IEEE approves standards initiatives for 25 Gigabit Ethernet, 50, Gigabit Ethernet, 200 Gigabit Ethernet

After setting objectives in its January 2016 meeting (see "IEEE sets objectives for 200 Gigabit Ethernet"), membership of the IEEE has approved the creation of several standards initiatives focused on 25 Gigabit Ethernet, 50 Gigabit Ethernet, and 200 Gigabit Ethernet. The new work also will benefit 100 Gigabit Ethernet applications.

The new work, approved earlier this month, will take the form of two new projects and a modification to the existing IEEE P802.3bs 400 Gigabit Ethernet project. The two new task forces include IEEE P802.3cc, focused on 25 Gigabit Ethernet, and IEEE P802.3cd, which will work on 50 Gigabit Ethernet as well as options based on 50 Gbps for 100 Gigabit Ethernet and 200 Gigabit Ethernet.

The IEEE P802.3cc 25 Gb/s over Single-Mode Fiber Task Force will develop new 10-km and 40-km PHYs for single-mode fiber. Its work will complement ongoing efforts by the P802.3by 25 Gb/s Ethernet Task Force (see "IEEE launches new 25 Gigabit Ethernet, 50-Gbps Ethernet Study Groups" and "25 Gigabit Ethernet: It works already, test event shows").

As its name states, the IEEE P802.3cd 50 Gb/s Ethernet, 100 Gb/s Ethernet and 200 Gb/s Ethernet Task Force will work on three different data rates. The effort will focus on common 50-Gbps optical and electrical signaling technologies across the three rates. The Task Force will develop copper and multimode fiber PHYs for all three Ethernet rates as well as single-mode fiber PHYs for 50 Gigabit Ethernet.

The expanded charter of the IEEE P802.3bs 400 Gigabit Ethernet will complement the P802.3cd's work on 200 Gigabit Ethernet by handing the development of PHYs for single-mode fiber versions of 200 Gigabit Ethernet.

"The demand for Ethernet continues to expand rapidly throughout the industry driving the need for market relevant standards to support the adoption and growth of Ethernet," said David Law, chair, IEEE 802.3 Ethernet Working Group. "These latest IEEE 802.3 Ethernet Working Group projects will address the increasing needs for speeds targeted at specific application areas, and help ensure best practices are implemented through the principles of standardization."

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