Frequently Asked Questions
What will the 400G Optical MSA Group define?
The 400G Optical MSA Group will define the next generation of direct detect optical interfaces that address the industry’s need for higher speed interfaces. Specifically, specifications based on 400 Gb/s PAM4 single wavelength optical technology needed in optical interfaces for Ethernet-based AI infrastructure.
Who are the members of 400G Optical MSA?
The 400G Optical Specification will be developed and refined by the members of the MSA who represent a broad industry outlook who have a focus to develop higher speed optical interfaces to meet industry traffic demands. The initial founding companies will be looking to broaden the membership of the group to drive industry collaboration and consensus. The initial founding companies are: Broadcom, Cisco, MACOM, NVIDIA, and Semtech.
What are the key features?
In its first phase, the MSA will define specifications for 400 Gb/s single wavelength links up to 500 m of single-mode fiber. Subsequently the MSA intends to continue its work to develop a 400 Gb/s link over longer reaches of single-mode fiber. The MSA will leverage IEEE 802.3 specifications and methodologies to incorporate existing FEC schemes with enhanced interleaving to maintain design compatibility with existing system and PHY technologies. Additionally, to enable reliable operation in next-generation AI infrastructure environments, the MSA will aim to include link training and maintenance capabilities.
What applications benefit most from this MSA?
It is expected that interfaces based on these specifications will be deployed across all applications of optical interconnects within hyperscale datacenters.
How will the MSA specifications be related to IEEE 802.3?
The MSA specification will build on P802.3dj’s (200 Gb/s per lane) specifications to develop a 400 Gb/s per lane optical interface specification.
Why does the industry need a 400G Optical standard?
Driven by the growth of capacity of AI infrastructure and the higher density and higher bandwidth interface requirements, 400 Gb/s per lane optical interfaces is a natural evolution to meet these requirements.
How does this MSA relate to other standards or MSA activities?
This effort is intended to be complementary with work happening in other industry bodies such as IEEE 802.3. By focusing on 400 Gb/s per lane, the 400G Optical MSA is providing link level specifications required for next generation AI Infrastructure equipment.
The optical interfaces defined by the MSA are expected to be implementable in common industry approaches such as pluggable modules or Co-packaged optics.
Will the MSA wait to release all the specifications at once?
No, the MSA will begin to work on the 400 Gb/s 500m specification first and publicly release it as it is near completion. It may be possible that a specification will go through more than one revision after release. It is anticipated that subsequent releases, would only revise ambiguities in the specifications as well as introducing a longer reach specification.
Will the MSA define speed beyond 400G?
At this time, the MSA has not made any plans to define specifications beyond 400 Gb/s per lane. The MSA could consider extending the scope of the MSA charter by a majority vote of the members.
When will the first specifications be released?
The MSA anticipates that the first specification will be publicly released before the end of 2026.
Does 400G Optical MSA require a specific technology such as silicon photonics?
No, The MSA is technology agnostic. The MSA membership will include representation across component suppliers, module manufacturers, system providers and end users who are working to ensure that any viable technology that could be used has been considered while developing the specifications. This broad technology and industry view ensures that multiple technologies will be available to the market.
How do I join the MSA or find out more information?
Interested companies will be able to join the MSA membership shortly. For more information, please contact info@400GOpticalMSA.com.