December 4, 2006 -- The Ethernet Alliance (www.ethernetalliance.org), an industry group dedicated to the expansion of Ethernet technology, announced that the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) 802.3 Higher Speed Study Group (HSSG) voted to support 100 Gbit/sec as the next speed for Ethernet.
In addition, the IEEE 802.3 HSSG also agreed to support reaches of at least 100 meters on OM3 MMF (multimode fiber) and of at least 10km on SMF (singlemode fiber).
"While 100G Ethernet has been touted in the press, the HSSG took the time to hear presentations and discuss the next speed jump," comments said Lucinda Borovick, director, data center networks, for the technology research firm IDC (www.idc.com). "Ultimately, it was perceived that the ROI requirements would be balanced by the investment in the 10x increase in speed. The decision by the group continues to validate the industry's belief in Ethernet's long tradition of increasing speed in increments of 10x."
"The Ethernet Alliance is excited about the recent events in IEEE 802.3," adds Brad Booth, president of the Ethernet Alliance. "HSSG achieved a major milestone in deciding to support 100 Gigabit Ethernet as the next speed for Ethernet. This is an important first step, and the Ethernet Alliance fully supports the work of the HSSG."
The Ethernet Alliance also announced that it will be a sponsor at the upcoming Optoelectronics Industry Development Association (OIDA - www.oida.org) event. OIDA is a Washington D.C.-based, non-profit association that promotes optoelectronics. The upcoming event brings together senior executives and government decision makers in optoelectronics industries including communications, solid state lighting, industrial lasers, solar energy, defense and security, sensors, medical and displays.