
Demand for faster data transfer, and more of it, has exploded exponentially over the last decade. Even before the pandemic, growth was already at exponential rates, but with the work from anywhere trend and more people gaming and streaming from home, demand rose even further.
With it came an explosion in innovation, and a necessary one. Data Center Interconnects (DCI) Ethernet cable speeds increased from 100 Gb applications to 400 Gb and beyond. Server speeds have gone from 10 Gb to 25 Gb and beyond, with 100 Gb speeds on the horizon, and already in place in some data centers.
The result is that data centers are now frequently operating like edge computing networks. Here is how it works.
Key Takeaways
By the end of this article, you’ll know:
- How Ethernet is optimized in power, reach, and latency.
- How IPUs and edge computing centers address speed optimization of ethernet in data centers.
- What is needed to facilitate deployment of IPUs and edge computing centers.

Optimizing Ethernet in Data Centers
There are four factors in optimizing data center ethernet use: speed, power, reach, and latency. Speed is already being enhanced and optimized by the creation of better and more modern cable designs. But for the other areas, there is still work to be done.
Power
When it comes to power, many data centers have gone green, with their own renewable energy sources. In most cases, they have access to all the power they need. The key is to use it in the most efficient way possible. With more power comes the issue of design, including hot and cold aisle design choices and more.
Reach
Data center architecture must take a holistic approach, whether you are starting from scratch with a new data center or making moves and changes to update its current infrastructure. Everything from switches and routers to transceivers and overall physical design, reach must be weighed by efficiency vs. cost.
Latency
Finally, latency is related to the final user experience. When it comes to gaming or video conferencing, low latency is the expectation, while when conducting internet searches, it’s not as critical, but can still be an issue for users. As speed increases and fast becomes the norm, latency expectations change with it.
These three areas are critical to how ethernet is used in data centers, but it is far from the only one.

Infrastructure Processing Units
How we manage this need for speed is changing on the hardware and software side of things as well. Infrastructure Processing Units (IPUs) run Software Defined Networking (SDN) programs away from the server core. This saves critical server bandwidth, but it comes with an additional load cost.
As these advances develop, the demand for new and better ethernet cables arises. And as ethernet cables advance, IPUs hardware and software applications evolve as well. Both improve in sync with the other. It’s a developing relationship, but one data center manager’s must take advantage of.
Edge Computing Centers
One solution to speed is to move the data center closer to the end user. This has been a developing trend, but increasingly data centers are expanding to distributed models where the interconnections between resources drive both power and speed, creating a better overall experience for the end user, and reducing latency.
This comes with challenges. As edge computing rapidly becomes the norm, that latency KPI gets lower and lower. Low latency is key, and specifically, DCI applications are critical to meeting new standards. Ethernet connections are a vital part of this change and growth.
The Need for Speed
What’s needed to make all of this work? The first is optical transceivers, which allow data centers to make reductions in the power they use, but enables them to increase bit rates at the same time. This allows for the increase of speed in the leaf-spine connections, a critical component in any data center, but especially those that are hyperscaling.
This does not come without challenges, as not all ethernet cables are created equally, and interoperability can become an issue.
To help with this, high-speed breakout cables are often used. These cables have one end that supports the aggregate rate and the other end is a series of disaggregated interfaces. With their speed comes performance challenges, especially over distances. However, there has been some rapid development in this area.
The New Normal
As 400 Gb speeds become the norm and data centers are increasingly on the edge, there are many advantages. Distributed networks mean easier disaster recovery and backup planning and create the ability to use shared resources to meet shifting demands.
However, this creates some challenges with testing and maintaining KPIs. Interoperability remains a key component of successful deployments.
At AnD Cable Products, we understand these challenges. We offer everything your data center needs, from Zero U rack solutions to every type and style of cable you need. We can customize cables for your application, and offer a variety of other hardware solutions to meet your data center needs. When you are ready to upgrade your cables, make moves and changes, or even deploy a new data center or edge computing center, contact us. We’d love to be your partner in innovation.
FAQs
What is driving the need for faster Ethernet speeds in data centers?
The exponential increase in demand for data, driven by user activities like streaming video and online gaming, is the primary reason for the need for faster Ethernet speeds.
What are the key factors for optimizing Ethernet in a data center network?
The four main factors are speed, power, reach, and latency. These elements must be balanced to create an efficient and cost-effective network.
How are data centers addressing latency issues?
Latency, which is the delay in data transmission, is being addressed through technologies like Infrastructure Processing Units (IPUs) and Software Defined Networking (SDN). Additionally, the growing trend of edge computing helps reduce latency by placing smaller data centers closer to end-users.
What is the role of optical transceivers and breakout cables?
Optical transceivers and high-speed breakout cables are used to increase bit rates and speed in leaf-spine connections, which are a crucial part of many modern data center architectures.
What are the benefits of a distributed network architecture?
Distributed networks offer several advantages, including easier disaster recovery and a simplified method for adding new hardware.
About the Author
Louis Chompff – Founder & Managing Director, AnD Cable Products
Louis established AnD Cable Products – Intelligently Designed Cable Management in 1989. Prior to this he enjoyed a 20+ year career with a leading global telecommunications company in a variety of senior data management positions. Louis is an enthusiastic inventor who designed, patented and brought to market his innovative Zero U cable management racks and Unitag cable labels, both of which have become industry-leading network cable management products. AnD Cable Products only offer products that are intelligently designed, increase efficiency, are durable and reliable, re-usable, easy to use or reduce equipment costs. He is the principal author of the Cable Management Blog, where you can find network cable management ideas, server rack cabling techniques and rack space saving tips, data center trends, latest innovations and more.
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