The rapid increase in demand for games, movies and other services in the cloud, as well as the growth of IoT (Internet of Things) applications, is accelerating the need for data centers to evolve towards their next technological wave: the 400 Gb/s optical networks, known in short as 400G. Offering solutions to prepare data centers for this new level has been the focus of Furukawa's investments and strategy for this segment.

Based on its experience in this area and in the long-term commitment with the market, Furukawa created the 400G-Ready Data Center program. "This concept amasses products, solutions and services designed to support current and future 400G applications in data centers" explains Flávio Marques, manager of the company's Application Engineering area. "It covers both intra data center area and the interconnection between them, or any mission-critical environment," he adds.

The technology reference for the 400G is the Ethernet protocol. According to Marques, various interfaces using this protocol are already available or under development - such as (400GBASE-SR4.2 and 400GBASE-DR4), allowing the use of multimode or single mode fibers. “One of the advantages of the 400G-Ready concept is the flexibility to meet different needs regarding increased speed, over different distances,” he says.

One solution suggested for intra data center environment is OM5 fiber. In some cases, this multimode fiber is able to run 400Gb/s up to 150 meters. Based on SWDM (Shortwave Wavelength Division Multiplexing) technology, OM5 fiber can carry up to 8 wavelengths in a single multimode optical fiber - which maximizesdata center infrastructure. Furthermore, OM5 fibers are fully backward compatible with Ethernet or Fiber-channel legacy networks.

However, Marques emphasizes that the 400G-Ready strategy data center is not limited to offer products like optical fibers or special MPO connectors, or even management software. “It is a wider concept, from consulting and basic design, where Furukawa suggests the topology and network architecture best suited to make the most of the new 400G infrastructure, up to support to the operation," he emphasizes.   “It is also possible to review running data centers and upgrade them to 400G-Ready infrastructure ", he concludes.

According to Flávio Marques, this is one of the main advantages of Furukawa. In addition to solutions for 400G-Ready Data Centers, the company offers a set of services like basic-design, inspections during deployment, onsite training, improved logistics and 25 year extended warranty (according to program rules). “It is the combination of these efforts that ensures the success of the design and make the data center 400G-Ready”,he emphasizes.

Marques also points out that, while promoting this solution, Furukawa performs constant watch on the industry, participating in normative forums and monitoring the market movements. "At some point, there will be an evolution to 800 Gb/s, and/or 1.6 Tb/s. When this time comes after the approval by the standardization bodies, we will adapt our offer. However, for the short and medium term, the most significant adoption will be 100 Gb/s and 400 Gb/s," concludes the manager of Furukawa