Enabling the 448G Era: System Architecture and Standards for Next-Gen AI Networks

This white paper addresses the need for next-generation Ethernet solutions in data centers driven by AI and ML workloads.

Key points include:

• Shift to 448G signaling for scale-up and scale-out AI clusters.
• Evolving system architectures to support advanced workloads.
• Standardization efforts, including IEEE P802.3 Ethernet for AI and OIF CEI-448G.
• Timing strategies for effective deployment.
• Considerations for electrical vs. optical connectivity.
• Role of co-packaged optics in performance enhancement.
• Infrastructure requirements for 448G-ready AI networks.