Point2 Technology is ready to disrupt the data transmission market. They’re already in production on the high-tech chips that will power an innovative new 1.6-terabit-per-second undersea cable set to launch later this year. This cutting-edge technology significantly increases the efficiency of data centers. It incorporates a novel structure with eight slim polymer waveguides, with each of them able to carry 448 gigabits per second. This new cable system represents a big change for the industry. It’s a reaction to the faster, more robust and more efficient data transfer solutions available today.
Point2 recently developed its e-Tube cable, which includes eight e-Tube fibers. Each fiber provides enough speed to transmit more than 200 gigabits of data every second. The e-Tube cable footprint, meanwhile, is one half the size of an equivalent 32-gauge copper cable. Despite its small size, it can still go an extraordinary length of up to 20 meters. Together, Point2 is at the forefront of this new technological evolution. We strongly support the development of new technologies that can provide an intermediate solution between optical and copper technologies.
Advancements in Cable Technology
Point2’s e-Tube cable system uses state-of-the-art terahertz technology, running in the frequency range from 300 to 3,000 GHz. This novel architecture enables dramatic reductions in power savings, cost effectiveness, and latency. The system currently consumes just a third of the power required by conventional optical systems. It costs us only one-third of their price (yes really) and provides latency that is sometimes one-thousandth their latency.
Each end of Point2’s e-Tube cable is equipped with a small silicon chip that converts digital data into modulated millimeter-wave frequencies. This architecture allows the antenna to inefficiently radiate signals into the waveguide thus maximizing data transmission and minimizing signal degradation. Point2’s second-generation cable incorporates fibers that are roughly 200 µm in diameter. Thanks to this clever design, they achieve exceptionally low loss at only 0.3 decibels per meter.
“If I didn’t have to be at [an optical wavelength], where should I be?” – Dave Welch
This quote from Dave Welch really explains the agility that Point2’s technology brings to the table with regard to wavelength selection. By shifting out of the conventional optical wavelengths, Point2 is pioneering new frontiers by unlocking efficient data transmission opportunities.
Addressing Industry Challenges
The technological innovations introduced through Point2 arrive as a welcomed respite to the trials and tribulations plaguing data centers. With the growing need for more bandwidth and higher data speeds, the time for passive copper alternatives has run out. As Don Barnetson states, “You start with passive copper, and you do everything you can to run in passive copper as long as you can.”
According to Barnetson, the industry currently is moving toward liquid cooling solutions. This decision continues to make it easier to scale while sticking with the outdated passive copper infrastructure. This transition underscores the shortfalls of traditional approaches in addressing today’s challenges.
Point2’s system offers a game-changing solution by combining the strengths of both optics and copper together. The RAI does one better by addressing their shortcomings as well. The company’s advocacy for this hybrid solution shows how far it is willing to go to be a smart city innovation leader.
“Customers love fiber. But what they hate is the photonics.” – Dave Welch
Welch’s statement rings true under the particularly discerning taste buds of today’s consumers. Data centers are another force driving for improved efficiency and reliability. Point2’s technology is the only solution that not only satisfies customer requirements but addresses the complexities of optical systems.
Financial Backing and Future Prospects
Point2 already made waves when it raised $55 million from venture capitalists, including prominent participation from Molex. This financial support highlights the confidence investors have in Point2’s promise to disruptive data transmission technology. The company’s focus on developing an efficient and effective alternative to current systems could pave the way for widespread adoption across various sectors.
While Point2 is excited to push new boundaries, they are committed to tackling key challenges around reliability and performance. Dave Welch emphasizes that “Electronics have been demonstrated to be inherently more reliable than optics.” This kind of reliability might be the last piece for locking down Point2’s reputation as a leader in the industry.
Point2 intends to begin manufacturing chips by the end of the year. This decision places them to make tremendous progress in the data distribution realm. The company stands committed to developing solutions that are environmentally sustainable and economically beneficial. This renewed commitment further cements its leadership in technological innovation across data centers.