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FS S5500-48F6S vs. Cisco C9300 48S: Picking the Right One for Your Network

Businesses must choose the right switches that can meet their specific requirements. Two popular options in the market are the FS S5500-48F6S and the Cisco C9300 48S. Both switches offer a range of features and capabilities, but which one is the best fit for your network? In this article, we will compare FS S5500-48F6S and Cisco C9300 48S across various parameters to help you make an informed decision.

FS S5500-48F6S vs. Cisco C9300 48S

Performance and Features

When it comes to performance, both FS S5500-48F6S and Cisco C9300 48S offer impressive capabilities. FS S5500-48F6S is equipped with 48x 1Gb SFP ports and 6x 10Gb SFP+ uplink ports, providing high-speed connectivity for demanding network environments. On the other hand, Cisco C9300 48S offers 48x 1Gb SFP ports with modular uplink ports, offering flexibility to accommodate various types of connectivity options. In terms of features, both switches support advanced protocols and features like VLANs, QoS, and link aggregation.

Scalability

Scalability is a crucial factor to consider when selecting a switch for your network. FS S5500-48F6S and Cisco C9300 48S offer different scalability options. FS S5500-48F6S supports the virtual stacking of 8 units, allowing you to combine multiple switches into a single logical unit, simplifying management and expanding your network as needed. Similarly, Cisco C9300 48S supports stacking as well as Cisco’s Virtual Stacking technology, which enables you to manage and configure multiple switches as one virtual device too.

Reliability and Redundancy

Network downtime can be costly for any organization, so reliability and redundancy are crucial considerations. FS S5500-48F6S and Cisco C9300 48S both offer reliable hardware with robust build quality. FS S5500-48F6S is packed with redundant hot-swappable AC/DC power supplies and variable-speed axial fans for superior processing performance and network reliability. It also supports non-stop upgrades, continuous forwarding, graceful restarting, and redundancy protection. On the other hand, Cisco C9300 48S comes with 1 default AC power supply and three field-replaceable fans.

Management and Monitoring

Efficient management and monitoring capabilities are essential for maintaining and troubleshooting a network. Cisco C9300 48S comes with the Cisco IOS-XE operating system, providing a familiar and feature-rich interface for network administrators. It also supports a range of management tools and software, such as Cisco DNA Center, to enable centralized management and monitoring of the network. While FS S5500-48F6S may not offer the same level of management tools as Cisco, it does provide a user-friendly web interface and support command-line interface (CLI) for configuration and monitoring. It also supports Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) for centralized management and monitoring.

Security

Network security is a top priority for organizations today. FS S5500-48F6S offers advanced security features, including Access Control Lists (ACLs), Secure Shell (SSH), RADIUS, and TACACS+ for secure access control and remote management. It also supports multiple services like IPv6, MPLS, VPN, and network security based on L2/L3/L4 wire-speed switching services. Similarly, Cisco C9300 48S also offers security features like ACLs, MACsec encryption, and TrustSec for secure access control. Additionally, Cisco provides regular security updates and patches to address emerging threats.

Cost

Cost is often a significant factor when making purchasing decisions. FS S5500-48F6S generally comes at a much more affordable price compared to Cisco C9300 48S. This can be especially beneficial for organizations with budget constraints or those looking for cost-effective solutions without compromising on essential features and performance. Assessing your specific needs and budget is crucial in determining which option provides the best value for your organization.

Support & Warranty

FS S5500-48F6S offers 5 years limited warranty against defects in materials or workmanship. Most importantly, FS provides free professional technical support and 24/5 live customer service. You can always find tailored solutions and services for your businesses. Similarly, Cisco C9300 48S comes with a Cisco Enhanced Limited Lifetime Hardware Warranty (E-LLW) that includes Next-Business-Day (NBD) delivery of replacement hardware where available and 90 days of 8×5 Cisco Technical Assistance Center (TAC) support. However, the level and extent of support may vary, and it’s important to review the specific terms and conditions of the warranty before making a decision.

FS S5500-48F6S vs. Cisco C9300 48S at a Glance

Here is a table comparing the specifications of FS S5500-48F6S and Cisco C9300 48S:

Specification	FS S5500-48F6S	Cisco C9300 48S
Ports	48x 1G SFP, 6x 10Gb SFP+ Uplinks	48x 1G SFP, Modular Uplinks
Switching Capacity	216 Gbps	256 Gbps
Forwarding Rate	162 Mpps	190 Mpps
Power Supply	2 (1+1 Redundancy) Hot-swappable	1 default power supply
Fan	3 Built-in	3 Field-replaceable
AC/DC Power Supply	AC/DC	AC
Cost	Varies	Varies

Please note that the cost of these switches can vary depending on the retailer, region, and additional features or support options selected. It’s best to check with authorized vendors or the respective manufacturers for the most accurate and up-to-date pricing information.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the choice between FS S5500-48F6S and Cisco C9300 48S depends on your specific network requirements, budget, and the level of support and warranty coverage you prioritize. If cost-effectiveness is a significant consideration for your organization, FS S5500-48F6S may be a suitable choice, offering competitive performance and essential features at a more affordable price. Conducting a thorough evaluation and consulting with networking professionals can help you make an informed decision that aligns with your needs and goals.

FS S5500-48T6S vs. Aruba JL667A: Which One to Choose?

In this rapidly evolving networking landscape, choosing the right switch for your organization is crucial to ensure seamless connectivity, efficient performance, and robust security. Two popular options in the market are FS S5500-48T6S and Aruba JL667A. Both switches offer a range of features and capabilities, making the decision-making process a challenging one. In this article, we will compare FS S5500-48T6S and Aruba JL667A across various aspects, helping you make an informed choice for your networking needs.

FS S5500-48T6S vs. Aruba JL667A

Performance and Features

Both FS S5500-48T6S and Aruba JL667A provide excellent performance and a wide array of features. FS S5500-48T6S is an aggregation 10G switch that features 48x 1G SFP downlinks and 6x 1G/10G SFP+ uplinks. It supports Layer 3 features such as RIP, OSPF, VRRP, BGP, BFD, etc., ensuring efficient routing and switching. It also provides support for virtual local area networks (VLANs), Quality of Service (QoS) features. Aruba JL667A is a 48-port 1GbE and 4-port SFP56 switch. It also offers advanced switching capabilities and enhanced features such as BGP, EVPN, VXLAN, VRF, and OSPF with robust security and QoS. Overall, both switches deliver reliable performance with robust feature sets.

Scalability

Scalability is a critical factor to consider when selecting a switch, as it determines the ability to expand and accommodate future growth. FS S5500-48T6S offers high port density, with 48 Ethernet ports and 6 SFP+ uplink ports, allowing for easy integration into larger networks. It also supports link aggregation and 8 units of virtual stacking, enabling seamless scalability. Similarly, Aruba JL667A supports the Aruba Virtual Stacking Framework (VSF) that allows for the stacking of up to 10 switches, providing scale and simplified management.

Reliability and Redundancy

Network reliability is paramount in ensuring uninterrupted operations. FS S5500-48T6S boasts a reliable hardware design with 1+1 hot-swappable AC/DC power supplies and 2 smart fans, minimizing the risk of downtime due to component failures. It also supports Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol (RSTP) and Ethernet Ring Protection Switching (ERPS), providing redundancy at the network level. On the other hand, Aruba JL667A incorporates an internal (fixed) AC power supply and fixed fans, along with advanced features like continual state synchronization that provides superior fault tolerance and high availability. Both switches prioritize reliability and offer redundancy options for uninterrupted network performance, but FS S5500-48T6S supports both AC and DC power supplies.

Management and Monitoring

Efficient management and monitoring capabilities simplify network administration tasks and enhance troubleshooting capabilities. FS S5500-48T6S supports both user-friendly web interface and command-line interface (CLI) for configuration and monitoring. It also supports Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) for centralized management and monitoring. On the other hand, Aruba JL667A provides a comprehensive management platform with a centralized graphical interface. It supports the Aruba CX Mobile App and Aruba Central for simplified network management and monitoring. Both switches provide adequate management options, but Aruba JL667A offers a more comprehensive management suite.

Security

In an era of growing cybersecurity threats, network security is of utmost importance. FS S5500-48T6S supports features like Access Control Lists (ACLs), Secure Shell (SSH), RADIUS, and TACACS+ to ensure secure communication and protect against unauthorized access. It also supports 802.1X port-based authentication for enhanced security. Aruba JL667A also offers advanced security features such as ACLs, role-based access control, and MACsec encryption for secure communication. Additionally, Aruba JL667A comes with an integrated trusted platform module (TPM) for platform integrity, comprehensive network access control, and threat detection. When it comes to security, both FS S5500-48T6S and Aruba JL667A provide a robust and comprehensive set of features that prioritize the protection of your network and data.

Cost

Cost is a significant consideration for any organization when choosing networking equipment. FS S5500-48T6S typically offers competitive pricing, making it an attractive option for organizations with budget constraints. It provides a balance between performance and affordability. On the other hand, Aruba JL667A tends to have a higher price point due to its advanced features and brand reputation. Despite their different initial investment, both switches offer a comprehensive feature set and robust security, making them a worthwhile investment for organizations.

Support & Warranty

Reliable support and warranty coverage are crucial for maintaining a smooth and functioning network. FS S5500-48T6S offers 5 years limited warranty against defects in materials or workmanship. Most importantly, FS provides free professional technical support and 24/5 live customer service. You can always find tailored solutions and services for your businesses. Similarly, Aruba JL667A offers comprehensive support options, including technical assistance, documentation, and access to firmware updates. Aruba’s reputation for customer support and reliable warranty coverage also adds value to the overall networking experience.

FS S5500-48T6S vs. Aruba JL667A at a Glance

Here is a table comparing the specifications of FS S5500-48T6S and Aruba JL667A:

Specification	FS S5500-48T6S	Aruba JL667A
Ports	48x 10/100/1000BASE-T RJ45 \| 6x 1G/10G SFP+	48x 10/100/1000BaseT Ports, 4x 1G/10G/25G/50G SFP56 ports
Switching Capacity	216 Gbps	496 Gbps
Forwarding Rate	162 Mpps	369 Mpps
Power Supply	2 (1+1 Redundancy) Hot-swappable	Internal (fixed) power supply
Fan	2 Built-in	Fixed fans
AC/DC Power Supply	AC/DC	AC
Cost	Varies (around US$1000)	Varies (＞US$3000)

Conclusion

If you prioritize affordability, scalability, and a balance between performance and cost, FS S5500-48T6S may be a suitable choice. It provides robust performance, adequate features, and competitive pricing.

On the other hand, if you require advanced security features, comprehensive management capabilities, and are willing to invest in a well-established brand, Aruba JL667A offers a compelling solution. It delivers top-notch performance, enhanced security, and a comprehensive management suite.

Ultimately, the decision between FS S5500-48T6S and Aruba JL667A depends on your organization’s specific needs, priorities, and budget. It is recommended to evaluate your networking requirements, consult with industry experts if necessary, and conduct thorough research to make an informed decision that aligns with your organization’s goals and objectives.

Gigabit Ethernet Switch Selection Guide

In recent times, high-speed networks have become the pursuit for businesses and households across the globe, making daily life more comfortable and facilitating business growth. Gigabit switches play an important role in building high-speed networks and are widely used around the world. This article introduces the different types of 1G network switches, and how to choose the right Gigabit Ethernet switch, as well as FS switch recommendations.

What is a Gigabit Switch?

A gigabit switch is a type of Ethernet network switch that allows devices to be connected to a LAN at speeds of 1 Gbps or higher. Gigabit Ethernet replaced Fast Ethernet as a new network standard for increased speed. A Gigabit Ethernet switch is a higher version of a Fast Ethernet switch, meeting the demands of internet service providers for high speeds. 1G Ethernet switches are available in a variety of configurations, forming various types of switches to provide different services:

Unmanaged switches are designed to be plug-and-play with fixed configuration, providing basic connectivity for a small LAN or single user. These switches are normally used in small businesses where precise network control is not as crucial.

Managed switches are designed with greater control and advanced functionality to support the user experience, security, manageability, and scalability. They allow Ethernet devices to connect with each other, realizing the ability to configure, manage, and monitor local area network (LAN) traffic.

Smart switches feature limited management functions, allowing traffic self-management. They offer less scalability than other switches and can be used as infrastructure for smaller and less complex networks.

PoE switches support data transmission and power supply for several network devices using an existing Ethernet cable. They greatly simplify cabling and increase the flexibility and reach of connected systems.

FS Gigabit Switches: Suitable for Various Networking Requirements

With extensive industry experience and expertise, FS offers an exclusive line of 1G network switches with a wide range of port types and rich functional features, suitable for a variety of different applications. These switches offer versatile designs for better operational performance, helping to ensure a more secure experience and build a sustainable network for the future.

Models	Ports	PoE Supported	Managed Unmanaged	Features Supported
S3900-48T6S-R	48x 10/100/1000BASE-T RJ45 \| 6x 10G SFP+	non-PoE	Managed	QoS, IGMP Snooping, Link Aggregation, IPv6, L3 Static Routing RIP, OSPF
S3900-24T4S-R	24x 10/100/1000BASE-T RJ45 \| 4x 10G SFP+	non-PoE	Managed
S5810-28FS	28x 1G SFP, 8x 1G RJ45/SFP Combo \| 4x 1G/10G SFP+	non-PoE	Managed
S5810-48FS	48x 1G SFP \| 4x 1G/10G SFP+	non-PoE	Managed
S3150-8T2FP	8x 10/100/1000BASE-T RJ45 \| 2x 1G SFP	PoE+	Managed
S3400-24T4FP	24x 10/100/1000BASE-T RJ45 \| 4x 1G RJ45/SFP Combo	PoE+	Managed
S3260-16T4FP	16x 10/100/1000BASE-T RJ45 \| 2x 1G SFP, 2x 1G RJ45/SFP Combo	PoE+	Managed
IES3100-8TF-P	8x 10/100/1000BASE-T RJ45 \| 2x 100/1000/2500BASE-X SFP	PoE+	Managed	VLAN, QoS, LACP, IGMP, ACL, DHCP, Static Routing, MSTP

How to Select the Right Gigabit Switch for Your Network？

Ethernet switches play a significant role in enterprise network architecture and deserve serious selection. The following are the factors to consider when selecting 1G switches, which can provide you with some guidance.

Number of Ports You Need

First of all, determine how many network switch ports you need for your network. You need to not only calculate the number of connected devices in your home or business environment but also anticipate future connectivity needs. If it’s just for a home network that needs to connect three devices and a router, an 8 or 12-port Gigabit Ethernet switch is appropriate, due to the capability of future-proofing and connectivity for other devices provided. If you need a switch for a large network in a fast-growing enterprise, 24-port and 48-port managed switches are good choices, such as FS S3900-24T4S-R and FS S3900-48T6S-R.

Capability to Power Devices

Power over Ethernet (PoE) has become an important factor for users to consider when purchasing a network switch in recent years. This technology enables the capability to use existing Ethernet cables to power connected devices, such as VoIP phones, network surveillance cameras, or wireless access points. If you need this function, select a PoE Gigabit Ethernet switch. Make sure the power per port (in watts) and the total power budget of the PoE ports meet the needs of your network devices.Check FS S3400-24T4FP to see if it meets your needs.

Features

The features of network switches determine the functions and services they can offer. Unmanaged switches and smart switches lack network management and monitoring capabilities. Managed switches provide features, such as traffic management, troubleshooting, access controls, and monitoring. Some common features, including LACP, VLAN, QoS, IGMP Snooping, Link Aggregation, and OSPF, also need to be considered. FS 1G network switches are designed as managed switches with a rich set of features that encompass the above features.Other features, such as noise, may be overlooked. However, for homes or small offices, it is important to consider the noise generated by 1G network switches. FS S3150-8T2FP switch has a low-power and noiseless design, and supports secure desktop connectivity, suitable for deployments in working areas or home scenarios. In conclusion, before choosing a switch, double-check that it provides the features you need.

Applications

Special application scenarios will place additional requirements on Gigabit switches. For example, industrial scenarios pose higher requirements on the switch in terms of operating temperature, enclosure design, management, and durability. You need to check whether the Gigabit Ethernet switch can keep working well in the application scenario you want.If you need a switch for industrial scenarios, the FS IES3100-8TF-P can meet your needs to maintain stable operation in harsh environments, such as low temperatures and high vibration, and to enable easy network management.

The Closing Thought

To build a future-proof and reliable network, the selection of a switch needs to be done carefully, considering multiple aspects. I hope the above points will be helpful to you. Besides, FS offers a wide range of Gigabit network switches, one of which may meet your needs. check FS.com to know more.

How 400G Ethernet Influences Enterprise Networks?

Since the approval of its relevant 802.3bs standard from the IEEE in 2017, 400GbE Ethernet has become the talk of the town. The main reason behind it is the ability of this technology to beat the existing solutions by a mile. With its implementation, the current data transfer speeds will simply see a fourfold increase. Vigorous efforts are being made by the cloud service providers and network infrastructure vendors to pace up the deployment. However, there are a number of challenges that can hamper its effective implementation and hence, the adoption.

In this article, we will have a detailed look into the opportunities and the challenges linked to the successful implementation of 400G Ethernet enterprise network. This will provide a clear picture of the impact this technology will have on large-scale organizations.

Opportunities for 400G Ethernet Enterprise Networks

Better management of the traffic over video streaming services
Facilitates IoT device requirements
Improved data transmission density

How can 400G Ethernet assist enterprise networks in handling growing traffic demands?

Rise of 5G connectivity

Rising traffic and bandwidth demands are compelling the CSPs for rapid adoption of 5G both at the business as well as the customer end. A successful implementation requires a massive increase in bandwidth to cater for the 5G backhaul. In addition, 400G can provide CSPs with a greater density in small cells development. 5G deployment requires the cloud data centers to be brought closer to the users as well as the devices. This streamlines the edge computing (handling time-sensitive data) part, which is another game-changer in this area.

Data Centers Handling Video Streaming Services Traffic

The introduction of 400GbE Ethernet has brought a great opportunity for the data centers working behind the video streaming services as Content Delivery Networks. This is because the growing demand for bandwidth is going out of hand using the current technology. As the number of users increased, the introduction of better quality streams like HD and 4K has put additional pressure on the data consumption. Therefore, the successful implementation of 400GbE would come as a sigh of relief for the data centers. Apart from rapid data transferability, issues like jitter will also be brought down. Furthermore, large amounts of data transfer over a single wavelength will also bring down the maintenance cost.

High-Performance Computing (HPC)

The application of high-performance computing is in every industry sub-vertical whether it is healthcare, retail, oil & gas or weather forecasting. Real-time analysis of data is required in each of these fields and it is going to be a driver for the 400G growth. The combined power of HPC and 400G will bring out every bit of performance from the infrastructure leading to financial and operational efficiency. 400G Ethernet

Addressing the Internet of Things (IoT) Traffic Demands

Another opportunity that resides in this solution is for the data centers to manage IoT needs. Data generated by the IoT devices is not large; it is the aggregation of the connections that actually hurts. Working together, these devices open new pathways over internet and Ethernet networks which leads to an exponential increase in the traffic. A fourfold increase in the data transfer speed will make it considerably convenient for the relevant data centers to gain the upper hand in this race.

Greater Density for Hyperscale Data Centers

In order to meet the increasing data needs, the number of data centers is also seeing a considerable increase. A look at the relevant stats reveals that 111 new Hyperscale data centers were set up during the last two years, and 52 out of them were initiated during peak COVID times when the logistical issues were also seeing an unprecedented increase. In view of this fact, every data center coming to the fore is looking to setup 400GbE. Provision of greater density in fiber, racks, and switches via 400GbE would help them incorporate huge and complex computing and networking requirements while minimizing the ESG footprint at the same time.

Easier Said Than Done: What Are the Challenges In 400G Ethernet technology

Below are some of the challenges enterprise data centers are facing in 400G implementation.

Cost and Power Consumption

Today’s ecosystem of 400G transceivers and DSP are power-intensive. Currently, some transceivers don’t support the latest MSA. They are developed uniquely by different vendors using their proprietary technology.

Overall, the aim is to reduce $/gigabit and watts/gigabit.

The Need for Real-World Networking Plugfests

Despite the standard being approved by IEEE, a number of modifications still need to be made in various areas like specifications, manufacturing, and design. Although the conducted tests have shown promising results, the interoperability needs to be tested in real-world networking environments. This would outline how this technology is actually going to perform in enterprise networks. In addition, any issues faced at any layer of the network will be highlighted.

Transceiver Reliability

Secondly, transceiver reliability also comes as a major challenge in this regard. Currently, the relevant manufacturers are finding it hard to meet the device power budget. The main reason behind that is the use of a relatively older design of QSFP transceiver form factor as it was originally designed for 40GbE. Problems in meeting the device power budget lead to issues like heating, optical distortions, and packet loss.

The Transition from NRZ to PAM-4

Furthermore, the shift from binary non-return to zero to pulse amplitude modulation with the introduction of 400GbE also poses a challenge for encoding and decoding. This is because NRZ was a familiar set of optical coding whereas PAM-4 requires involvement of extensive hardware and an enhanced level of sophistication. Mastering this form of coding would require time, even for a single manufacturer. from NRZ to PAM-4

Greater Risk of Link Flaps

Enterprise use of 400GbE also increases the risk of link flaps. Link flaps are defined as the phenomenon involving rapid disconnection in an optical connection. Whenever such a scenario occurs, auto-negotiation and link-training are performed before the data is allowed to flow again. While using 400GbE, link flaps can occur due to a number of additional reasons like problems with the switch, design problems with the -transceiver, or heat.

Inference

The true deployment of 400GbE Ethernet enterprise network is undoubtedly going to ease management for cloud service providers and networking vendors. However, it is still a bumpy road. With the modernization and rapid advancements in technology, scalability is going to become a lot easier for the data centers. Still, we are still a long way from the destination of a successful implementation. With higher data transfer rates easing traffic management, a lot of risks to the fiber alignment and packet loss still need to be tackled.

Article Source: How 400G Ethernet Influences Enterprise Networks?

PAM4 in 400G Ethernet application and solutions

400G OTN Technologies: Single-Carrier, Dual-Carrier and Quad-Carrier

Coherent Optics and 400G Applications

In today’s high-tech and data-driven environment, network operators face an increasing demand to support the ever-rising data traffic while keeping capital and operation expenditures in check. Incremental advancements in bandwidth component technology, coherent detection, and optical networking have seen the rise of coherent interfaces that allows for efficient control, lower cost, power, and footprint.

Below, we have discussed more about 400G, coherent optics, and how the two are transforming data communication and network infrastructures in a way that’s beneficial for clients and network service providers.

What is 400G?

400G is the latest generation of cloud infrastructure, which represents a fourfold increase in the maximum data-transfer speed over the current maximum standard of 100G. Besides being faster, 400G has more fiber lanes, which allows for better throughput (the quantity of data handled at a go). Therefore, data centers are shifting to 400G infrastructure to bring new user experiences with innovative services such as augmented reality, virtual gaming, VR, etc.

Simply put, data centers are like an expressway interchange that receives and directs information to various destinations, and 400G is an advancement to the interchange that adds more lanes and a higher speed limit. This not only makes 400G the go-to cloud infrastructure but also the next big thing in optical networks.

What is Coherent Optics?

Coherent optical transmission or coherent optics is a technique that uses a variation of the amplitude and phase or segment of light and transmission across two polarizations to transport significantly more information through a fiber optic cable. Coherent optics also provides faster bit rates, greater flexibility, modest photonic line systems, and advanced optical performance.

This technology forms the basis of the industry’s drive to embrace the network transfer speed of 100G and beyond while delivering terabits of data across one fiber pair. When appropriately implemented, coherent optics solve the capacity issues that network providers are experiencing. It also allows for increased scalability from 100 to 400G and beyond for every signal carrier. This delivers more data throughput at a relatively lower cost per bit.

Fundamentals of Coherent Optics Communication

Before we look at the main properties of coherent optics communication, let’s first understand the brief development of this data transmission technique. Ideally, fiber-optic systems came to market in the mid-1970s, and enormous progress has been realized since then. Subsequent technologies that followed sought to solve some of the major communication problems witnessed at the time, such as dispersion issues and high optical fiber losses.

And though coherent optical communication using heterodyne detection was proposed in 1970, it did not become popular because the IMDD scheme dominated the optical fiber communication systems. Fast-forward to the early 2000s, and the fifth-generation optical systems entered the market with one major focus – to make the WDM system spectrally efficient. This saw further advances through 2005, bringing to light digital-coherent technology & space-division multiplexing.

Now that you know a bit about the development of coherent optical technology, here are some of the critical attributes of this data transmission technology.

High-grain soft-decision FEC (forward error correction)：This enables data/signals to traverse longer distances without the need for several subsequent regenerator points. The results are more margin, less equipment, simpler photonic lines, and reduced costs.
Strong mitigation to dispersion: Coherent processors accounts for dispersion effects once the signals have been transmitted across the fiber. The advanced digital signal processors also help avoid the headaches of planning dispersion maps & budgeting for polarization mode dispersion (PMD).
Programmability: This means the technology can be adjusted to suit a wide range of networks and applications. It also implies that one card can support different baud rates or multiple modulation formats, allowing operators to choose from various line rates.

The Rise of High-Performance 400G Coherent Pluggables

With 400G applications, two streams of pluggable coherent optics are emerging. The first is a CFP2-based solution with 1000+km reach capability, while the second is a QSFP DD ZR solution for Ethernet and DCI applications. These two streams come with measurement and test challenges in meeting rigorous technical specifications and guaranteeing painless integration and placement in an open network ecosystem.

When testing these 400G coherent optical transceivers and their sub-components, there’s a need to use test equipment capable of producing clean signals and analyzing them. The test equipment’s measurement bandwidth should also be more than 40-GHz. For dual-polarization in-phase and quadrature (IQ) signals, the stimulus and analysis sides need varying pulse shapes and modulation schemes on the four synchronized channels. This is achieved using instruments that are based on high-speed DAC (digital to analog converters) and ADC (analog to digital converters). Increasing test efficiency requires modern tools that provide an inclusive set of procedures, including interfaces that can work with automated algorithms.

Coherent Optics Interfaces and 400G Architectures

Supporting transport optics in form factors similar to client optics is crucial for network operators because it allows for simpler and cost-effective architectures. The recent industry trends toward open line systems also mean these transport optics can be plugged directly into the router without requiring an external transmission system.

Some network operators are also adopting 400G architectures, and with standardized, interoperable coherent interfaces, more deployments and use cases are coming to light. Beyond DCI, several application standards, such as Open ROADM and OpenZR+, now offer network operators increased performance and functionality without sacrificing interoperability between modules.

Article Source：Coherent Optics and 400G Applications