Point2 is a technology based firm, led by industry veterans from Marvell, Nvidia and Samsung. Their focus is to disrupt the data center connectivity market by providing a new radio technology. In collaboration with the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, the company has developed an innovative system that significantly enhances data transmission efficiency while reducing costs.
Using advanced 28-nanometer CMOS technology, Point2’s new e-Tube cables promise to consume only one-third of the power required by traditional optical systems. This innovation will enable data centers to reduce their operating costs, providing a win-win solution that’s greener and gentler on the bottom line. The e-Tube cables are designed to carry over 1.6 terabits per second, with each of the eight slender polymer waveguides capable of transmitting 448 gigabits per second at two frequencies: 90 GHz and 225 GHz.
This trend is exemplified by the launch of Point2’s new technology, which enables a giant leap forward in data transmission capabilities. Thanks to their radically different mechanics, the new cables can do this with one-thousandth the latency of optical systems. They’re prepared to handle the ever-growing loads of today’s data centers.
Innovative Design and Performance
Point2’s e-Tube cables have eight e-Tube fibers. Each fiber is capable of carrying more than 200 gigabits worth of data every second! The design was made to be load-lightweight and compact, with fibers just 200 µm in diameter. Point2’s cable only uses about half the volume of a traditional 32-gauge copper cable. This small-footprint design gives operators an incredible 20x further reach than legacy copper solutions.
Performance metrics reveal that Point2’s system is capable of covering distances up to 10 to 20 meters. It accomplishes this with minimal sacrifice, exceeding copper substitutes. That’s all thanks to fiber optic cables that bring losses down to 0.3 decibels per meter. This is a big advance over typical copper cables carrying 224 Gb/s. This optimization leads to improved performance and it also reduces the operational costs for data centers.
“If I didn’t have to be at [an optical wavelength], where should I be?” – Dave Welch
Industry enthusiasts and enthusiasts agree that Point2’s approach makes a lot more sense. Dave Welch notes, “Customers love fiber. What they hate is the photonics.” This negative perception of optical systems could be considered a symptom of a developing preference for simpler and more robust electrical solutions.
Economic Advantages and Market Implications
The economic and market potential of Point2’s technology are enormous. The new e-Tube system expenses only one-third that of optical systems. Such a small affordable price point enables the AI chip to be an attractive option for data centers looking to maximize their efficiency. When combined with lower power usage, this affordability creates a powerful value proposition. Our clients are able to improve their infrastructure at a lower overall cost.
Point2’s groundbreaking technology will make it easier to transition from inefficient copper systems. It seeks to address some of the obstacles posed by optical environments. 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.” This is indicative of a wider industry trend to implement low-cost, short-term solutions before building upon them with more advanced, long-term technologies.
The company is preparing to begin mass production of the new chips that will energize those new cables. This action speaks volumes of the company’s deep commitment to scaling this technology. With its high-performance, communication-oriented features and cost-effective positioning, Point2 could set a new standard in the data center market.
Future Prospects and Industry Response
Point2’s innovations might be ushering in an era where data centers take a new approach to connectivity. This increasing expectation for higher speed and higher quality of data transmission is putting immense pressure on all stakeholders to find more creative solutions than ever before. Point2’s e-Tube cables not only deliver on the promise of improved performance; they also take meaningful steps to power consumption and cost-effectiveness.
David Kuo shared challenges with relying solely on copper infrastructure. It comes at a steep price. He calls it the “copper cliff.” This metaphor is a poor substitute for acknowledging the dire need for alternatives. Point2’s e-Tube technology is one piece of the puzzle to meet the gap between today’s abilities and tomorrow’s requirements.