Is your Ethernet fast enough Four new speeds are in the works

Upgrading to 10-Gigabit Ethernet would give networks plenty of bandwidth, but most companies don't have the right kind of cable to do that, Dalmia and other participants said. A 2.5Gbps version of Ethernet would work on commonly used Category 5e and Category 6 cable over the standard distance of 100 meters, so users could go beyond Gigabit Ethernet without the cost of pulling new cable.

Aquantia is already producing silicon for Ethernet gear that can run at 2.5Gbps or 5Gbps. The process of setting a 2.5Gbps Ethernet standard, which might also involve 5Gbps capability, is expected to begin at an IEEE meeting next month.

4. 400-Gigabit

Ethernet's backers haven't given up on reaching a new top speed, either. An IEEE task group is already working on a 400-Gigabit Ethernet standard, which is currently projected for completion in March 2017. The fast links might use multiple lanes of either 50Gbps or 100Gbps. Once finished, the superfast technology would be destined for the cores of service-provider networks.

Stephen Lawson covers mobile, storage and networking technologies for The IDG News Service. Follow Stephen on TwitterTwitter at @sdlawsonmedia. Stephen's e-mail address is stephen_lawson@idg.com Alles zu Twitter auf CIO.de