Oif Flexe 1.1 Implementation Agreement

Flexe optical module

FlexE allows data center providers to utilize optical transport network bandwidth in more flexible ways. FlexE supports the bonding of multiple links, which supports creating larger links out of multiple slower links in a more efficient way than the traditional link. Flexible Ethernet (FlexE) is a flexible Ethernet client interface standard defined by Optical Internetworking Forum (OIF). It supports flexible Ethernet connections between routers and optical. The OIF is an international non-profit organization with over 160 member companies, including the world's leading carriers and vendors. The OIF published the FlexE Interoperability Agreement (IA) in 2016. With the development of Ethernet technology, massive mobile data, high-speed 5G connections, and the demand for 100G and 400G bandwidth are becoming more and more. The OIF FlexE Interoperability Agreement enables new ways to flexibly use network bandwidth by supporting bonding, sub-rating and channelization of links. This white paper describes the key features and properties of FlexE.

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