In a recent interview with EE World, John D’Ambrosia, known as the Ethernet Evangelist, discusses the impact of AI on data communications and how the optical communications industry is adapting to these changes.
AI has become a prominent topic of discussion, but without efficient data centers to store and process AI-generated data, the entire concept becomes futile. The ability to move data swiftly to meet demands is crucial for the functionality of data centers. Ethernet plays a significant role in facilitating data movement, both in electrical and optical transmissions. With AI driving data communications at an unprecedented rate, the industry is facing new challenges.
The Ethernet Alliance booth at OFC 2025 included a complete network to demonstrate interoperability.
800 Gbps Ethernet is currently being deployed in large data centers, but the need for faster speeds is ever-present. Developments like 1.6 Tbps (1.6T) are underway to address this need. The transition from 800 G to 1.6T involves considerations like PAM4 modulation and forward error correction (FEC) overhead. The industry is moving towards achieving 400G per lane to meet the escalating demands.
The Ethernet Alliance and IEEE are at the forefront of driving standards development in response to AI’s influence on data communications. Initiatives like IEEE 802.3dj are focused on defining parameters for 1.6T operations and various lane speeds.
To gain insights into standards development and the impact of AI on data communications, a conversation with John D’Ambrosia sheds light on ongoing efforts, the contents of 802.3dj, and the emerging power and thermal challenges associated with AI’s data requirements.
The Interview Transcript
EE World: EE World. I’m senior technical editor Martin Rowe.
The growing prominence of AI is placing strain on networks due to the massive amounts of data that need to be transferred across them.
Engineers are working diligently to keep pace and usher in the next generation of speeds for optical and electrical connections.
To gain insights into industry developments, John D’Ambrosia, the Ethernet evangelist for the Ethernet Alliance, was interviewed. In December 2025, John participated in the Ethernet Alliance’s TEF meeting, focusing on Ethernet’s role in the context of emerging AI’s impact on communications.
