Laserwire

The Laserwire product family from Finisar provides server-to-server connectivity especially targeted to 10 Gb/sec serial Ethernet interconnections. The product family is billed as a replacement to existing CX-4 cabling deployments; offering lighter weight, lower power consumption, and support for longer distances then comparable copper-based wiring.

Specifically, the Laserwire is itself a fiber optic cable, which the vendor demonstrates is less than one-eighth the weight of a comparable CX-4 cable and claims consumes nearly 95% less power than 10GBase-T deployments. As such, the Laserwire's initial target audience is those environments that are themselves loading up on 10 Gb/sec cards and connectivity; especially HPC environments. The vendor offers Laserwire cables in lengths of 3, 5, 10, and 30 meters; with longer lengths available on request.

The RoHS compliant and lead-free cables support a single 1 to 10.3125 Gb/sec bi-directional data link between computers. Connections are made via a proprietary connector that the vendor states is as wide as an RJ-45, and can therefore facilitate usage in high-density deployments, such as 48 port 1U switches (the vendor intends to license the connector design to other vendors, with the hope of a future standards definition). For compatibility with existing 10 Gb/sec gear, the vendor also offers SFP+ and XFP adapter modules that allow the cable to be used between devices sporting those interfaces.

Other features include a small cable bend radius, and a visible LED link indicator (on the cable-side of the connector).

Laserwire is expected to debut in HPC farms in 2008. Contact Finisar for further information.