Fibre Channel’s speed roadmap defines a well-understood technological trend: the need to double the bit rate in the channel without doubling the required bandwidth.
In order to do this, PAM4 (pulse-amplitude modulation, with four levels of pulse modulation), enters the Fibre Channel physical layer picture. With the use of four signal levels instead of two, and with each signal level corresponding to a two-bit symbol, the standards define 64GFC operation while maintaining backward compatibility with 32GFC and 16GFC.
You can learn all about 64GFC at our next live FCIA webcast “Will You Still Love Me When I Turn 64GFC” on December 11, 2018. This advanced technical session will cover the T11 standards which define 64GFC serial Fibre Channel, backwards speed auto-negotiation compatibility, and compatible form factors, discussing:
- New physical layer and specification challenges for PAM4, which includes eye openings, crosstalk sensitivity, and new test methodologies and parameters
- Transceivers, their form factors, and how 64GFC maintains backward compatibility with multi-mode fibre cable deployments in the data center, including distance specifications
- Discussion of protocol changes, and an overview of backward-compatible link speed and forward error correction (FEC) negotiation
- The FCIA’s Fibre Channel speed roadmap and evolution, and new technologies under consideration
Register here to join us on December 11th for what is sure to be an insightful discussion. My FCIA colleagues (many of whom are obviously big Beatles fans!) will be on hand to answer your questions.
