The Linear Pluggable Optics Multi-Source Agreement (LPO MSA) Group has released its completed specification for 100Gbps-per-lane single-mode optical data transmission, targeting 100G, 200G, 400G, and 800G Ethernet connectivity. The finalized “100G-DR-LPO” specification sets optical and electrical interoperability requirements for modules, switches, and NICs, supporting the deployment of linear pluggable optics in AI and machine learning infrastructure. The LPO MSA Group comprises over 50 companies across networking, optics, and semiconductor sectors.
Validated through interoperability testing in February 2025, the new specification establishes a foundation for lower-power, lower-cost, and low-latency Ethernet interconnects. It aligns with existing standards from IEEE 802.3 and OIF but introduces implementation guidance specific to LPO ecosystems, addressing challenges in disaggregated data center architectures. The LPO MSA’s open specification allows for streamlined plug-and-play deployment of 800G LPO modules across diverse platforms, advancing the shift away from DSP-based optics in high-density environments.
Looking ahead, the LPO MSA plans to expand its work into 200Gbps-per-lane implementations. It intends to coordinate with IEEE and OIF to define standards that extend the LPO model to higher lane speeds while maintaining its core goals: reduced power consumption, cost efficiency, and minimized latency in large-scale data centers.
• LPO MSA completes 100Gbps-per-lane linear optical transmission spec for up to 800G Ethernet.
• Specification covers 100G, 200G, 400G, and 800G Ethernet single-mode parallel links.
• February 2025 interoperability event confirmed link performance across diverse vendors.
• Builds upon IEEE 802.3 and OIF work, adding electrical and optical-level requirements.
• Group now targeting 200Gbps-per-lane LPO implementations with industry partners.
“We are very impressed with the active multi-company collaboration on the LPO MSA specification,” said Mark Nowell, LPO MSA Chair, “which enabled a rapid response to the market needs for an interoperable LPO ecosystem.”
