Supply & regulation, decoded for optics buyers
Practical analysis of the rules, lead times and market shifts that affect AI data center interconnect — written for the people who have to plan purchases through them.
DR4 vs FR4 vs SR: Choosing the Right Optical Reach for AI Data Center Links
Reach type is one of the most consequential — and most misread — decisions in an optical transceiver order. This guide explains how SR, DR4, and FR4 map to real link distances, fiber plant, and breakout topologies so buyers specify the right module the first time.
Read analysis →400G to 800G Migration Planning: A Practical Roadmap for AI Data Center Buyers
A phased planning framework for moving an existing 400G fabric to 800G without disruptive cutovers, covering inventory, reach-class selection, breakout cabling, and lead-time planning.
Read analysis →Inside the 200G-per-Lane Generation: The Platform Behind 800G DR4 and 1.6T DR8
200G-per-lane optics halve the lane count behind 800G and unlock 1.6T in a single module. A technical look at the silicon photonics platform, 3nm DSP generation, and performance envelope behind PhoScale's 800G DR4 and 1.6T DR8 series.
Read analysis →1.6T OSFP Readiness Checklist for AI Data Center Buyers
A practical readiness checklist for infrastructure teams evaluating when to bring 1.6T OSFP modules into their next build plan, covering power, thermals, cabling, and sourcing.
Read analysis →LPO vs DSP Transceivers for AI Clusters: A Buyer's Comparison Guide
Linear pluggable optics promise lower power and latency for AI fabrics, but DSP-based modules still win on reach and interoperability. Here's how to evaluate the tradeoff for your next build.
Read analysis →800G OSFP DR8 Buying Guide: What AI Data Center Buyers Should Evaluate
A practical evaluation guide for teams specifying 800G OSFP DR8 modules for AI cluster fabrics, covering connector and power compatibility, reach comparisons, and sourcing checks.
Read analysis →What the Proposed FCC Rules on Optical Transceivers Mean for AI Data Center Buyers
The FCC is drafting rules that would restrict imports of new optical transceiver models into the US. Here is what is actually in the reported draft, what remains undecided, and the five things infrastructure buyers should do now.
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