Optical Interconnect Networks for Data Communications

In this invited tutorial paper, we review the changing nature of data center networks and the role played by optoelectronics in future network designs. Conventional network protocols will be reviewed, including Ethernet, Fibre Channel, and InfiniBand, and requirements for WAN connectivity between data centers. The transition to converged networks based on lossless Ethernet will be discussed, including FCoE and RoCE protocols. Industry roadmaps for bandwidth, port density, and scalability of optical links will be presented, and optical transceiver form factors including QSFP, CFP, and active optical cables will be discussed. The role of software defined networking (SDN) in next generation data center networks will also be presented in this context.