Zhaolong Multi-mode Fiber Cabling for AIDC: High Density, Low Latency, Easy Deployment

Abstract

As AI Data Center (AIDC) network speeds evolve towards 400G/800G, extreme demands are placed on cabling systems regarding density, reliability, and transmission rates. This paper takes Zhaolong's multi-mode fiber cabling system as the research object, systematically elaborating on how its high-density integration, low-loss transmission, and convenient maintenance characteristics make it the preferred solution for short-distance transmission scenarios within AIDCs.

High-Speed Network Challenges and New Cabling Requirements in the AI Computing Era

The large-scale development of AIDCs has spawned three major cabling challenges:

•Higher Port Density: GPU clusters with tens of thousands of cards require cabling systems to support large-scale port expansion within limited space.

•Higher Speed Support: Ensuring transmission stability at 400G/800G and even higher speeds is necessary.

•Simplified Management: Structured, modular design is required to achieve rapid deployment and flexible expansion.

Ethernet Transmission Rate Evolution Chart    Source: Ethernet Alliance

Notably, significant short-distance transmission needs (typically <100 meters) exist within AIDCs, such as interconnecting GPU nodes within a rack or switch interconnections within the same computer room. In such scenarios, multi-mode fiber cabling systems demonstrate "significant" advantages over single-mode fiber cabling systems:

•Outstanding Cost-Effectiveness: Multi-mode transceiver components cost significantly less than their single-mode counterparts. Furthermore, single-mode fiber systems require higher precision equipment and more specialized technicians for installation and connection, leading to higher overall installation and maintenance costs compared to multi-mode systems. Comprehensively, multi-mode fiber systems offer superior overall cost advantages (including cable assemblies, installation, and maintenance), especially suitable for short-distance transmission scenarios like local area networks and data centers.

Some Zhaolong multimode fiber cabling system products

•Substantial Bandwidth Advantage: Upgrades in multi-mode fiber systems are mainly reflected in increased bandwidth and multi-wavelength support (e.g., A1-OM5). For example, A1-OM3 has an Effective Modal Bandwidth (EMB) of 2000 MHz·km at the 850nm wavelength; upgraded to A1-OM4, the bandwidth at this wavelength increases to over 4700 MHz·km. Higher bandwidth enables stronger data transmission capabilities, making multi-mode fiber systems the preferred solution for high-bandwidth demand scenarios (e.g., video conferencing, big data transfer, and network backups).

Zhaolong OM5/OM4/OM3 12-core indoor loose tube optical cables (from left to right)

•Other Notable Advantages: Multi-mode fiber cabling systems offer stronger resistance to external interference (like temperature/humidity changes, EMI) due to high coupling efficiency between the light source and receiver, leading to more stable signal quality, lower bit error rates, and suitability for high-interference environments. They also provide good flexibility and scalability, allowing for convenient upgrades according to application needs, adapting to future business development.

Zhaolong's multi-mode fiber cabling system, based on the comprehensive advantages above, becomes a key solution for balancing cost, performance, and ease of use in AIDC short-distance transmission.

Overview of Core Advantages of Zhaolong Multi-mode Fiber Cabling System

The company's multi-mode fiber cabling system deeply aligns with the intensive deployment, high-speed GPU cluster interconnection, and stringent safety requirements of AIDCs (AI Data Centers). Its core highlights and advantages precisely match scenario challenges:

1.Fully Adapts to Intensive Deployment, Solving Space and Efficiency Challenges: Addressing the core pain points of high-density racks and limited space in AIDCs, the system provides a full suite of multi-mode fiber cabling solutions (including fusion splicing distribution frames, high-density pre-terminated, and ultra-high-density pre-terminated solutions). Modular design enables plug-and-play, significantly saving installation time and reducing network management and maintenance costs. Additionally, the configured small-diameter flame-retardant cables feature a reduced diameter design, effectively lowering cable space occupancy, improving airflow channels, and providing key support for thermal optimization in high-power density racks.

2.Ensures Stability for High-Speed GPU Cluster Interconnection, Solidifying the Transmission Foundation: To meet the demands for low loss and high reliability in massive data exchange between GPU clusters, the system selects high-performance, highly reliable connection cable assemblies (complying with and exceeding international standards GR-326-CORE and GR-1435-CORE). Connector products undergo 100% optical testing, feature 3D assurance, and achieve excellent optical and mechanical performance with low insertion loss and low return loss, greatly increasing channel loss margin and providing stable, reliable physical layer assurance for high-speed data interconnection.

3.Strictly Adheres to Data Center Safety Bottom Line, Meeting Essential Fire Protection Needs: In response to stringent data center fire safety requirements, the system employs LSZH (Low Smoke Zero Halogen) sheathed cables. Their flame retardancy, smoke density, and halogen release strictly comply with IEC standard test requirements. In case of fire, they can effectively reduce smoke concentration and minimize toxic gas emissions, providing a solid barrier for the safety of personnel and equipment. The system can also provide full solutions meeting OFNR and OFNP ratings.

Zhaolong OM3/OM4/OM5 multimode fiber jumpers (from left to right)

4.Flexibly Adapts to Diverse Scenarios, Supports Customization Needs: The system supports customized lengths, polarities, and core counts, precisely matching different AIDC layouts and business expansion needs. Combined with overall system performance (meeting and exceeding ISO/IEC 11801-1 standards), it provides flexible and reliable end-to-end solutions for all scenarios, from basic cabling to high-end GPU cluster interconnections.

Scenario Empowerment: Precise Deployment of Zhaolong Multi-mode Fiber Cabling System in AIDCs

Based on the above high-specification optical products and connector components, the Zhaolong multi-mode fiber cabling system, through targeted design, can precisely meet the deployment needs of key AIDC scenarios:

1.Ultra-Short-Distance Interconnection Within Racks: Providing Stable Connections for GPU Clusters: For in-rack interconnection scenarios (ultra-short-distance transmission) between servers and leaf switches, the Zhaolong low-loss MPO cabling system is recommended. This solution uses factory pre-terminated cable assemblies with low insertion loss. Connector end-faces undergo 100% full inspection, and strict cleaning procedures following ISO/IEC 14763-3:2024 standards are adhered to, ensuring stable performance from the source and minimizing signal attenuation caused by end-face contamination. This solution provides a stable and reliable connection foundation for critical loads like GPU clusters, leveraging its excellent performance such as low loss and high reliability.

2.Structured Cabling Within Computer Rooms: Enabling Efficient Operation and Maintenance: For interconnections within the same computer room between leaf and spine switches (transmission distance ≤100 meters), the company's multi-mode fiber cabling system provides structured pre-terminated solutions. This system, through color-coded labels combined with patch panel port allocation records, offers clear physical identification and information management tools for O&M personnel, helping them quickly complete link location and fault troubleshooting, thereby achieving efficient operations and reducing operational costs.

3.Addressing High Power Density: Integrated Thermal and Safety Dual Guarantee: To tackle the thermal and safety challenges brought by high power density in AIDCs, the small-diameter flame-retardant cables configured in the company's multi-mode fiber cabling system feature a reduced diameter design, effectively lowering cable space occupancy, thereby improving room airflow channels and providing key support for efficient equipment cooling. These cables, paired with LSZH sheathing, strictly comply with IEC standard test requirements for flame retardancy, smoke density control, and halogen release. In the event of a fire, they significantly reduce smoke concentration and toxic gas emissions, comprehensively safeguarding the lives of relevant personnel and the security of equipment and assets in the AIDC computer room, perfectly adapting to the high-power, high-safety-grade deployment needs of AIDCs.

Practice and Outlook: Building the Foundation for the Intelligent Computing Future with Reliable Connections

The company's multi-mode fiber cabling system possesses characteristics of high density, high performance, high reliability, and ease of maintenance, precisely aligning with the rigid demands of AIDCs for high-speed physical layer networks. These advantages benefit from Zhaolong Interconnect's complete independent manufacturing and testing system: relying on the modern production base in Deqing County, Zhejiang Province,China, the company achieves full-process production control from optical cables to optical cable assemblies; its CNAS-accredited laboratory (No.: L14161) provides solid testing assurance for product performance and reliability. 

The optical products produced by the company fully comply with international standards like GR-326-CORE and IEC 61753, ensuring excellent performance and long-term stability in harsh data center environments.As of now, Zhaolong fiber cabling systems have been successfully applied in projects such as Hezuo Network Zhoupu Data Center, Guangxi Wuxiang Mobile IDC Project, BGI Data Center Project, Huadi Group Data Center Project, Beidou Data Center Project, Songjiang Data Center Project, Chengdu Kecheng Cloud Data Center Project, and Jiangyin Municipal Government Data Center Equipment Room Project, receiving practical verification in large, medium, and small-sized projects.

Through continuous technological R&D, Zhaolong will persistently optimize its multi-mode fiber cabling system, providing a stable and reliable connection cornerstone for the evolution of AIDCs towards higher computing power density.