How high-density fiber connectivity is shaping AI’s future in data centers
Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) are in the process of visibly revolutionizing the world. At the same time, they are also quietly transforming network architectures—pushing hyperscalers toward yet unseen levels of speed, efficiency and scalability. To meet these incredible demands, hyperscalers are building high-density fiber networks that make use of connectors having small form factors (SFF) or very small form factors (VSFF). These connectors are smaller and more efficient than traditional connectors, allowing for more connections in less space. However, such connectors require meticulous inspection to ensure peak performance given the massive data processing capabilities required by AI and ML applications.
VSFF connectors at the forefront
- SN-MT and MMC connectors: Connectors like SN-MT (short-term connect) and MMC (multi-fiber, multi-channel) are becoming more prevalent in the context of AI and ML. These connectors support 12, 16 or 24 fibers, significantly ramping up network capacity and performance. Their compact size and high fiber count make them ideal for high-density environments. They also exhibit low insertion loss, ensuring efficient data transfer and low latency.
- SN connectors: SN (Senko new) connectors are a new generation of duplex connectors designed for high-density applications. These compact dual-fiber connectors are designed to maximize port density and performance in modern fiber-optic networks. They exhibit low insertion loss and high return loss.
SFF connectors holding the fort
- LC connectors: Widely used for connecting optical transceivers and patch panels, LC connectors are small form factor connectors that enable high-density connectivity. They are known for their compact size, making them ideal for crowded racks and panels.
- MPO connectors: These multi-fiber push-on/pull-off connectors are designed for high-density applications, typically supporting up to 24 fibers in a single connector. They are essential for parallel optics applications and high-speed data transmission, making them a staple in today’s data centers.
Do or die inspection: are your connectors dirty or damaged?
How do you ensure these high-density connectors function optimally from the start? How can you avoid the headache of returning onsite to find and fix a connectivity issue through the maze of fiber? The answer is eloquent in simplicity: rigorous fiber inspection during installs. Contaminated or damaged connectors can spell disaster—think signal loss, increased error rates, and dreaded network downtime. This is where fiber inspection tools come into play. The EXFO FIP-500 is a game-changer in this regard, providing the industry's fastest inspection results. Extremely user-friendly, it is the industry’s first inspection scope capable of handling single-fiber, multi-fiber and duplex connectors.
One inspection scope for single-fiber, multi-fiber and duplex connectors
The FIP-500 is designed to meet the demanding requirements of connectivity for hyperscalers, but what makes the FIP-500 a game-changer?
- Inspecting VSFF and SFF connectors: Versatile and future-proof, the FIP-500 is capable of inspecting up to 4 rows of 8/12/16/24 high-density connectors (SN-MT, MMC, LC, MPO) and has the largest range of tip adapters in the industry to match any connector, in all settings possible.
- Fully automated: The FIP-500 provides a fully automated fiber inspection experience with auto-focus, auto-centering, auto-capture and auto-analysis. In addition, the tips use an RFID chip detection capability to automatically configure the settings according to the tip used.
- 11-hour battery life: Zero-button testing tool that works all day without needing to recharge batteries or offload results. The FIP-500’s robust 11-hour battery life is perfect for large-scale data center builds and operations.
- Long-reach: The FIP-500 provides longer reach tips designed for better handling for inspection in dense panels.
- Wide field of view and enclosed focus mechanism: The FIP-500's wide field of view allows for comprehensive inspections, while the enclosed focus mechanism protects against dust and contaminants, ensuring reliable performance in any environment.
- Ergonomically angled screen: Struggling with hard-to-reach places? The FIP-500’s screen is ergonomically angled for easy viewing, making your job a breeze.
Beyond inspection
EXFO's data center solutions go far beyond inspecting connector endfaces. As pioneers in optical testing, we offer a comprehensive suite that includes optical loss test sets (OLTS), OTDRs, 400G/800G+ high-speed testers, as well as other innovative tools. All are seamlessly connected through EXFO Exchange to leverage cloud capabilities for managing test jobs, sharing test results and ensuring compliance.
In collaboration with major data centers and cabling vendors, EXFO also designs methods of procedure (MoPs) to ensure every aspect of the network is thoroughly tested and validated. From initial installation through final certification to ongoing operations, we improve performance and reliability for data center networks.
