Partnership Aims To Futureproof Path To 100G
In collaboration with Ixia and Reflex Photonics Inc., CommScope Inc. demonstrated a 100 Gigabit Ethernet (GE) data transmission over off-the-shelf multi-mode fiber-optic cabling at a length of 430 meters in London.
The demo, which CommScope says exceeded last year’s mark by nearly 100 meters, used SYSTIMAX InstaPATCH 360 fiber cable assemblies that included LazrSPEED 550 OM4 fiber.
“This demonstration shows a futureproof path from 10G through 40G and onto 100G with error-free operation,” notes Peter Marsh, U.K. technical manager for CommScope. “It also demonstrates that our customers will not have to re-engineer their networks or deploy new cable when they eventually evolve to 100G.”
The 100 GE standard was ratified in 2010 by the IEEE 802.3ba committee for transmissions using 150 meters of OM4 fiber cable. CommScope says its 430-meter link “proves that the range could be effectively doubled through the combined use of high-performance connectivity solutions and advanced optoelectronics.”
“Using CommScope’s innovative OM4 fiber cable with Ixia’s K2 100GE test solution has once again validated this technology and proven that it is ready for deployment in today’s data centers,” adds Dave Schneider, senior manager/Market Development at Ixia.
