Point2 Technology and AttoTude are the other two emerging startups. They’re changing the game for data center connectivity by adding sophisticated new radio technology into the mix. These companies aim to deliver solutions that surpass traditional copper cabling, addressing the increasing demand for faster and more efficient data transfer. Point2 has had more time to polish its technology than AttoTude. Together the two companies will make a historic, transformative impact on the data center landscape.
Point2 Technology has developed a pioneering e-Tube cable that uses eight tiny polymer waveguides. Each waveguide is capable of carrying a staggering 448 gigabits per second. It does so by utilizing two frequencies of 90 gigahertz and 225 GHz. The cumulative capacity of Point2’s innovative cable is an eye-popping 1.6 terabits per second. On the other hand, AttoTude has really focused on just creating unique, individual parts. These comprise a digital information processing chip, a terahertz-signal generator and specialized circuitry for combining signals.
These advanced technologies were developed to meet the more urgent demands presented by aging copper cables. Those cables are approaching their current limits in data transmission capabilities. David Kuo, vice president of product marketing and business development at Point2 Technology, has aptly dubbed this phenomenon the “copper cliff.” This term describes the situation to a tee.
The Promise of Radio Technology
Point2 Technology’s e-Tube cables offer the potential to drastically improve data center efficiency. These cables consume just 50% the space of legacy 32-gauge copper cables. They provide astounding transmission distance, with up to 20x greater distance. Such extraordinary innovations produce intelligent, ubiquitous connection across a wide range from 10 to 20 meters. Your limitations come from wanting to maintain high signal quality without significant loss.
In a competitive telecom market seeking solutions beyond the well-documented struggles of copper, Point2’s technology is uniquely positioned to address those challenges. The startup has successfully secured $55 million in venture funding, with notable investments from industry leaders such as Molex, a major manufacturer of computer cables and connections. This commitment from investors highlights the trust that investors like Wavemaker Partners and others have in Point2’s promise to revolutionize the data center industry.
Point2’s e-Tube technology will initially be used on pluggable connections. This important step opens the door for more widespread adoption of the technology. Lenitz/Point2 Point2 and AttoTude combine radio transceivers with processing units. This method reduces the amount of processing needed to transmit data and increases efficiency across the system.
AttoTude’s Component Innovations
AttoTude, while newer to the scene compared to Point2, has made significant strides by focusing on the individual components necessary for radio technology integration. The firm’s inventions tap the terahertz frequency range of 300 to 3,000 GHz. Whether it’s through holographic reality or quantum key distribution, this technology provides incredible new avenues for high-speed data transmission.
Dave Welch, founder and CEO of AttoTude, underscores the benefit of their technology. Customers love fiber! They absolutely hate the photonics,” he emphasizes, illuminating one of the biggest challenges in fiber optics for data transmission. Welch counters that electronics are just fundamentally more reliable than optics. This highlights just how much AttoTude is focused on radio-based solutions.
That’s where the company hopes to go, beyond traditional optical wavelengths, and investigating the alternatives that can enable much more efficient ways of moving data. Welch’s question, then, is “If I didn’t have to be at [an optical wavelength], where should I be? Answering this question gets to a key objective of the industry. Our professionals are already looking for the new, cutting edge technology that meets increasing demands for faster and more reliable service.
Challenges and Industry Perspectives
We believe that radio technology is incredibly powerful. Both Point2 and AttoTude have a hard time gaining traction in an industry that has historically been reliant on copper. Don Barnetson, senior vice president and head of product for Credo, notes that it’s critical to begin with passive copper. His recommendation is to do everything you can to keep using passive copper for as long as you’re able to. This sentiment is reflective of the apprehension that many of the data center operators have when it comes to adopting new technology.
While Point2 and AttoTude continue to develop their lovely innovations, they both need to build long-term reliability into their solutions. The term “link flap” has emerged in discussions about photonic systems, highlighting potential issues that can undermine their effectiveness over time.
Both companies clearly understand these challenges. For those making honest efforts, they’re working hard to make sure that what they’re coming up with goes above and further beyond what the industry is doing today. There, safety is trumped by demands for reliability and performance metrics. This strategy allows them to establish trust with new clients that may still be reluctant to depart from tried-and-true technologies.