IEEE 802.3 study group to move forward with 100 Gigabit Ethernet

DECEMBER 5, 2006 -- The Ethernet Alliance (search for Ethernet Alliance), an industry group dedicated to the continued success and expansion of Ethernet technology, has officially announced that the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) 802.3 Higher Speed Study Group (HSSG) voted to support 100 Gbits/sec (search for 100-Gigabit Ethernet) as the next speed for Ethernet.

In addition, the IEEE 802.3 HSSG also agreed to support reaches of at least 100 meters on OM3 MMF (multimode fiber) and at least 10 km on SMF (singlemode fiber).

"While 100-G[igabit] Ethernet has been touted in the press, the HSSG took the time to hear presentations and discuss the next speed jump," reports Lucinda Borovick, director of data center networks at IDC. "Ultimately, it was perceived that the ROI requirements would be balanced by the investment in the 10x increase in speed. The decision by the group continues to validate the industry's belief in Ethernet's long tradition of increasing speed in increments of 10x," she says.

"The Ethernet Alliance is excited about the recent events in IEEE 802.3," adds Brad Booth, president of the Ethernet Alliance. "HSSG achieved a major milestone in deciding to support 100 Gigabit Ethernet as the next speed for Ethernet. This is an important first step, and the Ethernet Alliance fully supports the work of the HSSG."

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