Ethernet traffic over passive copper DAC at DesignCon 2019

Cisco’s N3432D-S 32-port 400Gpbs Ethernet switch will be used in the demonstration. Real-time analysis on AresONE will showcase test results of pre-FEC (forward error correction) per lane BER (bit error rate) of around 1E-9. The superior performance of the ‘inherent’ BER of the cable provides ample margin for the KP4 FEC to correct these errors, resulting in zero Frame Loss Ratio (FLR). The impressive operation of a 400Gbps Ethernet DAC over a three meter cable demonstrates that the companies’ innovative solutions fulfil industry standard IEEE specs.

“Through strategic collaborations, we are providing the expertise needed to achieve solutions that not only meet the needs of the industry, but also support the speeds that are required for the next-generation of high-speed, high-density networking,” said Scott Sommers, Group Product Manager at Molex and Co-Chair of the QSFP-DD MSA.

Ram Periakaruppan, Vice President, Product Development, Ixia Solutions Group, Keysight Technologies, added: “Keysight is excited to participate in this industry’s first public demonstration of live Ethernet traffic to Cisco’s N3432D-S over Molex direct attached cables using our award-winning second generation 400GE QSFP-DD test system, AresONE. It is vital to continue to deliver higher density test systems to support advances within the market to address customers’ needs.”

Mark Nowell, Distinguished Engineer, Cisco Data Center Switching, stated: "Cisco is pleased to see our vision on QSFP-DD continues to be proven to be the leading industry solution. The deep experience of the industry with the QSFP form-factor enables continual innovation to meet the growing market needs for 400 Gbps Ethernet and beyond.”