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100-Gbps ethernet over twisted-pairs [electronic resource]

Ever-increasing network and internet traffic, coupled with continued growth in server capacity, puts higher and higher requirements on interconnections between equipment in data centers. Ethernet over twisted-pair cabling (Base-T) has traditionally been the method of choice for these connections. To be able to meet those higher requirements, a next-generation Base-T technology should ideally be capable of delivering a maximum throughput of up to an order of magnitude higher than today. New techniques are proposed here to increase the data rates achievable over twisted-pairs. A model based on multi-conductor transmission line theory is expanded and used at frequencies up to a few GHz to characterize existing cables, as well as to suggest guidelines for improvements in the future. Lab measurements are then used to both validate this model, as well as to compute data rates achieved by using common-mode (as opposed to the conventional differential-only) signaling in twisted-pairs. It is shown that there is a potential for a significant increase in data rates by exploiting all available modes of energy transfer in this medium. More specifically, under the stated assumptions in Chapter 4, it is shown that only through the use of single-ended signaling is a rate of 100Gbps achievable at 30m with a single cable, and at 100m with four cables.