NVIDIA and Cisco Unveil USFP Optics Standard, Claiming Fourfold Bandwidth Density Increase
NVIDIA and Cisco jointly announce the USFP optical module standard targeting high-bandwidth, low-power needs for AI factories, though performance data remains vendor-reported.
U.S. chip giant NVIDIA and networking equipment provider Cisco announced on October 21, 2026, that they are collaborating to develop a new optical transceiver form factor called USFP (Ultra-Dense Small Form Factor Pluggable). Designed to support 400 Gb/s per lane connectivity, the standard aims to address the network demands of next-generation "AI factories." According to the companies, USFP offers four times the bandwidth density of existing 200 Gb/s per lane pluggable optics, along with approximately 1.3 times better power efficiency, with capacities reaching up to 12.8 Tb/s per module.
The core innovation lies in addressing physical bottlenecks in scaling AI clusters. As GPU counts surge, traditional network architectures require additional switching layers, increasing latency, cost, and power consumption. The USFP design integrates 16 full-duplex lanes into an OSFP-sized footprint, allowing more computing systems to be connected without adding network complexity. Additionally, its novel two-dimensional array connector features a two-step insertion mechanism where high-speed electrical contacts engage only after the module is fully inserted, reducing wear and improving signal integrity. The modules can dissipate up to 100W without requiring dedicated embedded cooling circuits, simplifying switch designs.
It is important to note that these performance metrics are official claims by NVIDIA and Cisco, not yet verified by independent third-party testing or large-scale deployment. The companies are currently working with connector manufacturers like TE Connectivity and Amphenol to develop components and plan to establish an open industry specification through a community-led multi-source project. For data center operators globally, if this standard succeeds, it could offer a flexible path to higher-bandwidth Ethernet networks, but its actual commercial timeline and ecosystem compatibility remain to be seen.