Everything You Need to Know about 40G Ethernet

With network applications getting more and more explosive and demanding, the trend towards a more reliable and efficient ethernet network can be observed with the adoption of the 40G network by major enterprises. 40G allows ethernet frames to be transmitted at a rate of 40 Gbit/s. 40G networking can also be carried out with varying physical cabling options including copper cabling, single-mode fiber and multimode fiber, making it a flexible choice.

40G includes various fundamental network applications such as cables, transceivers and switches. Based on the requirements of the enterprise, patch cables could either be copper (Cat8 being the most reliable), or optical fiber of which either patch cable or breakout cable can be employed. While it is not necessary to combine 40G transceivers with 40G optical fiber cables, it is best to do so considering the flexibility it offers. Currently, multi-speed ethernet switches are most popular due to their multipurpose nature, but 40G ethernet switches are likely to be adopted going forward for large enterprises.

40G fits as a balancing act between the much reliable and currently preferred 10G ethernet and the unsettled yet promising and fast technology of the 100G ethernet. 40G offers a cost-effective yet high-speed opportunity for enterprises to upgrade their current 10G ecosystems for high-density networking. While 10G certainly still holds a popular place among network requirements for enterprises, 40G is already becoming influential with several companies across different sectors welcoming the switch.