Point2 Technology has developed a revolutionary cable called the e-Tube, that can dramatically improve data center efficiency. This cutting-edge technology uses eight thin polymer waveguides. Each waveguide can carry a staggering 448 gigabits per second, at both 90 gigahertz and 225 GHz frequencies. The new, internally routed e-Tube cable also reduces the overall physical footprint even further. Simultaneously, it increases performance, making it a powerful replacement for copper cabling.
Nine years ago, these industry veterans from Marvell, Nvidia and Samsung founded Point2 Technology. Since then, the company has led revolutionary advancements in data transmission technology. The e-Tube, with its compact design, occupies half the area of a conventional 32-gauge copper cable while offering up to 20 times the reach. This incredible achievement comes as the data center industry is facing increasing pressure to be more efficient and cost effective.
The support of Molex, a key leader in the communications cable and connector ecosystem, has been key for Point2 Technology. With $55 million in venture financing under its belt, the company is using that fortune to guide them deeper into uncharted waters with their world-class technology. When they begin production on the necessary chips for a new 1.6-terabit-per-second capacity cable later this year, the rest of the industry will be watching keenly.
The Technical Advantages of e-Tube
Point2 Technology’s e-Tube cable was engineered to exceed the performance of existing optical systems. e-Tube excels in simple installation, versatility, and cost effectiveness. Most importantly, it uses a third of the power of optical systems and is a third the cost. Additionally, it has very low latency, approaching one-thousandth of that in optical solutions.
The e-Tube fiber optic cables carry more than 200 gigabits of data per second. This unique capability allows for rapid data movement over great distances. In particular, he highlighted the disadvantages of traditional copper cables, an occurrence frequently referred to as the “copper cliff”. He points out that by using their technology they can achieve much greater reach without significant loss of signal, in some cases over 10 or 20 meters.
“You start with passive copper, and you do everything you can to run in passive copper as long as you can.” – Don Barnetson
This pronouncement highlights the precarious position of everyone still dependent on copper technologies. Just as with e-Tube, users can look forward to a new era of highly efficient and reliable data transmission technology.
Market Implications and Competitive Landscape
Amping up the competitive atmosphere in the data transmission arena is Point2 Technology’s innovation. AttoTude, a second startup, is pursuing similar technologies that would aim to introduce radio capabilities into data centers. Whatever the ultimate vision for this transportation mode, the increasing demand for smarter travel solutions suggests a market ready to be disrupted.
Credo too has taken great strides with its AEC technology. Now it can deliver a jaw-dropping 800 Gb/s over distances up to 7 meters. The competition is fierce, but the stakes could not be higher! Moreover, Nvidia has announced plans to increase the maximum number of GPUs per system from 72 to an astounding 576 by 2027. This major increase in demand for critical, high-performance data processing underscores the critical need for better connectivity solutions.
“Customers love fiber. But what they hate is the photonics.” – Dave Welch
Consumers have come to trust the advantages of fiber technology. For many the sheer detail and complexity of photonic systems can be daunting.
Future Prospects in Data Transmission
Point2 Technology, an American technologies company based in Austin, is preparing to launch its e-Tube cable. This rollout will revolutionize data centers and change how they operate hugely. The e-Tube’s long-distance data transmission capabilities would greatly enhance the smart city concept. Combined with minimal latency, it represents a true game-changer for the industry.
GM Dave Welch joined the conversation and added to it, comparing the inherent reliability of electronic systems versus optics. He stated, “Electronics have been demonstrated to be inherently more reliable than optics.” This perspective illuminates a growing faith. This radical change in the field of data transmission has led many to see electronic solutions as the possible cornerstone for future advancements.
“If I didn’t have to be at [an optical wavelength], where should I be?” – Dave Welch
This line of questioning raises essential questions about what the future of data transmission technologies will look like. It’s equally revealing in terms of showing how innovations like Point2’s e-Tube cable will slot into this changing world.