Viavi debuts ONE-1600 for 1.6T testing in AI-driven networks

Viavi Solutions has unveiled its latest solution designed to address the testing and validation needs of the emerging 1.6 terabit per second (Tb/s) ecosystem.

The new testing module, named ONE-1600, is based on 224G SERDES technology and is the newest addition to the company's growing ONE LabPro platform. This platform already includes the HSE-800 800Gb/s test module and is designed to support OSFP1600 and QSFP-DD1600 form factors.

The rapid advancements in bandwidth and scale, driven by applications such as artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), high-performance computing (HPC), and quantum computing, have posed significant challenges for manufacturers of integrated circuits, pluggable interfaces, and network equipment. To tackle these challenges, advanced instrumentation is essential to ensure accuracy and efficiency during deployment and testing.

"Use of optical connectivity in AI clusters accelerated adoption of 1.6Tb transceivers and 224G SERDES," stated Dr. Vladimir Kozlov, CEO and Chief Analyst at LightCounting. "LightCounting increased forecast for these products to a million units in 2025, up from tens of thousands in 2024. We have never seen such a sharp ramp for new products. This will be a stress test for the whole supply chain."

Viavi's ONE LabPro platform integrates physical layer insights with multi-port, multi-flow data and control plane Layer 2/3 Ethernet testing across various data rates. The platform supports up to 64 x 1.6Tb/s test ports using ONE-1600 modules or 128 x 800Gb/s test ports using HSE-800 modules, all managed by a single controller. This system is capable of synchronizing mixed combinations of test modules, centrally managed by the controller, with full breakout capabilities, multi-user logical port support, and single-user per logical port granularity. Additionally, it boasts a contemporary, web-based user interface and a next-generation, Python-based automation framework, enabling advanced traffic generation and analysis to troubleshoot and test integrated circuits, pluggable interfaces, switching and routing devices, and networks.

Osa Mok, Chief Marketing Officer of InnoLight, commented on the development, stating, "InnoLight has invested significantly in development of 1.6T products based on 224G SERDES technology and we are happy to announce our next-generation 1.6T optics. Our new 1.6T optics enable cloud operators to rapidly upgrade their compute and networks to meet end customer demand. VIAVI testing solutions have accelerated our development and assured product quality."

Hui Xu, Group Vice President of Research and Development for Cloud and Networking at Lumentum, echoed similar sentiments. "Our 1.6T transceiver modules and our leadership in foundational high-speed indium phosphide photonic devices and chip-scale packaging will enable hyperscaler cloud operator and AI infrastructure provider customers to take their next steps in scaling their AI and ML solutions," Xu said.

"VIAVI is an important partner, providing key product testing and verification solutions aiding in our product development programs and, ultimately, in delivering our advanced solutions that address rapidly growing customer needs."

Tom Fawcett, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Lab & Production at Viavi, expressed the company's enthusiasm in contributing to the 1.6T development ecosystem. "VIAVI is pleased to support the growing 1.6T development ecosystem with the ONE-1600 testing module," Fawcett stated. "Our ONE LabPro platform now supports 1.6Tb/s data rates on 224G SERDES in an innovative platform that will help our customers deliver on their aggressive, high-speed Ethernet roadmaps."