Meta Platforms, Inc.
Network switches configured to employ optical or electrical interfaces

Abstract:

Introduced here are several embodiments of network switch modules having interfaces designed to enable use of different voltages or currents. Accordingly, a network switch may be able to support both optical interfaces and electrical interfaces on the same printed circuit board (e.g., a line card or a fabric card). In some embodiments, the printed circuit board includes a "booster stage" electrical interface that is designed specifically for optical interfaces. Such a design enables the components of a switch to operate with both electrical interfaces and optical interfaces.