Juniper Networks has announced a 40 Gbit/s interface card for its core T-Series routers based on 10 Gbit/s optics. Using four XFP transceivers, the interface card delivers a 40 Gbit/s link over four wavelengths, each at 10 Gbps, using either four fibres or a single fibre with an added optical multiplexer.
The XFP modules support link distances up to 80km, ideal for connecting POPs. The latest interface card complements Juniper's existing 40G serial interface card announced a year ago.
For Juniper, the card makes sense as it takes advantage of the relatively low cost of 10 Gbit/s optics, a high volume and vibrant segment. For operators, they gain a cost effective way of upgrading their equipment to 40Gbit/s without having to worry about the performance of the existing fibre plant. Optical signal degradation caused by effects such as polarisation mode dispersion can be an issue at 40Gbit/s.
This is the second announcement involving Juniper and muxed 10Gbit/s signals in recent weeks. In November Juniper was one of nine companies that founded the x40 MSA that will deliver a 40Git/s signal over four 10Gbit/s wavelengths using a XENPAK optical module.
Will 4x10G interface cards such as Juniper's spur the market for 40G or will they hinder the total available market for 40G serial and hence impede the 40G market opportunity?
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The solution is cheaper that serial 40 G so if you need a 40 G line here is a way to go. But as you are using 4 wavelengths, you are limiting what you can do with respect to bandwidth per fiber. So this is useful only in unique situations where you need a 40 G line for some service agreement, for example, but you must have excess fiber because the fiber is not being used efficiently.
As happened in the past with the transition from 2.5G to 10G, eventually the serial 40G prices will drop so it will become cost-effective, not to mention the efficiency of using the fibers.
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