SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., March 28, 2025 – OFC25, IPEC (International Photonics & Electronics Committee ) today annnounced they just Initiated the Single-Wavelength 200 Gbit/s Multi-mode Optical Module Standard, Paving the Way to Next-Generation AI Computing and Interconnection

         In early 2025, the International Photonics & Electronics Committee (IPEC) officially initiated the 1.6T SR8 standard for single-wavelength 200 Gbit/s VCSEL, which has a target transmission distance of up to 100 m. With this standard, IPEC aims to address the pressing needs for high-speed, high-density, and low-power interconnection of next-generation data centers. The standard is the result of the collaboration between the following IPEC members: Meituan, China Telecom, China Academy of Information and Communications Technology (CAICT), Huawei, H3C, YOFC, HG Genuine, Accelink, Hisense Broadband, and Source Photonics. JD.com was also invited to participate in the discussion and contribution of this standard.

With the emergence of technologies like artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and big data, the demand for transmission rates in data centers has reached new heights. It is estimated that by 2028, 38% of all optical modules will be used in AI computing. And as requirements for compute continue to rise in the future, 1.6T optical modules will be of vital importance for the development of the entire optical communications industry.

This is where the 1.6T SR8 standard comes in. It provides clear technical specifications and performance metrics for short-distance and high-speed optical interconnection of data centers, laying the groundwork for the upgrade and innovation of the optical module industry. The standard focuses on 200G VCSEL, which has a transmission distance of up to 100 m. Thanks to its advantages in power density, efficiency, and beam quality, the VCSEL technology is key to implementing the 1.6T short-distance optical module. With this unified standard, it is possible to achieve product compatibility between vendors, reduce R&D and production costs, and expedite the commercialization of 1.6T optical modules. This will allow the optical communications industry to further adopt emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, and inject new impetus into the development of the global digital economy.

IPEC has long driven the industry development of multi-mode optical modules, initiating the 400G eSR8 and 400G eSR4 standards that defined the 50 Gbit/s and 100 Gbit/s single-wavelength multi-mode optical modules, which reached transmission distances of 200 m and 150 m. Based on this trend, the single-wavelength 200 Gbit/s VCSEL is expected to reach a transmission distance of up to 100 m. Currently, chip vendors have started evaluations for 200 Gbit/s VCSEL, as multi-mode optical fibers and other component solutions become mature. The 1.6T SR8 standard has come just at the right time to meet current industry development needs.

Outlook

The IPEC 1.6T standard is divided into two generations: GEN1 and GEN2. GEN1 focuses on single-wavelength 200 Gbit/s use cases, including 2 x 800G FR4 and 1.6T SR8. GEN2 focuses on single-wavelength 400 Gbit/s use cases. Technical discussions will be initiated on the 1.6T SR8 standard this year, and the baseline will be formed and released in 2026. As the standard is implemented, 1.6T optical modules will be widely used in fields such as data centers and artificial intelligence, providing robust technical support for global digital transformation.

**About IPEC**

IPEC is an international standards organization that is committed to developing open optoelectronic standards and delivering strategic roadmap reports. IPEC focuses on standardizing solutions in optical chips, optical/electrical components, and optical modules. Markets addressed by IPEC include 5G, IoT and AI.

IPEC is open to any interested party who wishes to join. All members have the opportunity to participate in developing all IPEC standards and reports on a non-discriminatory basis. The process of developing these standards and reports is transparent to all members. IPEC is registered in Switzerland.