As a member of the Linear Pluggable Optics Multi-Source Agreement (LPO-MSA) Group we support this week’s release of the specification for 100Gbps/lane linear pluggable optics (LPO) single-mode optical data transmission. This first spec presented by the industry standard body established last year targets multi-vendor link interoperability up to 800Gb ethernet connectivity.
We join 49 additional MSA group members elevating the value of integrated silicon photonics and optical network solutions in development of this and future specifications to achieve broad market adoption of linear pluggable fiber optic links. Our NPG10202 LPO+ PIC chip is built for interop to signal our commitment to the vital introduction of multi-vendor interoperability for optical connectivity in next-generation data center interconnect in this era of massive data for AI, HPC and quantum compute.
In his summary of the announcement, our head of connectivity stated:
“As the expanding landscape of compute workload utilization continues to be shaped by AI, fundamental architecture support for evolving compute and network demands must achieve significant leaps in speed to effectively meet data transmit requirements,” said Doron Tal, NewPhotonics SVP & GM, Optical Connectivity. “Linear Pluggable Optics (LPO) architecture directly addresses critical speed and power improvements, and the standardization efforts by the LPO MSA are vital in driving multi-vendor compatibility that fosters widespread adoption with confidence in the reliable performance of next-generation optical interconnect solutions.”
Meet the LPO MSA Group
The LPO MSA includes networking, semiconductor and fiber optics companies forming the necessary specifications for networking equipment and optical modules to drive development of ecosystem-wide interoperable LPO solutions. The specification includes component, module, and system-level interoperability requirements that build on IEEE 802.3 and OIF in support of electrical and optical interfaces operating at 100 Gb/s per lane. You can access the full spec here.
Specifications developed by the standards group formed in 2024 will target the industry-wide challenges of power reduction, latency improvement and cost efficiency while simultaneously delivering fast and more reliable optical interconnect in the data center. This sets the stage for ongoing collaboration among the networking ecosystem to evolve optical interoperability capabilities at 800G and beyond with LPO modules.
The specification defines the necessary optical and electrical requirements for a robust ecosystem of LPO-compatible switch, NIC, and module products. The specification covers 100 Gb/s, 200 Gb/s, 400 Gb/s and 800 Gb/s Ethernet parallel single-mode links. The 100G-DR-LPO specification was validated at two separate interoperability testing events sponsored by member Key Insights, where successful interface demonstrations among a diverse partner ecosystem members showed margins of performance above required link management designated in the specification.
Establishing a basis for meeting and exceeding link reliability requirements is central to delivering on the promise of LPO as a next gen solution to DSP-based connectivity.
Announced just ahead of the 2025 Optical Fiber Communications (OFC) conference, the efforts of the growing membership further validate the rise of LPO as a reliable high-speed optical interconnect solution addressing the demands of AI/ML data processing in hyperscaler and cloud data centers.
LPO MSA Chair comments in the release:
“We are very impressed with the active multi-company collaboration on the LPO MSA specification which enabled a rapid response to the market needs for an interoperable LPO ecosystem.” – Mark Nowell, LPO MSA Chair and Cisco Fellow in optics
“The hard work of the MSA member companies has resulted in a very solid specification. This allows large datacenter operators to deploy 800G LPO modules in volume with confidence” – Andreas Bechtolsheim, LPO MSA Co-Chair and Arista Networks Co-Founder and Chief Architect.
Learn More about LPO
The MSA targets electrical and optical interoperability specifications for high-density networking equipment and pluggable optical modules as well as network switches, NICs, and endpoints that include native Ethernet connectivity (such as GPUs). The specification will drive adoption of LPO for high-speed, high-volume applications such as AI and high-performance computing.
Curious to know more about LPO? Here are just a few of the questions and answers you will find on the LPO MSA website to get you started:
Q: What is Linear Pluggable Optics (LPO)?
A: Linear Pluggable Optics refers to a solution that utilizes a low-power pluggable module that does not incorporate a DSP chip. The signal path from end to end in the link is considered linear, enabling lower power consumption through specialization. As with traditional pluggable modules with a DSP, an LPO MSA-compliant link will work in a full range of networking and computing equipment such as switches and NICs.
Q: What are the advantages of LPO?
A: By eliminating the pluggable module’s DSP/retimer function, LPO modules are lower power, lower cost, and lower latency than competing solutions.
Q: How does this MSA relate to other industry standards?
A: The LPO MSA complements and builds upon other industry standards, such as IEEE 802.3 and OIF, and MSAs such as OSFP or QSFP-DD. The LPO MSA will specify product and system-level interoperability requirements that span both the electrical and optical interfaces operating at 100 Gb/s per lane and above.
Q: Will the LPO MSA’s specifications ensure interoperability?
A: Yes, the LPO MSA will ensure interoperability between network equipment and LPO MSA-compliant modules. The specifications developed by its members will ensure multi-vendor interoperability.
Visit the LPO MSA website to learn more about LPO and discover all of the member companies joining forces on this new standards initiative promoting reliability and delivery of linear pluggable optics. And connect with us directly with your questions about our work in link training and optical signal process.
What are your thoughts on the evolution of LPO and the specific needs for multi-vendor interop to continue building market confidence in the future of optical connectivity?
