Finisar Corporation, a company specialized in fiber optic solutions for high-speed networks, announced Quadwire, a 40 gigabit per second (Gbps) optical link for data centers and high-performance computer clusters.

 

Built on Quad (4-channel) Small Form-factor Pluggable (QSFP) optical module specification, the Quadwire is capable of transmitting parallel high-speed data over ribbon multi-mode fiber.

 

Quadwire, Finisar’s second optical cable product, is a parallel active optical cable that provides a 40 Gbps aggregate link via four 10 Gbps full-duplex channels. Quadwire marks Finisar’s entry into parallel connectivity, supporting leading edge cluster technology with a superior alternative to copper cables, says Jan Meise, director of strategic marketing at Finisar.

 

As InfiniBand supercomputing clusters move from double data rates (DDR) to quad data rates (QDR), traditional copper cables present physical challenges to the system. “Active Optical Cables are quickly becoming the next generation interconnects of choice for high-speed datacenter connectivity,” commented Meise.

 

Copper cables are heavy and bulky. Moreover data integrity deteriorates as the distance increases. On the contrary, Quadwire, with its parallel 4x10 Gbps optical bi-directional link, meets the needs for increased data rates in longer lengths (up to 100 meters) while offering a lighter weight solution and much smaller bend radius.

 

Another feature of Quadwire is vertical cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL) array technology from Finisar, a feature that offers 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,” explains Jag Bolaria, senior analyst at the industry analysis firm 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.”

 

California-based Finisar provides fiber optic subsystems and network test systems that enable high-speed voice, video and data communications for networking, storage, wireless, and cable TV applications.

 

The company recently announced a merger with Optium Corporation, another fiber optic solution provider, following an all-stock deal. The merger, according to the companies, results in the creation of world’s largest supplier of optical components, modules and subsystems for the communications industry.