Point2 Technology recently presented their unique solution to this challenge. All around, this solution improves data center efficiency by filling the void between legacy copper cables and existing optical technologies. The company’s direct-to-cloud approach offers the bold counter-intuitive alternative that’s sure to transform how data is transmitted and stored in these facilities. Addressing concerns about power consumption, Point2 created the e-Tube cable system to require much less power. It avoids high costs and latency, making it a very appealing option for organizations looking to drive greater efficiency in their data architecture.
The R&D behind the e-Tube cable’s development leads back to a single silicon chip. This chip allows the conversion of incoming digital data to modulated millimeter-wave frequencies, transmitting them through an antenna, into a photonic waveguide. Point2 applies this innovative technology to solve the most important and immediate issue, which is of course, scaling up artificial intelligence (AI) models. Indeed, these models are even more important in today’s data driven landscape.
Advancements in Cable Technology
Point2’s e-Tube cables are revolutionizing the industry of data transmission. They’re made up of eight e-Tube fibers, with each individually capable of transporting more than 200 gigabits of information per second. This development enables Point2’s cables to reach significant distances while still delivering high speed performance. The e-Tube cable has 53% of the cross-sectional area of a typical 32-gauge copper cable. It can send information 20 times farther at the same time!
The first chips it intends to manufacture will enable a 1.6-terabit-per-second cable, made up of eight ultra-thin polymer waveguides. Each waveguide is designed to carry 448 gigabits per second by using two frequencies—90 gigahertz and 225 GHz. This engineering breakthrough makes Point2’s technology much more competitive in the industry. It’s remarkable in general, but even more so when considering current optical technologies.
“Customers love fiber. But what they hate is the photonics,” – Dave Welch
Advantages Over Traditional Technologies
Point2’s system shows a number of benefits compared to traditional optical technologies. Even better, the e-Tube cable is extremely energy-efficient, drawing just a third of the power required for optical systems. Best of all, it’s one-third the price! Moreover, Point2’s solution has latency rates as low as one-thousandth of those of its optical competitors. Any of those improvements would make a world of difference in how data centers operate, especially as organizations look to increase their digital footprint.
Additionally, Point2’s technology takes advantage of radio frequencies that can be fabricated in a traditional silicon foundry. This capability is more robust electronics compared to optics and makes production much easier. David Welch, the founder of Point2, emphasizes the benefits of this transition:
“Electronics have been demonstrated to be inherently more reliable than optics.” – Dave Welch
Funding and Future Prospects
Point2 Technology has managed to raise $55 million in venture capital funding so far. Among those investments was a notable one by Molex, a major manufacturer of computer cables and connections. This monetary support will complement Point2’s development efforts as it moves ahead with its pioneering e-Tube technology.
This is an area of active research and development for Point2. The firm said it wants to build upon its results of broad Market exploration and development into photonics. The collaboration with AttoTude signifies a commitment to advancing radio technology for data centers, an area that has seen growing demand due to the ever-increasing volumes of data generated daily.
“If I didn’t have to be at an optical wavelength, where should I be?” – Dave Welch