800G Transceivers: How to Choose the Right One for Data Centers

As the bandwidth demand for data centers and high-performance computing continues to grow, 800G modules are gradually becoming the key interconnect technology for future data centers. Choosing a suitable 800G module has become the focus of operators, data center managers and IT decision makers. This article will give a detailed introduction to 800G modules to help you choose a suitable one among many different types of 800G modules.

What is an 800G Transceiver

The 800G module is one of the core components of high-performance optical communication, which can achieve a data transmission rate of 800G per second. It uses PAM4 modulation to achieve higher data transmission. Compared with the traditional NRZ modulation method, the number of bits per symbol of PAM4 has doubled, and the data carrying capacity is more substantial. The 800G module also uses DSP technology and FEC to enhance the integrity of signal transmission and expand its transmission distance.

The main dimensions of the 800G module are QSFP-DD and OSFP. This size is compact and is an ideal choice for high-density environments. QSFP-DD increases the number of point channels from 4 to 8 by adding additional electrical contacts, and each channel transmits data at a speed of 100Gbps, so that the total throughput reaches 800G. OSFP is designed with 8 electrical channels, each channel supports a transmission rate of 100Gbps, and the total bandwidth is 800Gbps. OSFP is slightly larger than QSFP-DD, but it has stronger heat dissipation capabilities and better future expansion capabilities, supporting higher transmission rates. QSFP-DD is more suitable for transmission in high-density environments and can support more ports.

Key Parameters to Consider When Selecting 800G Transceivers

Transmission distance

When selecting 800G transceivers, the first thing to consider is the transmission distance. Different module designs can meet different application requirements. For example:

800G SR8 uses multimode fiber for transmission, and its transmission distance is 50 meters, which is an ideal choice for short-distance transmission and interconnection of internal equipment in data centers.

800G DR8 uses single-mode fiber for transmission and supports a transmission distance of 500 meters. It can be used for some medium- and short-distance transmissions, such as the interconnection between different computer rooms in high-performance data centers.

800G 2FR4 supports 2 kilometers of data transmission and is suitable for some medium-distance applications, such as the connection between two different data centers.

The specific transmission distance will also be affected by factors such as fiber quality, external environment, and potential signal attenuation. To ensure the stability and reliability of signal transmission, it is necessary to fully consider current and future possible applications before deploying the network to ensure that the transceiver has sufficient flexibility when facing future networks.

Connector type

The connectors of 800G modules are very different from those of 100G modules. 100G modules usually use MTP connectors, while 800G modules have more connector types. For example, QSFPTEK's QSFP-DD 800G DR8 module uses MTP/MPO-16 APC connectors, while OSFP 800G DR8 uses Dual MTP/MPO-12 connectors. OSFP 800G 2FR4 uses Dual Duplex LC connectors, while QSFP-DD 800G 2FR4 uses Dual Duplex CS connectors. When you choose an 800G module, you need to evaluate the infrastructure, including fiber type, connector type, and supported network protocols, to choose a module that suits you.

Optical module volume

There are two mainstream packages for 800G modules, OSFP and QSFP-DD. OSFP is larger than QSFP-DD and is only applicable to specific OSFP port devices. However, QSFP-DD can be seamlessly backward compatible with 200G/400G networks, without the need to deploy corresponding hardware equipment, with lower costs and more suitable for high-density transmission.

However, OSFP has a wider range of applications. In addition to Ethernet, it can also be applied to InfiniBand and high-performance computing, which can meet advanced network requirements.

If you consider economic benefits and rapid deployment, QSFP-DD is undoubtedly a good choice. If you pay more attention to future scalability, OSFP is a better choice. Because it not only supports 800G, but also supports 1.6T or even higher rates, which is more helpful for future development.

Heat dissipation

Heat dissipation is crucial for 800G transceivers to ensure signal quality and hardware equipment life. Equipment with good heat dissipation can also effectively reduce data center operating costs.

For OSFP and QSFP-DD, OSFP has a larger volume and fin top, which provides a larger contact area between the module and the air, and also provides a larger heat dissipation space for internal electronic devices, thereby greatly improving the heat dissipation capacity. Although QSFP-DD is smaller in size and its heat dissipation capacity cannot be compared with OSFP, its smaller size helps to achieve higher port density.

Power consumption

The power consumption of the transceiver is also a factor to consider, which not only affects the operating cost but also the network efficiency. QSFPTEK's 800G transceiver consumes between 15W and 18W, which is ideal for energy-efficient data centers.

Application of 800G Transceiver

The high bandwidth and high transmission rate of 800G modules make it the first choice for processing large amounts of data traffic, and it can be widely used in some emerging technologies and cutting-edge fields.

High-performance computing: High-performance computing clusters and computers rely on efficient and fast data processing capabilities and data communication between each node. By deploying 800G modules, network bandwidth and data processing and transmission speeds can be greatly increased, and lower latency can be achieved to meet model training and data processing.

Data Center: In the application environment of large data centers, a large amount of data needs to be processed at the same time, and high-speed connections need to be built between servers, storage systems, and switches. 800G modules can meet the growing demand for network bandwidth as technology develops, and improve the overall network performance of data centers.

Autonomous driving: Autonomous driving requires high transmission rates and lower latency to ensure that there is enough reaction time for the autonomous driving model to operate the car and ensure the safety of passengers in the car. By deploying 800G modules, information processing time and feedback time can be effectively reduced, thereby ensuring that the car responds promptly.

AI model training: 800G modules also have great applications in the field of AI. When training AI models, massive amounts of data need to be input to train the AI ​​models. Higher bandwidth and data transmission efficiency can effectively reduce training time, and time is crucial for some commercial businesses, especially in today's Internet era with numerous AI models. Efficiency determines everything. Compared with the splicing solution of multiple 400G modules, 800G modules reduce the number of ports required to achieve the same transmission efficiency, optimize the overall power consumption of the network, and can support higher total bandwidth.

QSFPTEK 800G Transceiver Overview

Conclusion

800G transceivers are essential for the growing bandwidth demand and evolving network technology. They can help your company pursue cutting-edge technology and achieve breakthroughs. Whether it is AI model training, autonomous driving, or big data analysis, it plays an important role. Whether it is using QSFP-DD for fast, cost-effective deployment or using OSFP for more future scalability, it will help your business grow.