Every watt counts: Navigating energy challenges in telecoms network infrastructure
Author : Lukasz Bogdanik, Salumanus
02 January 2024
Lukasz Bogdanik, Development Manager at telecommunication networks specialist Salumanus, delves into the energy efficiency advancements of QSFP-DD coherent modules.
As the digital landscape continues to evolve at an unprecedented pace, the demand for robust and energy-efficient network infrastructures has never been greater. Global data consumption over telecom networks will nearly triple from 3.4 petabytes (PB) in 2022 to 9.7 million PB in 2027, according to a report from PWC. In this scenario, optimising energy consumption in telecom networks becomes crucial.
According to GSMA research, the telecom industry accounts for about two to three percent of total power consumption worldwide. Despite new technologies like 5G connectivity being 90 percent more energy-efficient than their predecessor, their development is still likely to cause a dramatic energy increase due to network densification. Optical modules are also shifting to keep up with energy efficiency requirements, becoming smaller, more compact, and less power-hungry.
Miniaturisation and design
One prominent trend shaping the landscape of network infrastructures is the miniaturisation of optical modules. Network operators have transitioned from a CFP (C form-factor pluggable) interface boasting a power consumption of 32W and a transmission speed of 100G, to a more advanced QSFP-DD interface with a reduced power consumption of 15W and an enhanced transmission speed of 400G. This represents a twofold reduction in power consumption alongside a fourfold increase in throughput. Currently, the telecom community has achieved 400G solutions that demand less than 8W.
The evolution in power efficiency across successive generations of optical modules is not solely attributed to modifications in interface specifications dictated by MSA standards. It also stems from innovative solutions implemented in modules sharing the same interface. Revolutionary semiconductor technologies, such as indium phosphide (InP) or silicon photonics (SiP), enable a profound integration of individual components within the module. In the past, lasers, amplifiers, modulators, drivers, and CDR systems existed as separate entities.
Leveraging these new semiconductor materials and processes, many of these functionalities are now seamlessly integrated into a singular, multifunctional system constructed on a unified semiconductor structure. This integration not only significantly enhances the transmission parameters of these systems but also reduces power consumption compared to systems comprising discrete elements.
GBC Photonics, a brand created in 2008 by Salumanus to deliver components for innovative, stable, high-performance, fibre-optic networks, offers a diverse portfolio encompassing multi-generation products based on various interfaces. Within each module type, GBC Photonics introduces new, more economical versions, showcasing its commitment to advancing photonics technology.
Aggregation for higher bitrates
Aggregating traffic for higher bitrates is made possible by the introduction of new-generation modules with increased bit rates, enabling the consolidation of traffic from older modules with lower bit rates. To illustrate, consider the task of concentrating 128 100G links. In the first scenario, installing four switches, each featuring 32 slots of 100G ports and consuming around 600W, results in a cumulative power consumption of approximately 2400W. Adding the power usage of 128 QSFP28 LR4 optical modules brings the total power consumption to 2850W.
Alternatively, in the second scenario, employing a switch equipped with 32 slots of QSFP-DD ports leads to a power consumption of 1300W for the switch, and with 32 slots of 400G QSFP-DD LR4 modules, the total power consumption is 1550W. Functionally equivalent, the latter solution, utilising a switch supporting 400G throughput, yields a notable 45 percent energy savings and reduces the rack cabinet space requirement by four times, offering additional cost-effectiveness.
Coherent modules for access networks
In locations requiring the aggregation of traffic from densely deployed antennas, directing it to higher network levels often involves employing 10G DWDM optical modules, with aggregated channels achieving higher throughputs. Assuming the establishment of ten such connections, resulting in a total transfer of 100Gb, the power consumption for this aggregated link amounts to 30W.
However, the sustainable multiplication of such aggregations becomes impractical given the swiftly escalating volume of traffic in this network segment. The QSFP28 interface is a module boasting a 100G bit rate, utilising coherent signal modulation, and remarkably consuming only 5.5W. This coherent 100G and 5.5W module can seamlessly integrate into the ports of existing switches and routers at the network's edge, eliminating the need for replacement. With this groundbreaking solution, we achieve the transmission of every gigabit of information with a remarkable 63 percent reduction in energy consumption compared to a set of 10 x 10G connections.
Trends like miniaturisation, semiconductor strategies and aggregation can make a real impact in the overall energy efficiency of network infrastructures. By embracing innovative solutions in optical modules, businesses can not only navigate the energy challenges effectively, but also contribute to a more sustainable and greener future.
At Salumanus, we are committed to helping network operators and data centre owners achieve optimised and energy efficient solutions for their infrastructures, and providing the latest optical modules designed with sustainability in mind.
To find out more about the solutions we offer at Salumanus, visit www.salumanus.com.
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