I don’t have deep expertise in SerDes, as it goes too deep into intricate details of networking devices. I think you know that as its name suggests, SerDes, or Serializer/Deserializer, is used to convert data between serial and parallel formats. The serial format helps reduce signal interference between channels, supports long-distance transmission, and minimizes the number of I/O pins needed (simplifying the network structure). SerDes is commonly used in networking devices like switches (as well as optical modules and NICs). Key switch technology providers, incl. Broadcom, Marvell, Macom, Intel, and Nvidia (through Mellanox), offer this technology.
Not a bad report, some info is outdated though. Also note no 1.6T modules will ship in volume until the CX8 NIC and Quantum 3 Infiniband switch ships along with the GB300 in 2H2025. There is no 1.6T associated with the B200, nor any other application until Tomahawk 6 ships in late 2026.
Thanks for the feedback! You're right - the "knowledge cut-off" of this report is summer 2024, and some projection can be outdated due to rapid market changes (for example the 1.6T volume projection). Appreciate the updated info you've shared, very helpful. I am also considering writing an update on this industry's new developments in a future post.
It’s what I do for a living. We have been supplying research to tier 1 investment firms for 20+ years. We cover cybersecurity and wireless as well. Lot’s of moving parts in 2025 for many companies.
This is an excellent primer, thanks for putting it together. It would be great, if you can also shed some light on the confusing SerDes, its providers, and maybe how it fits into these photonics providers' products.
I don’t have deep expertise in SerDes, as it goes too deep into intricate details of networking devices. I think you know that as its name suggests, SerDes, or Serializer/Deserializer, is used to convert data between serial and parallel formats. The serial format helps reduce signal interference between channels, supports long-distance transmission, and minimizes the number of I/O pins needed (simplifying the network structure). SerDes is commonly used in networking devices like switches (as well as optical modules and NICs). Key switch technology providers, incl. Broadcom, Marvell, Macom, Intel, and Nvidia (through Mellanox), offer this technology.
Not a bad report, some info is outdated though. Also note no 1.6T modules will ship in volume until the CX8 NIC and Quantum 3 Infiniband switch ships along with the GB300 in 2H2025. There is no 1.6T associated with the B200, nor any other application until Tomahawk 6 ships in late 2026.
Thanks for the feedback! You're right - the "knowledge cut-off" of this report is summer 2024, and some projection can be outdated due to rapid market changes (for example the 1.6T volume projection). Appreciate the updated info you've shared, very helpful. I am also considering writing an update on this industry's new developments in a future post.
It’s what I do for a living. We have been supplying research to tier 1 investment firms for 20+ years. We cover cybersecurity and wireless as well. Lot’s of moving parts in 2025 for many companies.
That's admirable.
This is an excellent primer, thanks for putting it together. It would be great, if you can also shed some light on the confusing SerDes, its providers, and maybe how it fits into these photonics providers' products.