Adtran and Vertilas answer AI demands with industry-first ultra-low-power 100G PAM4 single-mode VCSEL technology

Rhea-AI Summary

Adtran and Vertilas introduce industry's first 100Gbit/s PAM4 single-mode VCSEL technology, achieving speeds up to 1.6Tbit/s with 80% power savings. The innovative technology aims to enhance intra-data center connectivity for AI/ML workloads, offering unprecedented efficiency and scalability.

Positive

• Adtran and Vertilas launch groundbreaking 100Gbit/s PAM4 single-mode VCSEL technology.
• The new technology achieves speeds of up to 1.6Tbit/s and reduces power consumption by up to 80% compared to conventional solutions.
• Tailored for intra-data center operations and AI/ML workloads, the technology aims to meet the growing demand for high-capacity and energy-efficient data processing solutions.
• The innovative VCSEL technology is set to extend the capabilities of Adtran's MicroMux™ family of pluggable transceivers, supporting data-intensive compute clusters.
• The new technology operates across O-band and C-band wavelengths, delivering 100Gbit/s per channel and stacking multiple single-mode lasers into arrays to achieve throughput of 800Gbit/s and 1.6Tbit/s.
• Adtran's VCSEL technology promises to improve network capabilities, reduce operational expenses, and enhance energy efficiency for high-capacity networking solutions.

Negative

• None.

Telecommunications Engineer

With the surge in AI and ML applications, there's a corresponding increase in data traffic within data centers. This necessitates a shift towards higher bandwidth solutions that can handle the upsurge efficiently. The introduction of 100Gbit/s PAM4 single-mode VCSEL technology by Adtran is a pivotal development in this space. By achieving speeds up to 1.6Tbit/s, Adtran is addressing the bandwidth bottleneck that could otherwise hinder the performance of data-intensive applications.

VCSEL technology has been a game-changer for short-reach optical communications due to its low cost and high performance. The transition to single-mode VCSELs from the multimode variant is significant as it allows for longer reach and higher data rates, which are essential for intra-data center connectivity. Moreover, the energy efficiency achieved, with an 80% power savings and sub-2pJ/bit consumption, is critical for sustainable growth in the industry. This technology not only reduces operational costs but also aligns with the global push towards greener technologies.

Data Center Operations Specialist

The operational impact of Adtran's new VCSEL technology on data centers is substantial. As data centers evolve to support more complex and data-heavy AI/ML workloads, the need for high-capacity, energy-efficient interconnects becomes more pronounced. Adtran's innovation directly addresses this need by providing a scalable solution that can support the current and future demands of AI applications.

The versatility of this technology in supporting a wide range of applications, from DR4/8/16 to FR4 links, means that data center operators can integrate it into existing infrastructures with minimal disruption. The reduced power consumption per lane also translates into lower cooling requirements, further diminishing the total cost of ownership (TCO) for data center operators. This technological advancement is likely to set a new industry standard for optical interconnects within data centers, influencing future design and operational strategies.

Environmental Sustainability Analyst

From an environmental sustainability standpoint, the advancements presented by Adtran are noteworthy. The significant reduction in power consumption by up to 80% is a testament to the industry's ability to innovate with an eye towards reducing carbon footprints. The energy efficiency of this technology is particularly important as the digital infrastructure industry is under increasing pressure to mitigate its environmental impact.

By setting a new benchmark for low power consumption, Adtran is not only providing a competitive edge but also contributing to the broader sustainability goals of the tech industry. The long-term implications of such advancements could be profound, encouraging the adoption of similar technologies across the sector and potentially influencing regulatory standards on energy consumption for data centers.

News summary:

• Surge in AI/ML applications calls for unprecedented bandwidth and enhanced energy efficiency in intra-data center connectivity
• Adtran’s VCSEL arrays achieve 800Gbit/s and 1.6Tbit/s speeds with transmit optics power savings of up to 80%
• Single-mode VCSEL technology will extend MicroMux^™ family of pluggable transceivers to support data-intensive compute clusters

HUNTSVILLE, Ala.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Adtran and Vertilas today announced the industry’s first 100Gbit/s PAM4 single-mode vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL) technology with capabilities up to 1.6Tbit/s. On display at this week’s OFC, it sets new standards for low power consumption in optical engines and modules, with up to 80% reduction in power on the transmit optics compared to conventional solutions. Tailored specifically for the rigorous demands of intra-data center operations and AI/ML workloads, Adtran’s latest offering achieves unprecedented efficiency, consuming less than 2pJ/bit, including the laser driver. This significantly undercuts current industry standards, including those cited by co-packaged optics. The advancement is set to extend the capabilities of Adtran’s MicroMux^™ family of small-form-factor pluggable transceivers. A major step towards meeting the needs of the rapidly expanding generative AI application market, Adtran’s latest innovation addresses the growing demand for robust, high-capacity and environmentally friendly data processing solutions.

“As the importance of data volume and speed escalates, the demand for increased bandwidth and enhanced energy efficiency accelerates. Our introduction of the market’s first 100Gbit/s PAM4 single-mode VCSEL technology, scalable to 1.6Tbit/s, epitomizes our proactive approach to tackling these emerging requirements. By pushing the limits of speed and significantly reducing power consumption, we’re creating tomorrow’s benchmarks,” said Ross Saunders, GM of optical engines at Adtran. “Our new technology promises to significantly improve intra-data center connectivity and AI application efficiencies, merging high performance with long-term sustainability. As we prepare for the leap towards 800Gbit/s and 1.6Tbit/s applications, we’re enhancing the foundations of efficient, high-capacity data ecosystems worldwide.”

Building on the success of Adtran’s MicroMux^™ family, the new VCSEL technology leverages a short-cavity single-mode design and is based on indium phosphide semiconductor material. This enables it to operate across both O-band and C-band wavelengths, delivering 100Gbit/s per channel. By stacking multiple single-mode lasers into arrays, this approach achieves throughput of 800Gbit/s and 1.6Tbit/s, ensuring superior performance with a significant reduction in power consumption and costs. This enhanced energy efficiency presents a major advantage for IP router and Ethernet switch faceplate density. What’s more, its versatility extends to supporting a wide array of applications from DR4/8/16 to various FR4 links within optical engines, all while maintaining power consumption below 200mW per lane.

“As applications such as generative AI proliferate and enterprises expand their AI clusters, the need for advanced optical interconnects capable of supporting Terabit connectivity has reached a critical juncture. Our 100Gbit/s PAM4 single-mode VCSEL technology meets this challenge head-on. It enables energy efficiency and the capacity for higher-density deployments while at the same time addressing manufacturing, testing and assembly costs,” commented Christoph Glingener, CTO of Adtran. “This technology supports throughput of up to 800Gbit/s and 1.6Tbit/s, significantly reducing operational expenses while enhancing network capabilities. Our approach underscores a commitment to delivering sustainable, high-capacity networking solutions that break through existing barriers, readying networks for the next wave of AI infrastructure development.”

Demos of Adtran’s new VCSEL technology are available at this week’s OFC on request.

About Adtran

ADTRAN Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: ADTN and FSE: QH9) is the parent company of Adtran, Inc., a leading global provider of open, disaggregated networking and communications solutions that enable voice, data, video and internet communications across any network infrastructure. From the cloud edge to the subscriber edge, Adtran empowers communications service providers around the world to manage and scale services that connect people, places and things. Adtran solutions are used by service providers, private enterprises, government organizations and millions of individual users worldwide. ADTRAN Holdings, Inc. is also the largest shareholder of Adtran Networks SE, formerly ADVA Optical Networking SE. Find more at Adtran, LinkedIn and X.

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ADTRAN Holdings, Inc.

www.adtran.com

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Source: Adtran

FAQ

What is the significance of Adtran and Vertilas' latest technology in the data center connectivity space?

Adtran and Vertilas introduce the industry's first 100Gbit/s PAM4 single-mode VCSEL technology, achieving speeds up to 1.6Tbit/s with 80% power savings, aiming to enhance intra-data center connectivity for AI/ML workloads.

How does the new VCSEL technology by Adtran and Vertilas improve power consumption compared to conventional solutions?

The new technology reduces power consumption by up to 80% compared to conventional solutions, offering energy-efficient data processing solutions for AI/ML workloads and intra-data center operations.

What are the key features of Adtran's MicroMux™ family of pluggable transceivers?

Adtran's MicroMux™ family of pluggable transceivers supports data-intensive compute clusters and is set to be extended by the innovative VCSEL technology, achieving speeds of up to 1.6Tbit/s.

How does Adtran's VCSEL technology achieve high throughput levels?

The technology operates across O-band and C-band wavelengths, delivering 100Gbit/s per channel and stacking multiple single-mode lasers into arrays to achieve throughput of 800Gbit/s and 1.6Tbit/s.

What are the benefits of Adtran's VCSEL technology for network capabilities?

Adtran's VCSEL technology promises to improve network capabilities, reduce operational expenses, and enhance energy efficiency for high-capacity networking solutions, supporting throughput of up to 800Gbit/s and 1.6Tbit/s.