Did you know that data center IT spending exceeded $212 billion last year? For anyone that works with data centers, this statistic shouldn’t come as a surprise. These centers, especially the mega ones that process vast amounts of data, are always trying to future-proof their investments.
For some, that means adopting the latest, cutting-edge technology. And there are few pieces of technology more cutting-edge than 800G optical transceivers. But what exactly are these transceivers? And what are the standards that come with them?
In this guide, we’ll be answering all of these questions. That way, you have a much better idea of what’s to come in the future.
What Are 800G Optical Transceivers?
Before we begin, it’s essential to cover exactly what 800G technology is and how it relates to optical transceivers. If you need a quick refresher on what an optical transceiver is, you can visit our helpful guide here.
But basically, optical transceivers are pieces of hardware that can both send and receive data. So how does this relate to 800G? We’ll 800G is the latest technology that both processes and transports amounts of data that were previously thought impossible.
Specifically, these types of optical transceivers can receive eight billion bits per second. That’s more than double the amount the previous generation uses (the 400G optical transceivers).
Who Deploys 800G Optical Transceivers?
Many data centers’ current 400G optical transceivers are more than enough for their needs. After all, 800G optical transceivers do represent the future of this type of technology. Despite this fact, there are still quite a few professionals that have already deployed 800G optical transceivers.
Nearly half of the thousands that have started using are in North America. There isn’t one industry that benefits from it.
Instead, anyone needs the absolute limits of their high-capacity connectivity. The top data centers have already deployed this technology. In the coming years, we can expect a whole other wave of users to emerging.
Related: What Is Optical Headroom? 5 Best Ways to Test It
What Are 800G Optical Transceiver Standards?
Standardization of the 800G Optical Transceiver occurred in 202 thanks to thanks to the Ethernet Technology Consortium (aka ETC). If you want to view these standards, you can check out the full document here. What’s the point of standardization?
There are two reasons. First, it makes it easier to repurpose the previous generation of tech (in this case, the 400G optical transceivers).
Second, it makes the technology much more affordable down the line. And that’s a good thing because 800G Optical Transceivers are currently quite costly. However, as the years progress, that’s sure to change.
What Are the Applications of 800G Optical Transceiver
One extremely impressive part of 800G Optical Transceivers is the distance they can travel without losing data quality. For example, these optical transceivers are currently being used for submarine purposes.
Not, not the sinking watercraft, but instead networks that are capable of crossing both land and sea. The distance from California to Japan is close to 8,700 km. With submarine 800G, we could provide subsea links that travel the length of an ocean easily.
That’s because underwater 800G transceivers have the potential to transmit and receive data at a distance of 10,000 km.
However, it’s important to remember that submarine applications. Education, cloud providers, researchers, and content providers are beginning to use 800G Optical Transceivers.
Need some tech tips related to 800G optical transceivers? Check out this video series to gain some valuable education.
When Can We Expect the Transition From 400G Transceivers to 800G Transceivers?
More people than ever before are using the internet. As such, bandwidth demands are increasing, and with it comes the demand for technology that can keep up with these requirements.
But exactly when will we start seeing 800G transceivers becoming the new norm for data centers around the world? Most experts believe 400G will continue to be the standard well into 2023. However, most agree that by 2025 we’ll start to see a rise in 800G transceivers.
This will likely coincide with a dramatic price drop in the technology and the demand for more bandwidth.
Related: Advances in Fiber Connectors Are Improving Optical Power Budget
How to Find Cabling Solutions For Your 800G Optical Network
Finding people who know how to properly cable your 800G optical network can be hard. The reality is that there is a severe shortage of construction workers that know how to install even the most rudimentary optical network.
So, finding one that can handle the latest tech advancement is going to be a challenge. That’s why it’s essential to find a company that stays familiar with these types of new tech.
For example, it can help you with whatever you need regarding C&C Technology. We specialize in designing and implementing set-ups that make data centers run at peak efficiency.
Ready for the help you need to make 800G optical transceivers a reality? Contact C&C Technology to make the future a reality today.
The Future Importance of 800G Optical Transceivers
As you can see, 800G optical transceivers are still a few years off from becoming the new standard. However, as demands continue to increase, you can expect to hear about this technology a lot more in connection to data centers.
That’s because these transceivers have the potential to do more than quadruple the capacity of the current tech at the same distance. Now, some locations can benefit from these types of transceivers now.
However, it will likely be three to five more years before we see them become incredibly commonplace. Still, if you’re interested in the tech, remember that it’s currently available. But it will likely be a costly investment for your data center.
Related: OTDR: Optical Time Domain Reflectometer Info
Last Updated on June 8, 2023 by Josh Mahan
