Point2 Technology has now proclaimed the launch of its new generation data cable, the e-Tube. This new and innovative technology should revolutionize the data center by greatly increasing transmission speeds. This new fiber is truly remarkable, at a capacity of 1.6 terabits per second. That’s just the start — by providing a more efficient, lighter-weight alternative to traditional copper cables, it will fundamentally upend the networking environment.
The e-Tube cable, a design that originated with NASA’s space communications research division, includes eight thin polymer cables, each able to transmit 448 gigabits per second. This unique design enables each of the eight fibers to carry more than 200 gigabits of data per second. The end result is that the performance of the e-Tube is downright amazing. That’s why this new development comes at such an opportune time. Bandwidth demands are increasing exponentially, particularly in environments requiring high-speed data transmission.
Point2 Technology’s mission is to eliminate the increasing burdens of using traditional wiring. David Kuo, a representative of Point2 Technology, explains why copper cables reach their limits as they get closer to terabit-per-second speeds. He states that “as bandwidth demands on copper cables approach the terabit-per-second realm, physics demands that they be made shorter and thicker.” This mirrors the urgent demand for smaller, lighter alternatives that can deliver the same level of performance.
Compact Design and Extended Reach
One of the most impressive attributes of Point2 Technology’s e-Tube cable is its small, unobtrusive cable. Easier and more compact than copper. Compared to traditional copper cabling, the space-intensive e-Tube takes up only half the space. This reduced footprint is important for today’s data centers which often feature a premium on space. Check out e-Tube cable’s 2,700 mm (106 in.) max length! It is capable of covering ranges of 10-20m with very high signal quality.
Because the engineering behind the e-Tube cable uses radio frequencies, manufacturing is sped up through the use of mass production at existing silicon foundries. This design improves reliability while reducing complexity and cost in the manufacturing process. David Kuo emphasizes the importance of this technology, stating that it allows Point2 Technology to begin manufacturing chips capable of supporting the 1.6-terabit-per-second transmission speeds later this year.
“You start with passive copper, and you do everything you can to run in passive copper as long as you can.” – Don Barnetson
Credo’s Don Barnetson further underscores the industry’s ongoing reliance on copper. Besides the above, he proposes a major overall focus on new technologies, including the e-Tube cable.
Collaborative Innovations with AttoTude
Point2 Technology’s mission to improve data transmission capabilities wouldn’t be possible without collaboration. The firm has joined forces with AttoTude to create synergistic technologies using these new millimeter-wave and terahertz frequencies. These joint developments, which could yield new transceiver-processor packages, have the potential to outperform all existing optical technologies.
Combined with AttoTude’s cutting-edge optical technologies, Welch thinks their joint efforts have unique advantages to offer over other optical technologies. He points out that “customers love fiber. But what they hate is the photonics,” indicating that while fiber optics are favored, the complexities associated with photonic systems often deter users. Welch further asserts that “electronics have been demonstrated to be inherently more reliable than optics,” suggesting a strong future for electronic-based solutions in data transmission.
“If I didn’t have to be at [an optical wavelength], where should I be?” – Dave Welch
Welch’s question points to a very important and significant trend on the industry’s rise. There’s a growing appetite for looking beyond optical wavelengths, which has the potential to revolutionize how data centers think about connectivity in the future.
Industry Impact and Future Prospects
Point2 Technology was started nine years ago by expats from big-tech in companies like Marvell, Nvidia, and Samsung. Since then, it has raised a total of $55 million in venture capital funding, including a significant recent write from Molex. This financial support sets Point2 Technology up for success as it looks to deepen its impact within the data center industry.
The e-Tube cable could not have arrived at a better time. As we mentioned earlier, organizations are aggressively looking for robust solutions to meet their expanding data demands. As Don Barnetson articulates, Point2 Technology’s innovation is vital because it represents “the only nonredundant hop in the network.” Such a claim highlights the importance of trustworthy links within business networks.
With its high-speed capabilities and compact design, Point2 Technology’s e-Tube cable could potentially redefine standards for data transmission in data centers, offering unprecedented efficiency and reliability. Technology is changing at a breakneck pace, and bandwidth requirements are increasing exponentially. Innovations such as the e-Tube will be key to how we impact and connect with our world in the coming years.