From 25/100G to 400G: A Competitive Analysis of Optical Modules & Components

Demand for higher bandwidth across the network from the edge to the data center is driving the market for 100 Gbit/s solutions. Third-generation modules enable cost-effective 100G connectivity in data center, enterprise, metro and long-haul networks. For most optical networking applications, 100G ports are now lower-cost per gigabit than multiple 10G or 40G ports. The shift to 4x25G serial interfaces for optical module and backplane connections has opened up new opportunities for 25G ports in data centers and storage networks. 100G long-haul is now well-established and vendors are starting to deploy 400G solutions. This report details 25/100G technologies and their application to 25G, 40G, 100G and 400G ports, identifying and analyzing the full spectrum of vendors developing optical modules and components.