Towards 100 GbE introduction: Challenges and practical aspects

In todaypsilas converged network environment, a rapid transition to unified packet-based core/edge network architecture is occurring. The need for bandwidth, or better to say packetized bandwidth, is growing rapidly and this brings 100 Gb Ethernet (100 GbE) into picture. There is wide consensus today that there is a need for 100 Gb Ethernet, or rather a comprehensive network solutions that run on 100 Gb Ethernet infrastructure. In this paper we will review the drivers for 100 GbE introduction, specific requirements for physical and network layers, and enabling technologies for 100 GbE transport and networking.