Lest We Forget 5G Network Core
In the core, mobile operators are embracing a new core switching architecture called Distributed, Disaggregated Chassis which eliminates traditional large monolithic modular switches and moves to a more flexible design using 1U and 2U “pizza box” switches. This architecture is being led by AT&T who released a 400Gbps PAM4 switch reference design2 in late 2019 to the Open Compute Project. In this architecture, cables replace the traditional backplane. Spectra7 enabled Active Copper Cables (ACCs) are ideal here due to their much thinner gauge, low power and lower cost compared to optics.