100G Lambda Multi-Source Agreement
Written by Wendy Garraty
The 100G lambda multi-source agreement (MSA) is a standardized agreement between companies and organizations to develop and adopt a common set of specifications for optical components, modules, and subsystems that support 100 Gigabit Ethernet (GbE) transmission rates. The agreement is designed to promote interoperability and reduce costs associated with developing and producing high-speed optical networking equipment.
The 100G lambda MSA was established in 2012 by a group of industry leaders including Cisco, Finisar, Huawei, Juniper Networks, and Oclaro. The MSA‘s initial goal was to provide industry participants with a common set of specifications for 100 GbE optical interconnects, aimed at supporting the industry‘s transition to higher data rates.
Today, the 100G lambda MSA covers a range of products, including transceivers, active optical cables (AOCs), direct attach cables (DACs), and optical backplanes. The agreement covers a variety of form factors, including CFP, QSFP28, QSFP+ and OSFP.
The 100G lambda MSA has been instrumental in promoting interoperability and reducing costs of optical networking equipment. By establishing a common set of specifications, equipment manufacturers can avoid the need for custom development and testing, ultimately reducing costs and speeding up the time to market. Additionally, the agreement fosters competition and innovation, as standardization encourages new entrants into the market.
Another benefit of the 100G lambda MSA is its ability to support both single-mode and multi-mode fiber, allowing for flexibility in design and deployment. The agreement calls for using the 1310nm wavelength for single-mode transmission and the 850nm wavelength for multi-mode transmission.
In recent years, the 100G lambda MSA has been updated to include 200G and 400G transmission capabilities. This expansion is critical to support the increasing demand for higher bandwidths and more robust network infrastructures.
As the networking industry continues to evolve, it is expected that the 100G lambda MSA will continue to play a significant role in promoting interoperability, reducing costs, and fostering innovation. By embracing standardization, the industry can maximize efficiency and bring new and improved networking products to market more quickly.