Eastern Digital and Western Computing Cross-computer Room Link Evaluation Checklist_Long-distance Optical Path Budget

Cross-computer room interconnection under the trend of east-to-west computing: how to evaluate links and what to ask first when purchasing

Published: 2026-08-09 EB-LINK Views: 1087 Data from east to west, cross-machine room interconnection, long-distance optical modules, link budget, purchase list

In recent years, the direction of intensive discussion in the data center circle has been the collaboration of computing power and the gradient layout of the data center. Scenarios such as eastern and western computing have brought cross-machine room interconnection into more projects. When work actually starts, it is often not the server that is stuck, but the link itself.

First think about what type of traffic the link carries

Cross-computer room traffic can be roughly divided into three categories: storage synchronization and replication are sensitive to latency; cold data and backup migration can wait but consume bandwidth; cross-region access and management traffic is small and complex and requires stability. It is recommended to draw a business flow diagram before starting work and set the bandwidth and delay targets for the three types of traffic respectively. Subsequent module selection and acceptance criteria will be based on this.

Take a look at these three places on the long-distance light road first

Attenuation budget: Calculated based on the actual segment distance, select the module with corresponding specifications for long distance, for exampleSFP+ 10G single-mode dual-fiber 40km optical module, don't make up for it with short-distance spare parts.
Dispersion and bit errors: For long-distance single-mode links of 10 Gigabit and above, it is necessary to check whether the wavelength and distance profile match. If necessary, pilot a period first.
Fiber cores and ports: Confirm the remaining fiber cores in the pipeline and the free ODF ports in advance to avoid having the optical cable in place but not ending anywhere.

A building-to-building 100G interconnection transformation project in East China first conducted a link census and stall pilot, and then purchased in batches. The process can be referred to100G optical fiber interconnection upgrade between buildings in a large data center in East China.

Before signing a contract, purchasers should ask these questions clearly.

Can the delivery dates of modules, cables and jumpers be aligned, and can they be delivered in batches?
Is the equivalent replacement model confirmed in writing and what are the triggering conditions?
Whether individual test reports and batch records are provided, and whether problems can be traced back
Who will respond to compatibility issues during the pilot period and how long will it take to reach a conclusion?

The computing power trend leaves projects with longer links and higher reliability requirements. If you need a link budget table or selection comparison, please contact EB-LINK technical support at 0755-83179002.