GSN Optical: How to solve the problem

The Gigabyte System Network (GSN) standard specifies two media for connection: a Copper Cable connection, used up to now, and a Fibre Optics connection using a 12 channel flat cable. As no work had been done on the optical connection up to now, it was decided to start a project in this direction at CERN in collaboration with industry. It is explained why a different approach was taken to that foreseen as a GSN optical standard and how an optical connection that works at the full GSN bandwidth was realised. It is now decided that this technology will be the new GSN Optical standard.