With the ratification of the 40/100 Gigabit Ethernet (GE) standard, IEEE 802.3ba™, by the IEEE on June 17 of this year, these higher speed Ethernet technologies are ready for standardized deployments. Ixia, the Ethernet Alliance, and the networking industry worked together to develop and ratify the specification in record time.

The standard addressed two speeds at the same time – 40 and 100 Gbps – to address differing needs in the data center versus the Internet. Network speeds requirements in the data center directly correlate to computing power, which doubles every two years. Network speed requirements in the Internet are related to general traffic growth that is doubling every 18 months. The upshot is that in the 2010-2015 time frame, 40 Gbps is needed in the data center and 100 Gbps is needed in the Internet core.

Ixia has continually led the test and measurement market starting with a 2008 proof of concept demonstration at NxtComm and continuing with demonstrations through the release of its K2 40/100 Gbps CFP MSA-based solutions in 2009 and its 40 Gbps QSFP-based solution in 2010.

From my perspective, I see initial products coming to market in 2010 from component and cable vendors, system vendors and carriers. 2011 and 2012 will see proven products and deployments. We at Ixia are dedicated to providing continued support to the HSE market.

One last note. The Ethernet Alliance will host an HSE interoperability event during the week of September 13 in Santa Clara, CA. The event will be closed door, with results distributed to the participants only. We expect that the interop participants will also be involved in the Ethernet Alliance's demonstration at SC10 in New Orleans in Novermber. Anyone interested in participating should contact me as soon as possible: mailto:daves@ixiacom.com.