Hermesys Delivers 800G-Compatible SFP Transceivers to Singapore Data Centre – A Breakthrough in Connectivity

(1-1: 800G OSFP Flat & Finned Top SFP Transceiver)

(1-2: One of Singapore’s leading data centers is now utilizing Hermesys 800G SFP transceivers with the latest NVIDIA SN5600 switch)

About SFP Transceivers

SFP transceivers are high-speed modules essential for connecting network devices. They facilitate the conversion between electrical and optical signals. Known for their high data rates, long-distance transmission capabilities, strong anti-interference features, high security, and energy efficiency, SFP transceivers are integral to modern high-performance networks and communication systems. They play a crucial role in supporting large-scale data transmission and internet connectivity.

To assess the comprehensive strength of an SFP transceiver, we will evaluate a dual-port 800Gb/s SFP transceiver developed by NVIDIA for InfiniBand and Ethernet. Our evaluation will focus on three key aspects: hardware compatibility, software compatibility, and performance. The transceiver’s parameters must meet industry standards and be compatible with NVIDIA’s AI network series switches and ConnectX-7 VPI network cards.

It’s important to note that the 800G OSFP SR8 SFP transceiver module is a hot-swappable device designed for 800G SR8 Ethernet links in data centers. This module leverages the latest 100G PAM4 and VCSEL technologies, allowing for 800G data interconnections over distances of up to 100 meters.

 

Compatibility Testing on NVIDIA Devices

(2-1: Physical Connection)

Test Items

Test Details

Hardware Compatibility Testing

Plug and Unplug Test

After plugging and unplugging the equipment more than five times, the module should still fit securely in the NVIDIA switch and network card port slot, without becoming loose or stuck.

Port Restart Test

Restart the switch or network card using device commands. The link should be restored within three minutes after the restart.

Power Off and Restart Test

After powering off and restarting the device, the link should be restored within five minutes.

Software Compatibility Testing

Connectivity Test

The module should establish a connection with devices at both ends normally, and the device port status should indicate “up.”

Shutdown / No Shutdown Test

After manually shutting down and then reopening the switch or network card port, the link should reconnect normally.

Parametric Testing

The module’s part number (PN), version number (VN), serial number (SN), and other information read by the device should match the module label description.

Performance Testing

DDM Test

Read the module’s Digital Diagnostic Monitoring (DDM) data when the device is linked and monitor whether the five DDM parameters exceed their thresholds.

Bit Error Rate Test

Measure the real-time bit error rate.

Stability Test

Conduct the test continuously for 7 days in transmission mode, ensuring that the link remains uninterrupted and there is no reduction in speed.

(2-2 Test Items)

Testing Frequency

Test Items

1

2

3

4

5

Insertion into Switch Port: Verify insertion into the switch port slot.

Pass

Pass

Pass

Pass

Pass

Stability in Switch Port: Check that the module does not come loose after insertion.

Pass

Pass

Pass

Pass

Pass

Removal from Switch: Ensure the module does not get stuck when removed.

Pass

Pass

Pass

Pass

Pass

Insertion into Network Card Port: Verify insertion into the network card port slot.

Pass

Pass

Pass

Pass

Pass

Stability in Network Card Port: Check that the module is not loose after insertion.

Pass

Pass

Pass

Pass

Pass

Removal from Network Card: Ensure no jamming when removing the module.

Pass

Pass

Pass

Pass

Pass

(2-3 Plug and Unplug Test – Device)

The SFP transceiver can be properly inserted into ports on both ends of the device. After insertion, the transceiver fits snugly in the device port and shows no signs of looseness. It can be smoothly removed from the port by pulling the module latch, with no notching or obstruction. After a hot or cold reboot of the switch or network card, and following a system restart, the link should recover within 1 minute.

Equipment

 

NVIDIA QM9700

 

NVIDIA MCX75310AAS-NEAT

Port Number

IB1/17/1, IB1/17/2

mlx5_0

Port Status

Active

Active

Port Link Rate

NDR 400.0 Gbps
(“NDR” stands for
Nominal Data Rate
)

400 Gbps

(2-4 Connectivity Test)

The module connects normally with both the Mellanox QM9700 Switch and the Mellanox MCX75310AAS-NEAT Adapter Card. The LED indicators on both device ports are continuously green, signifying a successful link-up, and the bandwidth is 400 Gbps.

In the shutdown/no shutdown test, the SFP transceiver continues to function properly with both the Mellanox QM9700 Switch and the Mellanox MCX75310AAS-NEAT Adapter Card. After shutting down and then reactivating the switch and network card ports, the link recovers within 1 minute.

Equipment

NVIDIA QM9700

NVIDIA MCX75310AAS-NEAT

Port Number

IB1/17/1

mlx5_0

Model Name

OSFP-800G-2xSR4H

OSFP-400G-SR4H

Serial Number

4A2308070003

4A2308070011

Wavelength

Not Applicable

854 nm

Transmission Distance

50 m

50 m

Module Type

SFP Transceivers

IB NDR, 400G-SR4

(2-5 Parameter Test)

The SFP transceiver connects normally with both the Mellanox QM9700 Switch and the Mellanox MCX75310AAS-NEAT Adapter Card. The model name, serial number, and other basic information are consistent with the descriptions on the product label. Additionally, key parameters such as transmission distance, wavelength, and module type align with the specifications provided in the product datasheet.

Equipment

NVIDIA QM9700

NVIDIA MCX75310AAS-NEAT

DDM Alert

No Alarm

No Alarm

DDM Temperature

Normal

Normal

DDM Voltage

Normal

Normal

DDM Bias Current

Normal

Normal

DDM Tx Optical Power

Normal

Normal

DDM Rx Optical Power

Normal

Normal

(2-6 DDM Test)

The SFP transceiver exhibits less than 10% fluctuation in DDM (Digital Diagnostics Monitoring) readings across three tests, conducted on both the Mellanox QM9700 Switch and the Mellanox MCX75310AAS-NEAT Adapter Card.

Equipment

NVIDIA QM9700

NVIDIA MCX75310AAS-NEAT

Port Number

IB1/17/1

mlx5_0

BER Before FEC
(Bit Error Rate – Before Forward Error Correction)

5E-9

1E-7

BER After FEC
(Bit Error Rate – After Forward Error Correction)

15E-255

15E-255

           (2-7 Bit Error Rate Testing)

The module’s bit error rate on the Mellanox QM9700 Switch and Mellanox MCX75310AAS-NEAT Adapter Card is less than 1E-5 before enabling FEC (Forward Error Correction) and 15E-255 after enabling FEC, with no error packets detected on the port.

The module was tested for 7 days, 12 hours, and 43 minutes at full speed on both the Mellanox QM9700 Switch and Mellanox MCX75310AAS-NEAT Adapter Card, with no link interruptions or speed reductions observed.

The test results indicate that the Hermesys HydraX™ series high-speed SFP transceivers successfully passed hardware compatibility, software compatibility, and performance tests with NVIDIA devices, demonstrating full compatibility.

(2-8/9 Hermesys HydraX™ Series High-Speed SFP Transceivers Deployed in a Local Data Center in Singapore)

Hermesys HydraX™ 800G/400G/100G SFP Transceivers, supplied to the local operator’s AI computing data center, successfully passed all stress tests. This marks the first time the client has incorporated third-party compatible SFP transceivers into their core project data center. The high performance and reliability of Hermesys products provide robust technical support for the local operator’s AI computing operations. Moving forward, Hermesys remains committed to technological innovation, delivering outstanding solutions to its customers.