WhiteBox Networks

Optics / Engineering guide

Choose the optical interface.

Start with the path between the ports. Then resolve the module and host requirements.

WBN editorial draft 1 November 2026 Sources & scope
Duplex path A Z Two fibers · opposite directions Parallel path A Z Separate optical lanes · simplified
Simplified reference. Exact geometry and operating requirements belong to the selected product.
Download guide PDF ↧ Editable Markdown ↧ 2 pages · Rev 2026-11-01 Fill in the related worksheet ↗
In this guide

Start at both ends

Record the intended protocol, port mode and available fiber at A and Z. An aggregate data rate alone does not specify the electrical lanes, optical arrangement or supported host configuration.

Read the optical standard separately

For example, 400G FR4 combines four optical wavelengths on each direction of a duplex single-mode path. Its optical specification does not assign the package, power envelope or host qualification of a particular WBN model.

Resolve the actual model

Check the released model against the full channel: fiber type, connector, distance, loss and operating conditions. Confirm the electrical interface and FEC at both hosts. An unknown requirement stays open; a familiar suffix is not evidence that two implementations are interchangeable.

In practice / Worked example

400G over an existing duplex path

Assume two usable single-mode fibers over a 900 m route. A 400G-FR4 interface is a candidate: its four wavelengths share one transmit fiber and one receive fiber.

Requirement Initial finding Still required
Two-fiber path Duplex arrangement fits Connector and polish at both ends
900 m route Within the MSA’s 2 m–2 km range Channel loss and dispersion
400GbE ports Target aggregate rate matches Electrical application, FEC and host support

This narrows the optical family; it does not qualify a module. Record the exact model and document revision at A and Z. Distance and available fibers here are illustrative inputs, not a WBN reach guarantee.

Source: 100G Lambda MSA · 400G-FR4 ↗ Rev 2.0 · 18 September 2018 · §§1.1–1.8, Table 2-2

Before you specify

  • A/Z host and port mode
  • Optical interface and fiber path
  • Released model limits and document revision
Find optical transceivers

Sources & scope

General engineering guidance. External examples describe their own products and do not establish WBN availability or qualification.

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