The IEEE has ratified standards for a single architecture that supports both 40 Gigabit Ethernet and 100 Gigabit Ethernet.
These standards include physical layer specifications for communication across backplanes, copper cabling, multimode fiber and single-mode fiber.
As an amendment to the IEEE 802.3 base standard, it specifies the technology and requirements for the development of higher-speed Ethernet components and systems that operate at 40 and 100 gigabits per second.
The specific organizations involved were the IEEE Standards Association (IEEE-SA) and the IEEE P802.3ba Task Force on the ratification of IEEE Std. 802.3ba – 2010.
In 2006, it became evident that the bandwidth demand in switches and aggregation points was outpacing the demand in servers and end stations, according to the Ethernet Alliance. This observation led to the development of 40 GbE and 100 GbE.
“Every jump in Ethernet speed has helped to meet the ever-growing bandwidth demands being placed upon the networking industry, and the ratification of the 40 GbE and 100 GbE standard is no different,” stated John D’Ambrosia, chair of the IEEE P802.3ba 40 Gbps and 100 Gbps Ethernet Task Force and director of Ethernet-based standards of the CTO office for Force10 Networks. “From the incubation of the initial effort, to getting a study group launched, to its role in helping the industry reach consensus during key critical moments of the project, the Ethernet Alliance was there. I would like to thank the Ethernet Alliance and its membership for their significant contributions to this historic moment.”
