IEEE works to refine the next generation of wired connectivity [Standards]

Since it was first published in 1985, the IEEE 802.3 Ethernet standard has transformed the way we work and play. Ethernet has made possible the networking of, among other things, PCs, smartphones, and tablets, as well as live and streaming video and optical transceivers. Technically speaking, the standard defines the physical and media access control layers for Ethernet communications across different wired devices. To help build consensus among the stakeholders who deal with bandwidth assessment, another group, the IEEE 802.3 Industry Connections Higher Speed Ethernet Consensus Ad Hoc, was formed in August 2012. The group was chartered to build consensus toward the next rate of Ethernet. the stakeholders agree that 400 GbE should be the next rate of Ethernet to be developed. On the basis of the consensus within the ad hoc, the group's chair has requested a call for interest (CFI) to form a 400-GbE study group. Formation of the CFI and the subsequent study group would entail the initial steps that need to be taken to start defining the next rate of Ethernet. The future, in terms of IEEE Standards in this area, is discussed.