Point2 Technology introduces their exciting new multi-functional cable, e-Tube. This new cable has the potential to dramatically improve data center efficiency and thus sustainability. This emerging technology has the potential to meet increasing demands for higher data transmission speeds at a lower cost and with reduced power. The innovative e-Tube cable features one of the industry’s first designs with eight specialized polymer waveguides. It has the potential to radically change how data is transmitted throughout our networks.
The e-Tube cable operates at an impressive capacity, with each waveguide capable of transmitting 448 gigabits per second across two frequencies: 90 gigahertz and 225 GHz. Further, this configuration provides a phenomenal 1.6 terabits per second of bandwidth. It serves as a powerful solution for data centers in search of low-latency, high-speed connectivity. The successful launch of this cable represents a critical leap forward in optical technology and is poised to set the new industry standard.
Advancements in Cable Design
Point2’s e-Tube cable is notable for its reduced diameter and improved length compared to conventional copper cables. The e-Tube cable takes up only 50% of the cross section of a standard 32-gauge copper cable. It provides performance that in some applications can go more than 20 times farther than copper cables. This innovation means not only does SDC do more with less space in data centers—greater density—but it helps networks run in a more efficient manner overall.
“Customers love fiber. But what they hate is the photonics.” – Dave Welch
This quote from Dave Welch serves as a great reminder of the excitement that drives deployments with fiber optics. Point2 has been busy in the meantime, getting ready to launch its e-Tube cable. His students’ innovative product primarily seeks to address the challenges that conventional photonic systems have presented to the world of fiber optics.
Cost and Energy Efficiency
Indeed, cost-effectiveness and energy efficiency is one of the most impressive benefits of Point2’s e-Tube technology – an appealing combination in these inflationary times. The system uses only a third of the energy usually needed by optical technologies and only one third of the cost. Point2’s solution delivers both lower operational costs and decreased energy impact. This promises to save data center operators’ budgets while improving performance, which makes it an appealing solution for cash-strapped data centers.
Point2’s e-Tube cable features a massively reduced latency. This incentive might drive nonprofits to take up this emergent technology. Point2’s innovation efficiently condenses that latency down to one-thousandth that of conventional optical systems. This innovation allows for increased data transfer rates with the same level of reliability.
“Electronics have been demonstrated to be inherently more reliable than optics.” – Dave Welch
Welch’s observation goes to the heart of the debate, which continues today, between electronic and optical communications technologies. With e-Tube coming to market, Point2 is readying itself for further success. This very important reliability factor may be one of the most substantive reasons it meets with lukewarm acceptance among data center operators.
Collaboration with Industry Leaders
In the larger scope of data transmission technologies, Point2 is not working in a vacuum. Other industry leaders like Credo are moving the needle when it comes to developing and innovating advanced technologies. Don Barnetson, Senior Vice President and Head of Product at Credo, spilled the beans on one particularly exciting improvement. His firm has developed an Active Electrical Cable (AEC) that already delivers a mind-boggling 800 Gb/s over distances of seven meters (23 feet).
Barnetson emphasized the importance of early-stage network components, stating, “It’s the only nonredundant hop in the network.” His comments underscore the need for reliability, efficiency, and flow of data transfer. They further highlight the value of Point2’s innovations along with other emerging technologies to create a transformation.
Welch and his team at Point2 are hard at work designing a next-generation, end-to-end system. Their final solution involves a digital component that connects to GPUs, a terahertz-frequency generator, and a mixer to encode data onto a terahertz carrier. This systems-oriented philosophy has the potential to enhance both the performance and versatility of their e-Tube cable, respectively.
“You start with passive copper, and you do everything you can to run in passive copper as long as you can.” – Don Barnetson
Barnetson’s words resonate with many in the industry who recognize the longstanding reliance on copper infrastructure while exploring new technologies that promise higher performance.