Author: Marcin Bała, MSc Eng., Chief Technology Officer
Published: May 2026 | Updated: May 2026 | Reading time: 9 minutes
The Problem You Are Solving When Buying New Modules
Every switch in a data centre is packed with small optical modules — transceivers. Each one converts an electrical signal into light and sends data across optical fiber. As your data centre grows, there are more servers, more AI applications, and bandwidth starts determining whether your GPU cluster runs smoothly or sits in a queue.
Until recently, 400G was enough. But when GPU servers for AI model training arrive in the rack and each one needs several fast optical connections, the math starts looking different. That is why the market is shifting to 800G, with 1.6T appearing on the horizon.
What 800G Is and What 1.6T Is
800G and 1.6T are data transfer speeds through a single optical connector: 800 gigabits and 1.6 terabits per second respectively. Think of it as comparing an expressway to a motorway: the same route, but twice as fast.
800G is today’s market standard. TrendForce estimates that over 63 million 800G-and-above optical modules will be shipped in 2026. One factor is driving this: AI infrastructure. Every one of those investments requires fast optical connections.
1.6T is entering the market, but it is not ready for most organisations. 1.6T modules cost $2,600–3,100 each and consume up to 30 W — three times the price and nearly twice the power draw of 800G. The IEEE 802.3dj standard for 1.6T is still in draft, with no guarantee of interoperability between modules from different vendors.
Comparison — What Separates 800G from 1.6T
Recommended 2026
800G OSFP DR4
Approved standard
Price$700–900
Power draw15–17 W / port
StandardIEEE 802.3df ✓
Interoperability40 vendors at OFC 2026
Lead time2–8 weeks
SwitchesExisting
For hyperscalers 50k+ GPU
1.6T OSFP DR8
Standard in draft
Price$2,600–3,100
Power draw20–30 W / port
StandardIEEE 802.3dj draft
InteroperabilityNot guaranteed
Lead time8–20 weeks
SwitchesNew ASIC 200G/lane
Why This Matters for Data Centres in Poland and CEE
Polish and Central European data centres are going through a concrete shift. Three years ago most traffic was backup, office applications, and basic cloud. Today the data centres in Warsaw, Prague, Bratislava, and Budapest are receiving first AI projects, analytical models, e-commerce platforms with recommendations, and image and audio processing systems.
10G, which was enough for office applications, no longer cuts it for AI workloads. 100G starts feeling tight at the first GPU cluster. That is exactly why DC engineers and architects in Poland are hearing the same question more and more: buy 800G now, or wait for 1.6T?
When 1.6T Makes Sense
There is one scenario where a 1.6T conversation makes sense now: if you are planning to build or significantly expand a GPU cluster above 50,000 cards and port density matters more than price and deployment simplicity. That is a scenario for large cloud operators and hyperscalers — not a typical Polish enterprise-class data centre.
Even in that scenario: do not order 1.6T modules before verifying that your switch supports 200G/lane electrical, that you have cooling infrastructure ready for 30 W per port, and that the vendor will confirm compliance with the final standard once approved.
Key Takeaway for the Decision-Maker
Deploy 800G now — DC below 50,000 GPU ports
Enterprise-class data centres in Poland and CEE
First AI workloads, GPU clusters up to a few thousand cards
Budget requires cost certainty and interoperability
Plan switches compatible with 1.6T — migration 2027–2028 as evolution, not revolution
Consider 1.6T — only if you meet all conditions
GPU cluster above 50,000 cards — port density more important than price
Vendor will confirm compliance with final IEEE 802.3dj standard once approved
2026 is the year of 800G. For data centres in Poland and CEE below 50,000 GPU ports: deploy 800G now. Plan switches and cooling compatible with 1.6T so the 2027–2028 migration is an evolution, not a revolution.
Contact Us!
Ready to talk about a specific project? We will review your current links, bandwidth, and expansion plans. We will tell you straight what to order and when.
FAQ — 800G or 1.6T?
An 800G OSFP DR4 module costs $700–900 in Q1 2026, draws 15–17 W per port, and works with existing switches. A 1.6T OSFP DR8 module costs $2,600–3,100 — three times more — draws 20–30 W per port, and requires new switches with 200G/lane ASIC and cooling infrastructure rated for 30 W per port. Lead time for 800G is 2–8 weeks; for 1.6T it is 8–20 weeks.
Yes. The IEEE 802.3df standard for 800G was ratified in 2024. At OFC 2026, 40 companies simultaneously confirmed full interoperability of modules from different vendors. TrendForce estimates over 63 million 800G-and-above optical modules will be shipped in 2026. It is a mature, safe choice with guaranteed compatibility.
The IEEE 802.3dj standard for 1.6T is still in draft as of Q1 2026 — no guarantee of interoperability between modules from different vendors. Beyond that, the price is three times higher than 800G, power draw nearly twice as high, lead time longer, and new switches with 200G/lane ASIC are required. This is technology for hyperscalers with GPU clusters above 50,000 cards — not a typical enterprise-class data centre.
1.6T makes sense if you are building a GPU cluster above 50,000 cards and port density matters more than price. Before buying, verify three things: (1) Your switch ASIC supports 200G/lane electrical — Broadcom Tomahawk 6 or Marvell Teralynx 10. (2) You have cooling infrastructure ready for 30 W per port. (3) The vendor will confirm compliance with the final IEEE 802.3dj standard once approved. Without meeting these conditions you risk compatibility issues and unplanned costs.
Data centres in Warsaw, Prague, Bratislava, and Budapest are receiving first AI projects, analytical models, and image processing systems. Each of these workloads increases the demand for internal bandwidth. 10G no longer cuts it for AI workloads, 100G starts feeling tight at the first GPU cluster. 800G solves this problem now, with certain costs and full interoperability.
No, if you plan the infrastructure correctly. The key step: choose switches and cooling compatible with 1.6T at the 800G deployment stage. Then the 2027–2028 migration will simply mean swapping modules in existing ports — evolution, not revolution. Organisations that buy switches without thinking about 1.6T will have to replace the entire infrastructure when moving to the higher standard.
Typical lead time for 800G modules from stock is 2–8 weeks. By comparison, 1.6T modules take 8–20 weeks. The 800G market is mature and well-stocked — many suppliers hold modules in inventory. When planning a project with a hard launch deadline, order at least 2 months in advance to allow for any logistical delays.
