2002
10
Gbps
1998
1 Gbps
1995
100 Mbps
1985
10
Mbps
2010
100
Gbps
2019
400
Gbps
2022
800
Gbps
2024
1.6
Tbps
2026
3.2
Tbps
2030
6.4
Tbps
Click
the
dots
<1985
12f
2007
96f
2012
864f
2019
1152f
2022
1728f
10Mb
100Mb
1G
10G
100G
1TB
10TB
12
24
48
96
256
512
1024
Network evolution 1985-2030
Deciding how to move forward begins by knowing where you’ve been. Data centers have covered a lot of ground over the past 40 years. But that’s nothing compared to the changes that are coming. So, strap in, scroll down and enjoy the ride.
Ethernet speed
Fiber density per RU
Click the dots for more information
Build costs
25K
50K
100K
200K
400K
800K
1.6M
# fibers/RU: 12
Total RUs: 26,667
Total racks: 635
Total build cost: $3,809,524
3.2M
2048
635
Racks
# fibers/RU: 24
Total RUs: 13,333
Total racks: 317
Total build cost: $1,904,762
317
Racks
# fibers/RU: 48
Total RUs: 6,667
Total racks: 159
Total build cost: $952,381
159 Racks
# fibers/RU: 96
Total RUs: 3,333
Total racks: 79
Total build cost: $476,190
79 Racks
# fibers/RU: 864
Total RUs: 370
Total racks: 9
Total build cost: $52,910
9 Racks
# fibers/RU: 1,152
Total RUs: 278
Total racks: 7
Total build cost: $39,683
7 Racks
# fibers/RU: 1,728
Total RUs: 185
Total racks: 4
Total build cost: $26,455
4 Racks
For illustration purposes only. Based on 42U racks with 320,000 fibers and a CommScope estimated construction cost of $3,000 per square meter
Find out more
So, there you have it. 40+ years of data center change and progress behind us—plenty of disruptive (and sometimes unpredictable) growth ahead. As you consider how to move your data center’s infrastructure forward, a piece of advice. Don’t take your foot off the accelerator. You’ll need every bit of speed, efficiency and agility you can muster. That’s where the Propel modular, high-speed fiber platform from CommScope comes in.
As the only ultra-low-loss fiber platform with 16-fiber MPO connectivity, Propel supports your most demanding applications through multiple migration cycles. High-density panels and interchangeable modules and fiber assemblies maximize your design options while reducing deployment time, cost and complexity. And that’s just for starters.
The past 40+ years have been quite a ride (we know, because we’ve been there from the start) and it’s about to get a lot more exciting. Rely on CommScope to help you stay grounded while always reaching for more. Yesterday, today and tomorrow—we’re here for you.
Find all the insights and information at the Propel resource page.
Close panel
Advent of 10G SERDES lanes enables 100G channels using MPO connectivity
25G SERDES lanes support MPO 8 connectivity growth
50G SERDES lanes enable 200G channels over MPO-8, and pave the way to 400G and MPO-16 connectivity
100G SERDES lanes and MPO-16 connectivity will be the basis for 800G
1992
ST
Connector
1993
SC
Connector
1994
MTRJ Connector
2018
MPO-16 Connector
1996
MPO-12 Connector
2002
48f
1996
24f
Connector evolution
2002
LC
Connector
2019
SN
Connector
Show lines
Hide lines
Logarithmic
scale
A logarithmic scale is a way of displaying numerical data over a very wide range of values in a compact way.
Below is a linear representation of ethernet speed growth.
A logarithmic scale is a way of displaying numerical data over a very wide range of values in a compact way.
Below is a linear representation of fiber density growth.
A logarithmic scale is a way of displaying numerical data over a very wide range of values in a compact way.
Below is a linear representation of data center build cost reduction.
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