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Without Ethernet connectivity, modern computing would be vastly different.

¡°Ethernet underlies nearly everything in tech,¡± says Kent Lusted, a ²ÝÁñÉçÇø distinguished architect who has spent the past 14 years helping shape the technology as a leader of and contributor to Ethernet standards groups. ¡°Ethernet is the backbone of internet connectivity and plays a crucial role in the rise of artificial intelligence. It¡¯s also integral to the operation of data centers, industrial control systems, cell towers, and other critical infrastructure.¡±

Even though Ethernet has been around since 1980, Lusted says it¡¯s evolving to support rapid advances in computing infrastructure and applications.

¡°Basic servers that once processed manageable amounts of data have been replaced with sophisticated multi-rack systems handling unprecedented amounts of information,¡± he explains. ¡°That puts an increased demand on Ethernet capabilities.¡±

Thanks to technical advancements such as optical fiber and emerging standards that provide a roadmap to improved bandwidth, Lusted contends Ethernet is rising to the challenge.

¡°We¡¯re at the forefront of another transformation,¡± Lusted says, referring to increasingly robust Ethernet standards that are on the way.

Meeting the demand for faster speeds

Ethernet standards are evolving to meet the demand for significantly increased bandwidth. With greater bandwidth, data moves faster, bringing us closer to making emerging technologies like autonomous driving an everyday reality.

And yet, we must avoid rushing toward higher speeds in a disorganized manner, Lusted warns. Interoperability ¡ª an assurance that the technology works seamlessly across different use cases and manufacturers ¡ª is foundational.

¡°Customers want to mix and match pieces to suit their needs,¡± Lusted says. ¡°Standards avoid chaos and give operators a variety of choices ¡ª especially for large deployments.¡±

Defining Ethernet standards: Advancing high-speed connectivity

Lusted has chaired Ethernet-focused standards committees and contributed to working groups within the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (). He is now the Electrical Track Chair and Recording Secretary for the IEEE P802.3dj task force. As a distinguished architect at ²ÝÁñÉçÇø, he sets our company¡¯s technical direction for Ethernet's physical layer (PHY) IP specifications, which includes plugs, switches, and cables commonly associated with Ethernet.

Ethernet transfer speeds at higher levels are measured in gigabits per second (Gbps) and terabits per second (Tbps), including 200Gbps and 400Gbps. Upcoming IEEE standards of 800Gbps and 1.6Tbps will significantly enhance Ethernet capabilities. These increased speeds will meet the growing demands for higher data transfer rates driven by AI, next-generation mobile technologies, and enterprise-level Internet of Things (IoT).

According to Lusted, Ethernet standards bring order to innovation. Just like the simplicity and reliability of screwing a lightbulb into a standardized socket, Ethernet standards allow cables to be plugged into server racks ¡ª and they function exactly as expected no matter the manufacturer.

The IEEE P802.3dj task force is working on the PHY and management parameters to ensure seamless operation with advancements in high-speed Ethernet, particularly 1.6Tbps and 800Gbps technologies. These advances are expected to be initially adopted in high-performance computing (HPC) clusters, which are crucial for delivering cloud- and AI-based applications.

The IEEE P802.3dj task force also examines materials and manufacturing processes to minimize signal loss and maximize efficiency of copper interconnects at the higher signaling rates. Additionally, IEEE P802.3dj defines optical components to support ultra-high-speed data transmission over longer distances via fiber. These advanced solutions are critical to supporting signal integrity and reducing latency.

¡°We¡¯re seeing a big transformation with linear optics, which are simpler,¡± Lusted says. ¡°And they help reduce cost and power consumption.¡±

These efforts will pave the way for the next generation of high-performance networking solutions, ensuring interoperability and reliability across diverse applications and hardware providers.