What are linear pluggable optics?
Linear Drive Pluggable Optics refers to the use of direct-drive linear technology in fiber modules. According to the LPO MSA, an LPO solution offers power savings for optical interconnect by removing the digital signal processing (DSP) function from the pluggable optical module.
OFC2025, San Francisco--The LPO MSA (Linear Pluggable Optics Multi-Source Agreement) Group has completed its specification for 100 Gbps per lane linear pluggable optics, targeting single-mode optical data transmission for up to 800 Gigabit Ethernet connectivity.
While LPO is still in its nascent stage, the completion of the specification will have broad implications for the LPO MSA and the optical networking industry.
The 100G-DR-LPO specification has been validated by extensive member interoperability testing to confirm that it meets the LPO MSA’s goal of enabling broad market adoption of linear pluggable fiber optic links.
This specification defines the necessary optical and electrical requirements for a robust ecosystem of LPO-compatible switch, NIC and module products.
Mark Nowell, LPO MSA Chair, said that the active multi-company collaboration on the LPO MSA specification “enabled a rapid response to the market needs for an interoperable LPO ecosystem.”
Focus on collaboration
While the LPO specification is complete, the MSA has taken a collaborative approach.
Leveraging industry standards such as IEEE 802.3 and OIF, the LPO MSA specification includes component, module, and system-level interoperability requirements that span both the electrical and optical interfaces operating at 100 Gbps per lane.
The LPO MSA group said it plans to collaborate with standards development organizations, such as OIF and IEEE, to achieve a similar value proposition of lowering power, cost, and latency at this next speed.
But the group is not stopping at 100 G.
Like the way it worked with the 100 Gbps per lane specification, the LPO MSA will work with standards development organizations, such as OIF, to develop 200 Gbps per lane linear implementations.
AI drives LPO, CPO potential
Although adoption will take time, LPO and co-packaged optics continue to show promise, particularly in supporting emerging AI demands.
New reports from LightCounting and Cignal AI have forecast that adoption will likely start next year.
LightCounting forecasts that the market for LPO and CPO for scale-out and scale-up networks used in AI clusters will double in size over the next two years, from $5 billion in 2024 to more than $10 billion in 2026.
The research firm stated that the roles of CPO and LPO will primarily be applied to scale-out and scale-up networks used in AI clusters. An AI cluster collects computing resources to develop, test, and deploy artificial intelligence (AI) models. AI clusters can be customized to meet specific needs and workloads.
Likewise, Cignal AI cites the potential in CPO, but cautions that large-scale CPO deployment is not expected for 3-5 years; however, some initial deployments are anticipated to start in 2026.
Cignal AI said that technical and manufacturing challenges are hindering high-volume CPO. The research firm stated that initial deployments will be proprietary and will prioritize innovation over standardization by large hyperscalers and Nvidia, which have the scale and vertical integration to take on the sizable technical risks.
Scott Wilkinson, lead analyst at Cignal AI, said, “There are positive signs for CPO deployment by 2026, but large-scale deployments will require investment from motivated industry actors, such as hyperscalers or Nvidia.”
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Sean Buckley
Sean is responsible for establishing and executing the editorial strategies of Lightwave and Broadband Technology Report across their websites, email newsletters, events, and other information products.