The Race to 1.6T: Ethernet and Coherent Optics Tackle AI's Bandwidth Crunch
NetworkWorld, Friday, September 11th, 2026
IEEE P802.3dj is in final balloting as 1.6 terabit Ethernet and coherent optics chase AI traffic growth.
The networking industry is pushing toward 1.6 terabit Ethernet to keep up with AI infrastructure demand. IEEE P802.3dj specifications are in final balloting, and the Ethernet Alliance demonstrated multi-vendor interoperability at ECOC in Spain.
On the optical side, OIF's 1600ZR Implementation Agreement extends coherent reach to 80 to 120 kilometers, which is the range that matters for data center interconnect.
Together these let operators tie distributed AI clusters together without resorting to proprietary links. The piece is a useful primer for teams planning refresh cycles that will have to carry AI east-west traffic.