IEEE advances delivery of 100 Gb/s Ethernet with launch of IEEE P802.3bj task force

PISCATAWAY, USA: IEEE has approved work on a new amendment to the IEEE 802.3 Ethernet standard. Led by the IEEE P802.3bj Task Force, this latest work will enhance the 100 Gb/s Ethernet physical layer (PHY) capabilities defined in IEEE Std 802.3baTM-2010. The IEEE P802.3bj project aims to specify 100Gb/s operation over backplanes and short-reach copper cable assemblies to enable the development and delivery of lower-cost, higher-density 100Gb/s solutions.

“From the challenges of ever-increasing front-panel capacities to continuing advances in processors, high-performance computing, and server virtualization technologies, the ability of systems to meet spiraling bandwidth demands remains challenging,” said John D’Ambrosia, chair, IEEE P802.3bj Task Force and chief Ethernet evangelist, CTO Office, Dell. “By expanding on the solid foundational standards work already completed, IEEE P802.3bj will provide better options for system designers to minimize or eliminate the bandwidth bottlenecks facing end-users.”

With the launch of the Task Force, members are ready to begin collaboratively defining four-lane, 25Gb/s electrical signaling architectures that will support 100 Gb/s Ethernet operation across backplanes up to one meter in length and copper cable operations up to at least five meters in length. Furthermore, IEEE P802.3bj will specify maximum compliance and compatibility with other IEEE 802.3 installations.

As the application of Ethernet increasingly becomes the preferred backplane interconnect technology for applications, such as modular servers and telecom networks, and over twinaxial copper cables for both intra- and inter-rack connections, IEEE P802.3bj will enable users to stay apace of rapidly increasing bandwidth demand. By facilitating higher speeds and greater densities, it holds broad relevance for multiple applications, such as blade servers and data centers. The task force is already supported by a diverse array of stakeholders, including semi-conductor, server, and network storage device manufacturers, component vendors, and telecommunications carriers.

“The industry and users alike are looking for creative, forward-looking solutions that will allow them to leverage today’s technology innovations, such as 100Gb/s Ethernet,” said David Law, chair, IEEE 802.3 Working Group and distinguished engineer, HP Networking. “As the capabilities of 100 Gb/s Ethernet are enhanced with IEEE P802.3bj, the resources, expertise and leadership that are the hallmarks of IEEE will support the continuing evolution of Ethernet to higher speeds and capabilities.”