Ethernet Innovation Powers Up AI: Highlights from ECOC 2024
At ECOC 2024, the Ethernet Alliance’s interoperability demo showcased an eye-popping range of Ethernet innovations ranging from 10GbE to 800GbE, highlighting its critical role in networking, HPC, and artificial intelligence (AI). As Ethernet Alliance Chair Peter Jones notes, “AI is driving new requirements and Ethernet is gearing up to meet these emerging industry needs.” The demo illustrated Ethernet’s ability to support demanding AI applications by ensuring high-speed, low-latency, and scalable solutions.
These interoperability demos are a complex orchestration made up of many moving parts, and are made possible by the expertise of Ethernet Alliance technical leads, including Michelle Havard of Keysight and Keith Cole of VeEX. We recently spoke with Michelle and Ethernet Alliance Conferences and Events Chair David J. Rodgers of EXFO, to gain insights into the most important takeaways from our ECOC 2024 demo.
What stood out the most in the Ethernet Alliance’s 2024 ECOC interoperability demo?
Michelle Havard: The demo provided ECOC 2024 attendees with a unique opportunity to see emerging technologies firsthand, underscoring the importance of highlighting innovations with proven interoperability. While digital signal processing (DSP)-based transceiver interconnects remain fundamental, we were excited to introduce linear drive pluggable optics (LPO) interconnects. LPOs offer significant cost-savings and power reductions for 800G and 1.6T pluggable modules, which will be essential to the coming AI network buildout. The Ethernet Alliance played a pivotal role in bringing this to the forefront.
David J. Rodgers: My key takeaway from the event is the significant advancement in the maturity and interoperability of 800G technologies contributed by Ethernet Alliance member participants. These included the complete range of consumer products and attendant test tools. The improvements made in the few scant months between OFC 2024 and ECOC 2024 are quite notable, illustrating the fact 800G solutions are deployment-ready.
How is AI impacting Ethernet speeds, and what strategies will Ethernet employ to keep pace with its rapid evolution?
Michelle Havard: Ethernet speeds continue to grow to support the rapid scaling of AI networks. It is moving so fast that the technology is being built before standards are defined and ratified. One strategy is implementing LPOs. As the AI network continues to be built out, LPOs offer a cost and power reduction for 800G and 1.6T pluggable modules.
David J. Rodgers: Ethernet is the backbone of the AI revolution, period. The surge in new standards and speeds is being fueled by AI/ML technologies. Over the past year, the 800G market has reached early maturity and the ecosystem supports readily available and robust products. We’re now on the cusp of 1.6Tb Ethernet, AI deployment roadmaps are pushing the boundaries of network performance further than ever before.
What makes multi-vendor interoperability a game-changer in today’s fast-evolving Ethernet landscape?
Michelle Havard: AI is accelerating Ethernet speeds by driving the need for faster, more efficient data transfer to handle the processing demands of AI/ML workloads. To keep pace, Ethernet is evolving through multiple strategies: moving towards ultra-high speeds like 800G and 1.6T to facilitate seamless data exchange between AI processors and storage systems, adopting technologies like LPOs for cost and power efficiency, and reinforcing multi-vendor interoperability to ensure seamless integration across diverse network environments. These advancements position Ethernet to remain a robust foundation, future-proofed for the next wave of AI-driven innovations.
David J. Rodgers: As Ethernet speeds increase exponentially, the need for effortless multi-vendor interoperability has become more important than ever. Subtle variations in vendor implementations, once acceptable at lower speeds, are now significant hurdles. Today’s data center managers must navigate a complex landscape of products and speeds, making interoperability the cornerstone of reliable operations. Without consistent interoperability testing, as supported by the Ethernet Alliance, integrating diverse solutions would be a very daunting task.
As you reflect back on ECOC 2024, is there anything else you’d like to add?
Michelle Havard: Preparing these comprehensive demos, with their rich mix of interconnects, network fabrics, and endpoints demands significant forethought and dedicated efforts from all involved. We prioritize Ethernet speeds from 10GE to 800GE, and both high-speed copper and fiber connects, in single mode and multi-mode alike. Our displays encompass short reach optics and coherent optics operating at 100G, 400G, and 800G rates. One highlight of this year’s demo was the 1x 800GE QSFP-DD800 to OSFP800 converter cable, spotlighting the adaptability of connecting multiple devices with varying connector types. All these interconnect examples attest to the breadth and depth of Ethernet’s interoperability which is the ultimate goal.
David J. Rodgers: Each year, the ECOC experience improves with exceptional seminars, exhibitors, and meaningful show floor displays. Engaging with European customers provides invaluable insights into their unique challenges, needs, and market dynamics. These interactions not only strengthen connections but also help direct future initiatives, ensuring we remain at the forefront of Ethernet innovation.
The commitment and support of participating member companies make these Ethernet Alliance interoperability demonstrations possible. There is no better ‘real world’ depiction of the broad scale of existing and emerging Ethernet technologies functioning as intended. I must also emphasize the success of these demonstrations is only secured by the leadership, dedication, expertise, and ‘interoperability’ of the volunteer Tech-Leads working in conjunction with the member companies’ technical teams. A huge thanks to all on behalf of the Ethernet Alliance!
Interested in joining our upcoming interoperability demo at OFC 2025? Existing members can contact Jennifer at Jennifer@ethernetalliance.org. To learn more about Ethernet Alliance membership benefits, please visit https://bit.ly/JoinEthernetAlliance.
