The Ethernet Alliance and Optical Networking Forum showcased interoperability demonstrations reaching data rates of up to 800 Gbps.
San Francisco — In the optical networking ecosystem, where numerous companies and products coexist, interoperability is crucial. The various components such as semiconductors, optical modules, switches, routers, servers, test equipment, and software must not only adhere to standards but also demonstrate their effectiveness in real-world scenarios. This is where industry bodies like Ethernet Alliance and Optical Internetworking Forum play a significant role.
Every year at OFC, members of these organizations collaborate to build networks showcasing the latest advancements in optical networking. In 2025, the adoption of 800G optical connections is well underway, with 1.6T products on display at the event. While these products are not yet deployed or demonstrated by the aforementioned organizations, they are expected to be featured at OFC 2026 in Los Angeles.
Ethernet Alliance
Figure 1. The Ethernet Alliance booth included a complete network to demonstrate interoperability.
During the event, I had the opportunity to speak with David Rodgers, the Chair of Ethernet Alliance Events & Conferences Committee from EXFO, who elaborated on the testing processes conducted by Ethernet Alliance. Rodgers highlighted the extensive range of testing, from basic bit-error rate testing to complex protocol testing.
Rodgers also emphasized the importance of testing various data rates, noting that while storage systems may not require the highest data rates, data centers do. The system demonstration by Ethernet Alliance is depicted in Figure 1.
Optical Internetworking Forum
Figure 2. Because data rates are never fast enough, the OIF is looking into the design and test challenges of 448 Gb/sec (448G) electrical interfaces for optical modules. Image: OIF.
While Ethernet standards are established by IEEE, OIF focuses on developing standards for communications interfaces in both the electrical and optical domains. The organization presented several interoperability demonstrations at speeds ranging from 100G to 800G, with a specific emphasis on electrical-to-optical interface interoperability. OIF currently has specifications for 112 Gb/sec and 224 Gb/sec interfaces, with plans for 448 Gb/sec interfaces in the near future. To delve deeper into this topic, OIF will host its 448Gbps Signaling for AI Workshop on April 15 & 16, 2025 in Santa Clara, California. Figure 2 showcases a slide illustrating the 448 Gb/sec demonstration at OFC.
Figure 3. A CEI-224G-VSR demonstration included equipment from several companies.
At OFC 2025, OIF exhibited interoperability at 112G and 224G, with 448G capabilities on the horizon. The setup depicted in Figure 3 showcases CEI-224-VSR interoperability, connecting a DSP chip with pluggable optics from four manufacturers (Accelink, HGGenuine, Terahop, and Hisense). The setup also includes OSFP module compliance boards from Wilder and Multilane. Data is transmitted through the system via DSP IP from Cadence to a bit-error-rate tester (BERT from EXFO). VSR, which stands for “very short reach,” operates within a distance of 200 mm of host and 20 mm of module through a single connector.
Figure 4. This demonstration of 800G optics included a network switch populated with pluggable modules from several companies.
Figure 4 displays a Juniper Networks switch housing 800G pluggable optical modules from multiple manufacturers. This setup showcases bidirectional data transmission from linear to Retimed Transmitter, Linear Receiver (RLTR). The modules within the switch are connected to test equipment, including a Keysight Interconnect and Network Performance Tester and a Multilane BERT. The test signal utilized a PRBS31 pattern, demonstrating SerDes and extended long reach (ELR) to near-packaged optics (NPO) interoperability.
Figure 5. This demonstration at OFC 2025 shows a 224G link using linear optical modules.
To enhance power efficiency in pluggable optical modules, the industry has developed linear optical modules, also known as low-power modules (LPOs). These modules eliminate the need for a DSP, reducing power consumption and heat generation that necessitates cooling. By relocating the DSP to network equipment, the module costs are reduced. An LPO BER demonstration running at 224G (Gb/sec) is illustrated in Figure 5. The system diagram is depicted in Figure 6.
Figure 6. The demonstration diagram shows the test equipment, a Keysight BERT and high-bandwidth oscilloscope. Image: OIF.
The presentation slides featured in this article, along with additional resources, can be accessed from OIF’s official website at https://www.oiforum.com/meetings-events/oif-ofc-2025/.
