed | Ethernet Nomenclature | Ethernet Standard IEEE | Medium | Transceiver Form Factor | Connector Interface | Link Reach |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 400GbE (400Gb/s) |
400GBASE-SR8 | 802.3cm | Multimode Fiber (@850nm) | OSFP QSFP-DD |
MPO (16) MPO (2×12) |
OM3 – 70m OM4 – 100m OM5 – 100m |
| 400GBASE-DR4 | 802.3bs | Single-mode Fiber (WDM) | CFP8 OSFP QSFP-DD |
MPO 12 SN Connector |
OS2 – 500m | |
| 400GBASE-FR4 | 802.3cu | Single-mode Fiber (WDM) | CFP8 OSFP QSFP-DD |
LC Duplex | OS2 – 2km | |
| 400GBASE-2FR4 (2 x 200G-FR4) |
802.3bs | Single-mode Fiber (WDM) | QSFP-DD OSFP |
CS Connector | OS2 – 2km |