Mastering High-Speed Data Transfer: 800G OSFP VR8 Modules Unveiled

GIGALIGHT
5 min readOct 9, 2023

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1. Introduction

With the continuous development of network technology, the demand for data transmission rates and distances is increasing. The 800G OSFP VR8 module, as a new type of high-speed optical module, adopts the OSFP hot-pluggable form factor with 8-channel full-duplex transceiver module. It has the advantages of high performance, high reliability, and scalability, making it suitable for large-scale data centers and cloud computing networks, among other fields. This article will provide a detailed introduction to the technical features, application scenarios, and advantages of the 800G OSFP VR8 module for technical professionals and users in related fields.

2. Technical Features of the 800G OSFP VR8 Module

1) 8-Channel 850nm VCSEL and PIN

The 800G OSFP VR8 module employs 8-channel 850nm VCSEL (Vertical Cavity Surface Emitting Laser) and PIN (Photonic Integrated Circuit) technology to achieve the transmission and reception of high-speed optical signals. VCSEL is a type of laser that emits vertically from the surface, with advantages such as low power consumption, high efficiency, and low noise, making it suitable for high-speed optical communication systems. PIN is a photonic integrated circuit that can perform high-speed optoelectronic conversion and signal processing.

2) 8x112G PAM4 Modulation

The 800G OSFP VR8 module utilizes 8x112G PAM4 (4-level Pulse Amplitude Modulation) modulation to achieve high-speed data transmission. PAM4 is a four-level pulse amplitude modulation method with higher spectral efficiency and data transmission rates compared to traditional NRZ (Non-Return to Zero) modulation. In comparison, PAM4 can achieve higher data transmission rates and longer transmission distances.

3) Built-In 7nm DSP Chips in Receiver and Transmitter Channels

The 800G OSFP VR8 module integrates 7nm DSP (Digital Signal Processing) chips in both the receiver and transmitter channels to achieve high-speed signal processing and data transmission. The 7nm manufacturing process technology enables DSP chips to have a smaller form factor, lower power consumption, and higher performance, meeting the requirements of high-speed optical communication systems.

4) Compliance with OSFP MSA and 800GBASE-VR8 Ethernet Transmission Protocol

The 800G OSFP VR8 module complies with OSFP MSA (Multi Source Agreement) and 800GBASE-VR8 Ethernet transmission protocol, enabling high-speed and reliable data transmission. OSFP MSA is a multi-source agreement that specifies technical parameters such as the mechanical dimensions, electrical interfaces, and optical performance of OSFP optical modules, providing interoperability for equipment from different manufacturers. 800GBASE-VR8 is an Ethernet transmission protocol that defines data transmission standards and related technical parameters for speeds of 100Gbps and above.

5) Using 8 Pairs of Parallel Multi-mode Fiber for Transmission, Achieving a Maximum Distance of 30m (OM3 MMF) or 50m (OM4 MMF)

The 800G OSFP VR8 module employs 8 pairs of parallel multi-mode fiber (MMF) transmission technology to enable high-speed data transmission. When using OM3 MMF, the maximum transmission distance can reach up to 30 meters, while with OM4 MMF, the maximum transmission distance can extend to 50 meters. This transmission technology meets the requirements of short-distance data centers and cloud computing networks, offering a cost-effective and scalable solution.

6) 2xMPO12 or MPO16 Optical Interfaces

The 800G OSFP VR8 module features 2xMPO12 or MPO16 optical interfaces for high-speed optical signal input and output. MPO (Multi-fiber Push-on) is a type of multi-fiber push-pull connector that enables high-density and high-reliability optical fiber connections. MPO12 and MPO16 represent 12-core and 16-core optical fiber connectors, respectively, meeting the requirements of data centers and cloud computing networks of different scales.

7) Power Consumption <14W

The power consumption of the 800G OSFP VR8 module is less than 14W, demonstrating low energy consumption and high energy efficiency. This is crucial for large-scale deployments in data centers and cloud computing networks, reducing operational costs and carbon emissions.

8) Support for CMIS 4.0 Protocol Version

The 800G OSFP VR8 module supports the CMIS (Common Management Interface Specification) 4.0 protocol, enabling centralized management and monitoring. CMIS is a universal management interface specification that provides standardized management and monitoring interfaces, facilitating centralized management and troubleshooting of network equipment.

3. Application Scenarios of the 800G OSFP VR8 Module

1) Large-Scale Data Centers

With the development of emerging technologies such as cloud computing and big data, the demand for large-scale data centers is continuously increasing. The high speed, high reliability, scalability, and low energy consumption of the 800G OSFP VR8 module make it the preferred optical module for large-scale data centers. By using OSFP optical modules and MPO multi-fiber connectors, high-density and high-reliability optical fiber connections can be achieved to meet the high bandwidth requirements of data centers.

2) Cloud Computing Networks

Cloud computing networks require high-speed and reliable data transmission and storage to meet the growing business demands. The high speed, high reliability, scalability, and low energy consumption of the 800G OSFP VR8 module make it one of the core optical modules for cloud computing networks. By using OSFP optical modules and MPO multi-fiber connectors, high-speed and reliable data transmission and storage can be achieved, enhancing the performance and reliability of cloud computing networks.

3) High-End Enterprise Applications

High-end enterprise applications require high-speed and reliable data transmission and storage to meet business needs. The high speed, high reliability, scalability, and low energy consumption of the 800G OSFP VR8 module make it one of the core optical modules for high-end enterprise applications. By using OSFP optical modules and MPO multi-fiber connectors, high-speed and reliable data transmission and storage can be achieved, improving business performance and reliability.

4. Conclusion

The 800G OSFP VR8 module, as a new type of high-speed optical module, offers high performance, high reliability, scalability, and low energy consumption. It is suitable for various fields, including large-scale data centers, cloud computing networks, and high-end enterprise applications. By using OSFP optical modules and MPO multi-fiber connectors, high-speed and reliable data transmission and storage can be achieved, enhancing network performance and reliability. With the continuous development of network technology, the 800G OSFP VR8 module will find broader applications.

About GIGALIGHT

As an open optical networking explorer, GIGALIGHT integrates the design, manufacturing, and sales of both active and passive optical devices and subsystems. The company’s product portfolio includes optical modules, silicon photonics modules, liquid-cooled modules, passive optical components, active optical cables, direct attach copper cables, coherent optical communication modules, and OPEN DCI BOX subsystems. Gigalight focuses on serving applications such as data centers, 5G transport networks, metropolitan WDM transmission, ultra-HD broadcast and video, and more. It stands as an innovative designer of high-speed optical interconnect hardware solutions.

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GIGALIGHT
GIGALIGHT

Written by GIGALIGHT

GIGALIGHT is an open optical network device explorer focusing on data center & cloud computing, wireless & 5G, and metro & broadcast networks.