Could we ever quench the human thirst for the fastest data speeds on the planet? It’s almost like data is source for a ‘hunger’ of sorts. Cool timing for Intel, who with the help of some partners, may make it possible to serve up a plate of speedy data transmission. Yep, and after an entire decade of research, the new connector that Intel is using literally transmits light as its unit for providing and shuffling data between computers. This is intended to replace slow copper cables. By taking advantage of silicon photonics technology, a new connector that goes by the name “MXC”, involves cables requiring less power, less cost and are more energy-efficient. These silicon cables are based on Intel’s silicon photonics technology, combining both optical networking and silicon components. The MXC parts are currently being shipped with the help of partner company, U.S. Conec. These parts are intended for distributors to sell cables to server manufacturers as well as data centers. Of the companies selling MXC’s, Tyco Electronics, Corning, and Molex are in the mix.

MXC cables are smaller, very durable (by comparison), and can reach up to 300 meters. Copper, as the alternative, can only cover a limited distance, is slower, and signals have the possibility to degrade on cables longer than tens of meters. With MXC, the worry of signal degradation is low, “It really drives the ability for bandwidth and distance separation”, says Intel manager Mario Paniccia.

Another benefit to these new cables is the ability to navigate through sharp bends. Their fibers “have a tenth of the bend radius of traditional fibers”. This means that while current cables may navigate and run into sharp bends often seen in and around server racks, Intel’s cables not only curve around that 300 meter distance at 25 Gbps, but their flexibility while doing so sure comes in handy. No clogging? Yes please.

MXC cables pack in 64 fibers, with the ability to transmit 1.6 terabytes of data per second. In a real-life example, you could download a 2 hour HD movie (around 4GB in size) in a mere 2 seconds. Is your mouth drooling like mine? Obvious technological advances in this are screaming loud and clear to me. “Big-Data Happy” might be the literal words from Intel’s sense of creating, storing and using such high volume at such short and quick transmission rates. It is said that the ever-evolving Internet of Things is going to benefit from this greatly, adding to both information growth, and the value of MXC.

Intel and US Conec are hosting a forum this week in San Francisco for other companies interesting in this technology. Whatever the outcome, a big struggle we are facing today in the tech industry is constrained networks. It’s all over the news, from Time Warner Cable to Netflix, the inevitable strain that goes along with internet traffic will always be complained about. However, as we move to higher bandwidth, in addition to intelligent systems, something like MXC could be like a dose of adrenaline for the internet network world. Additionally, this technology could reduce component costs. By consolidating power supplies, fans, and more in a data center, things could really change, suggests Paniccia. Currently, Intel is proposing an Optical PCI-Express (OPCI) protocol for those who advocate and utilize these optical wires. The more support, the more MXC implementation in data centers. All Intel needs is companies to be willing to be open and put ports in their servers. Intel will currently be working with Facebook-backed Open Compute Project; hoping that could bring about wider availability that comes with knowledge of the server designs. Its main goal is to make the technology cost-effective so it can have true competition with copper. Paniccia also added, “In the coming months, we can expect to see more demonstrations and announcements about MXC and Intel Silicon Photonics”.