800G optical modules provide 2× bandwidth and ~30–40% better power efficiency per bit than 400G, while reducing fiber count significantly. However, 400G remains more cost-effective for enterprise workloads, and 1. 6T is still in early deployment stages primarily targeting. With 400G modules now the baseline, 800G adoption is surging—especially across AI and hyperscaler environments—while 1. 6T modules edge closer to reality. This article unpacks the technologies powering this leap (silicon photonics, advanced modulation, and co-packaged optics), compares deployment. This technology has gained significant traction, especially with the advent of 800G and 1. In this article, we address some common questions about 800G and 1. 6T silicon photonics optical. AI and cloud traffic surged, driving inter-data-center bandwidth purchases up 330% from 2020 to 2024. By 2025, operators moved past 400G, with 800G becoming the mainstream, and early pilots pushing into 1.
[PDF Version]