Single-wave Module Helps Smooth Upgrade of Data Center

• Features of 100G single-wave module

• Application of single-wave modules in the layered architecture of data centers

• Conclusion

In traditional large data centers, 100G is the absolute main force of data transmission, and all infrastructure is built around 100G rate. Although future upgrades and expansions will be considered at the beginning of construction, the explosive development of technology is not considered by everyone. At present, when 400G has been fully applied to the market, 100G rate can no longer meet the needs of data centers. Therefore, the demand for upgrading the transmission bandwidth of data centers is worth putting on the agenda. The old network architecture of the data center cannot be overturned significantly, which means huge construction costs. In this case, the 100G single-wave module with a four-channel 400G module is the best choice for network upgrade.

Features of 100G single-wave module

Function

The single-mode module adopts PAM4 data modulation. Compared with the traditional NRZ, the data bandwidth efficiency is doubled. Because the 400G four-channel optical module adopts 4x100G PAM4 modulation, it can be directly connected with the 400G module without the need for switching of other equipment. At the same time, the 100G single-wave module can replace the original 100G four-channel module without loss, reducing the cost of equipment replacement. It can also use the original optical fiber network without loss, reducing the need for rewiring, and smoothly upgrade the 100G network to the 400G network.

But the single-wave module is not only good. Compared with the traditional four-channel NRZ module, the single-wave module is more sensitive to noise. It relies on DSP to compensate for signal damage during data transmission, which puts higher requirements on the performance of the module, so the price is more expensive than the traditional four-channel NRZ optical module; the power consumption of the single-wave module is also higher, which is also a test for the power budget and heat dissipation pressure of the data center, but compared with the cost of rebuilding the data center, these are minor problems.

Application of single-wave modules in the layered architecture of data centers

The traditional data center network architecture is usually divided into the core layer, the aggregation layer and the access layer, and each layer has different functions.

As the backbone network of the data center, the core layer needs to carry high-speed traffic across regions and data centers. It uses 400G high-speed modules for connection to prevent traffic congestion and ensure the normal operation of the business.

The aggregation layer needs to process data aggregation and diversion from the access layer, and has high requirements for bandwidth and latency. Using 100G single-wave modules for cross-cabinet and cross-building connections can access the previous fiber network without loss, reducing the service waiting time during the upgrade process.

The access layer connects various front-line services and is not sensitive to bandwidth, but it is the layer with the most equipment in the data center and the cornerstone of the data center, which makes it extremely sensitive to cost. It usually uses 10G/25G optical modules for connection to reduce equipment costs. In the subsequent data upgrade process, it can be gradually replaced with 100G single-wave modules without replacing the fiber infrastructure.

Through single-wave modules, data centers can complete a smooth upgrade from 100G to 400G, saving huge costs and time for enterprises. In the AI era, every second counts in the industry, it can enable enterprises to take the lead.

Conclusion

The single-wave module provides an efficient and economical solution for the smooth upgrade of data centers through reasonable architectural design. From the 400G rate at the core layer to the 100G rate at the aggregation layer, and then to the flexible expansion of the access layer, single-wave technology is gradually occupying an important ecological niche in the current data center. Faced with the explosive growth of computing power demand today, the rational use of single-wave technology can help enterprises gain an advantage in the green and intelligent future competition.