How to Plan 800G Uplinks for AI Cluster Growth
Learn how to plan an 800G AI network for cluster growth, including where 800G fits, where it does not, and how to scale without overbuilding.
General
Pre-Handoff Checks for Optics and Cabling in Customer Deployments
Use this optics deployment checklist to verify compatibility, labeling, patching, and test results before handoff, reducing escalations after install.
Rack-to-Rack Connectivity: Choosing Between DAC, AOC, and Transceiver Plus Fiber
Compare DAC vs AOC vs transceiver plus fiber for rack-to-rack connectivity. Learn how reach, airflow, serviceability, and growth plans should guide data center link design.
Single-Mode vs Multimode Fiber for AI Data Center Expansion
Compare single-mode and multimode fiber for data center expansion. Learn how distance, 400G and 800G plans, and cable standardization affect the right choice.
Understanding Fiber Polarity in High-Density Data Center Deployments
Learn how fiber polarity affects high-density data center deployments, where mistakes happen, and how to plan cleaner installs with less rework.
When to Retire, Requalify, or Reuse Optical Transceivers
Learn how to decide when to retire, requalify, or reuse optical transceivers in the data center. Practical lifecycle guidance for operations teams focused on reliability, documentation, and lower redeployment risk.
What to Compare When Evaluating High-Speed Optics Quotes
TL;DR A strong optics quote does more than list SKUs and pricing. It should show how the parts fit your environment, what assumptions were used, and where the real project risk sits before you issue a purchase order. What you will learn: Why Quote Comparisons Often Miss the Real Risk Many high-speed optics quotes look …
How to Write Better Optical Connectivity Requirements into an RFP
TL;DR Many optics RFPs fail because they ask for a speed and a quantity, but leave out the operational details that decide whether a proposal will actually fit the environment. A better optical connectivity RFP defines the platform, form factor, reach, fiber type, connector requirements, validation expectations, and approval workflow up front. Why Many Optical …
How to Start Planning for 1.6T Optics Without Overcommitting Too Early
1.6T optics matter as a roadmap topic for AI and high-density data center growth, but they are not an automatic upgrade target for every team. The right move is usually to prepare your architecture, cabling choices, validation process, and platform standards now, while making broad 1.6T commitments only when workload growth, lane economics, and switching roadmaps clearly support them.
