ethernet alliance DesignCon 2006 10 Gigabit Ethernet on Unshielded Twisted-Pair Cabling Moving 10 Gigabit Ethernet into a Volume Platform Version 1, February 2006 Authors: Paul Langner, Aquantia Corporation
[email protected] Bill Woodruff, Aquantia Corporation
[email protected] Blaine Kohl, Tehuti Networks
[email protected] ethernet alliance | p.o. box 200757 | austin, tx | 78720-0757 | usa www.ethernetalliance.org ethernet alliance Page 2 abstract Two challenges exist as 10 Gigabit Ethernet (10GbE) is extended beyond its initial role. Achieving 10Gbps on copper unshielded twisted pair (UTP) cabling is a signifi- cant technical achievement. Meeting the application’s requirements for low power is also needed for 10GBASE-T, more commonly known as 10 Gigabit Ethernet over UTP cabling, to meet its full potential. Near Shannon limit performance leverages multiple techniques, from pre-coding to a DSQ128 multi-level signaling. One of the most intriguing technologies is the Error Control Code, Low Density Parity Check (LDPC). Together these techniques permit operation at close to the Shannon limit. There are tradeoffs involved in achieving this goal, but power and latency are kept at acceptable levels. introduction The IEEE began to study 10 Gigabit Ethernet in 1998, and in June 2002, published the first 10GbE standard, IEEE Std. 802.3ae™-2002, a fiber-only solution. As Ethernet continues its on-going expansion, a cost effective, backward-compatible copper interconnect for 10GbE stood out as a major challenge to be solved. The creation of the 10GBASE-T draft standard, IEEE P802.3an, for operation over un- shielded twisted pair (UTP) copper cabling is a critical element which is being devel- oped within the 802.3an task force.