Cloud adoption rates continue to soar as global enterprises look for efficient software, platform, and infrastructure solutions. According to Gartner, 90% of businesses worldwide will use some form of cloud computing by 2027. For data centers, this means that commonly used fiber optics technology may not be sufficient to keep up with rising networking demands. Innovations like single lambda transceivers are paving the way for staggering increases in data transmission scalability.
Single Lambda Technology in a Nutshell
Single lambda technology leverages a single light wavelength to transmit a high volume of data over great distances. The result is a 100 Gbps connection with the versatility, speed, and simplicity of pluggable optics.
The goal of single lambda tech is to meet the expanding needs of multi-terabit routing, transporting, and packet switching networks cost-effectively. Put simply, today’s data centers need scalable alternatives to meet and exceed 100 Gbps connections, reaching 400 Gbps and beyond.
Backed by industry standards set by the 100G Lambda Multi-Source Agreement consortium and IEEE specifications, single lambda optics are quickly becoming a “future-proof” investment for enterprise IT. With improvements like PAM8 on the horizon, single lambda setups promise forward and backward compatibility for cutting-edge data processing.
How Single Lambda Optics Work
Single-lambda optical systems take advantage of several advances in telecommunications technology to streamline data transmission and maximize transfer rates:
- Digital signal processing: DSP uses advanced algorithms, compression, modulation, and equalization to convert electronic data into high-precision digital streams with outstanding fidelity.
- Pulse Amplitude Modulation 4-Level: PAM4 encoding allows for double the signal information in transmissions compared to Non-Return-to-Zero systems. PAM4 networks can transmit 2 bits per signal level.
- One data stream: Using a single lambda simplifies data transmission over long distances compared to conventional 100G technology, which relies on four combined 25 Gbps streams.
On the technical side, single lambda optics work by converting four NRZ layers to one 50GBaud PAM4 signal. This way, the transmission only needs to use a single 1210 nm wavelength.
An Example of Single Lambda Simplicity
To better visualize why single lambda is such a leap forward in networking, imagine a streamlined supply chain.
Traditional 100G networks would be like a manufacturer that outsources assembly and order fulfillment. Products have to go through a complex process, with a third-party warehouse packaging goods onto pallets, loading them into containers, and sending them to the destination.
Single lambda networks are like an organization that handles everything in-house. Before leaving the factory, products are fully assembled, packaged, and ready to ship. This reduces complexity, minimizes errors, and lowers overall costs.
Single Lambda 100G Technology Versus QSFP28 100G
Many enterprises and data centers currently use 100G QSFP28 technology to achieve 100 Gbps rates. There are several types of 100G QSFP28 receivers, but all follow the same template of four NRZ wavelengths operating at 25 Gbps each.
Even though NRZ transceivers are capable and widely used, they fall short compared to PAM4 because of equipment requirements and cost. To manage multiple wavelengths (e.g., 1271 nm, 1291 nm, 1311 nm, and 1331 nm), it’s necessary to use more components:
- Clock Data Recovery for every lane, both for transmitter and receiver sides
- Laser and Laser Driver per lane on transmitter side
- Trans-Impedance Amplifier, Linear Amplifier, and photodiode per lane at the receiver
- Multiplexing at transmitter and demultiplexing at receiver
With PAM4 and single lambda, there’s no need for parallel fiber, multiplexers, or demux units. Only one LD and laser are necessary for the transmitter and one TIA, LA, and PIN combo at the receiver.
PAM4 signals are comparable to CWDM in max distance, but they don’t usually require Forward Error Correction, either. A single laser handles transmission, reducing infrastructure complexity significantly.
The Advantages of Single-Lambda Optical Systems
What does the simplified architecture of single-lambda mean for data centers, cloud service providers, payment gateways, and other organizations?
1. Rapidly Scalable Bandwidth
Transmitting 100 Gbps in a single wavelength means that it’s possible to use four pluggable single-lambda 100G connections to achieve a 400G aggregate data rate with minimal hassle. This type of setup is compatible with 400G QSFP-DD, 400GBASE-DR4 modules, and 800G transceivers using PAM4. Reaching this level of throughput with mainstream fiber optics requires far more complexity, cable volume, and power.
2. Cost-Effective Telecommunications
The higher the speed of networking connections, the greater the cost of optical components. In a 400G network, optics can account for up to 80% of project costs. Single lambda solutions significantly reduce the number of optical lanes, lowering hardware requirements and allowing data centers to use IT budgets more efficiently. According to the IEEE and the MSA, single-lambda optical standards can save organizations at least 40% compared to four-lane 100GB QSFP28 modules.
3. Upgrade Flexibility
One of the biggest advantages of single-lambda technology is that 100G lanes with PAM4 signals are backward compatible with QSFP28 pluggable optics. Condensing four channels into a single fiber allows for enhanced transmission without making current systems obsolete.
This technology is also in line with advancements in QSFP112 modules and AI servers. Enterprises can approach upgrades on a site-by-site basis, scaling when the time is right to maximize the value of investments.
4. Streamlined Hardware Installation and Maintenance
High-speed, advanced fiber optic connections require precision to function correctly and maintain data quality. Single lambda networks can reduce the potential for human error by simplifying site infrastructure. With fewer LD, TIA, LA, and mux/demux components to configure, setup and maintenance take less time and effort.
Applications for Single-Lambda Optics
Single-lambda technology is a large step forward for any organization that needs short-range, high-velocity, cost-effective optical infrastructure. Common applications include:
- Data center operations (e.g., virtualized servers and high-radix architecture)
- 5G networking
- Enterprise network infrastructure
- Cloud computing and storage
- University LANs
- Server-to-server OAuth connections
Single lambda optics connect point A to point B efficiently and effectively.
Prepare for the Future With Single Lambda Optical Solutions
At Equal Optics, we’re leaders in fiber optic technology for organizations of every size. We support enterprises with legacy optics, cutting-edge equipment, and replacement components for OEM systems. Work toward 400G data transfer rates at your own pace with QSFP28 hardware, 100G single-lambda optics, and other equipment. Discover high-performance network solutions today.
