# Nvidia and Cisco launch 400Gb/s USFP transceiver for AI data centers

Digest AI · Hardware & Compute · published 2026-10-15T07:09:00Z

Canonical: https://digestai.news/story/nvidia-and-cisco-launch-400gb-s-usfp-transceiver-for-ai-data-centers

## Summary

Nvidia and Cisco introduced the **Ultra-Dense Small Form Factor Pluggable (USFP)** transceiver, a next-gen optical interface for data centers. The module supports **400Gb/s per lane**, with a total capacity of up to **12.8Tb/s**—four times faster than 200Gb/s interfaces—while improving power efficiency by **1.3x**. It is designed for AI workloads, scaling via **16 full-duplex lanes** in an octal form factor, with future expansion to **32 or more lanes** planned. The interface integrates with **SuperNIC** accelerator cards (using **RoCE**) and third-party modules from **TE Connectivity** and **Amphenol**, aiming for broader ecosystem adoption.

Cisco notes the USFP’s **two-step insertion design** reduces wear and improves signal integrity, handling up to **100 watts** without dedicated cooling. While full **12.8Tb/s** capacity remains a future goal, the first versions will support **1.6Tb/s endpoints** without adding network tiers. The companies emphasize its role in AI-driven data center growth, though Cisco acknowledges it fits into a broader mix of optical architectures.

## Key points

- USFP supports **400Gb/s per lane**, with a max total of **12.8Tb/s**—four times faster than 200Gb/s interfaces
- First versions use **16 full-duplex lanes**, with future scaling to **32+ lanes** for AI workloads
- Third-party partners like **TE Connectivity** and **Amphenol** supply modules, connectors, and cages

## Why it matters

The USFP addresses bottlenecks in AI data centers by enabling **12.8Tb/s** throughput with **1.3x power efficiency**, critical for training large models. Its modular design and **RoCE** support could reduce latency and cooling costs, but adoption depends on broader ecosystem buy-in.

## Sources

1. [Nvidia and Cisco unveil next-gen network interface built for the AI data center boom](https://techspot.com/news/114222-nvidia-cisco-unveil-next-gen-network-interface-built.html) (techspot.com, 2026-10-15)

## Cite

Digest AI, "Nvidia and Cisco launch 400Gb/s USFP transceiver for AI data centers", 15 October 2026, https://digestai.news/story/nvidia-and-cisco-launch-400gb-s-usfp-transceiver-for-ai-data-centers

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