ACADEMIA

Quadwire cable leverages VCSEL array technology optimized for high-speed communications: Finisar Corporation has introduced Quadwire, a 40 gigabit per second (Gbps) optical link for data centers and high-performance computer clusters. Quadwire is a parallel active optical cable that provides a 40 Gbps aggregate link via four 10 Gbps full-duplex channels. Based on the industry-standard QSFP form factor, this new cable utilizes fiber optic technology to transmit parallel high-speed data over ribbon multi-mode fiber. Finisar demonstrated this new cable as part of the SCinet Network Infrastructure at Supercomputing in Austin, Texas. As InfiniBand supercomputing clusters move from double data rates (DDR) to quad data rates (QDR), existing copper cables present physical challenges to the system architecture. In addition to being heavy and bulky, these cables are limited to short distances as data integrity deteriorates over longer links. By contrast, Quadwire features a parallel 4x10 Gbps optical bi-directional link, meeting the needs for increased data rates in longer lengths (up to 100 meters) while offering a lighter weight solution and much smaller bend radius. In addition, Quadwire uses Finisar's VCSEL (vertical cavity surface emitting laser) array technology, known in the industry for high reliability and superior performance. The cable's small diameter supports large port count architectures, ultimately enabling simpler installations and fiber management. "The physical challenge of connecting InfiniBand clusters with bulky copper cables has been difficult to manage even at DDR data rates of 20 Gbps," said Jag Bolaria, senior analyst at The Linley Group. "As the first QDR (40 Gbps) InfiniBand switches and Host Channel Adapters (HCAs) begin to roll out, Active Optical Cables, such as Quadwire, are emerging as the interconnect solutions to overcome limitations of copper." "Active Optical Cables are quickly becoming the next generation interconnects of choice for high-speed datacenter connectivity," said Jan Meise, director of strategic marketing at Finisar Corporation. "The introduction of Quadwire, our second optical cable product, marks Finisar's entry into parallel connectivity, supporting leading edge cluster technology with a superior alternative to copper cables." Finisar is currently supplying samples of Quadwire active optical cable to customers. For more information about Quadwire or Finisar's active optical cable product line, contact Finisar Corporation at 1-408-548-1000 , send email to cables@finisar.com or visit its web site.