NEC's ExpEther extends PCI Express over Ethernet

12.11.2008

The system can be easily visualized as a way of connecting any PC peripheral over much longer distances than is possible now. Whereas a typical monitor or USB connection might start having problems once a cable exceeds a few meters this system works to at least 2 kilometers, Iwata said. He expects it will probably work to distances of several tens of kilometers although those lengths haven't been tested, he said.

Applications for the technology include blade server systems. Such systems typically have a common PCI bus that connects the servers and Ethernet to link with other cabinets and systems. Using this technology everything could run over Ethernet and potentially servers in several cabinets could link through a PCI bus.

NEC is also testing the technology with a broadcaster, which needs to be able to inject and store vast amounts of video while simultaneously having it immediately available for editing, said Iwata. It could also be used in the home to connect a house full of gadgets and appliances to a single home server.

The technology is still undergoing testing but NEC plans to open it up to other companies. Later Wednesday, the company is scheduled to announce an ExpEther consortium consisting or around 20 companies that are initially supporting the technology.