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Recently trending XPO
Full name: eXtra-dense Pluggable Optics
Chinese definition: Ultra-high Density Pluggable Optics
Launched in March 2026 by Arista together with 45 industrial partners under the MSA framework, XPO is a new-generation pluggable optical module standard. It is tailor-made to meet the urgent demands of AI computing data centers for ultra-high speed, ultra-high density and superior heat dissipation, serving as a revolutionary upgrade to the existing OSFP modules.

What Exactly Are XPO / NPO / CPO?

1. Basic Overview of the Three Technologies

  • XPO (eXtra-dense Pluggable Optics)
    Oversized form factor, pluggable design, native liquid cooling support, 12.8T bandwidth.
    It is inserted into the front panel of switches, acting like a giant OSFP module. Single-module bandwidth reaches 12.8 Tbps, and a 1U panel supports up to 204.8T bandwidth — 4 times that of traditional OSFP.
  • NPO (Near-Packaged Optics)
    Near-chip mounted, pluggable, 3.2T/6.4T bandwidth, a balanced solution.
    The optical engine is not installed on the front panel but mounted next to the ASIC chip (within several centimeters). It features ultra-short electrical traces, low power consumption, and remains replaceable.
  • CPO (Co-Packaged Optics)
    Optical engine co-packaged with the chip, non-pluggable, ultimate integration solution.
    Integrated with the ASIC in the same package or substrate, with electrical signal transmission distance limited to the millimeter level. It delivers the lowest power consumption and highest density, yet the whole device needs replacement once it fails.
Note: Though all three end with "PO", the letter "P" in XPO stands for Pluggable.

2. Core Differences Comparison

(1) Physical Position & Form Factor

  • XPO: Front-panel pluggable, large module (60.8mm width)
  • NPO: On-board near-chip mounting (1–5cm), compact optical engine
  • CPO: Co-packaged with ASIC (<1mm), fully integrated structure

(2) Rate & Density (2026 Standard)

  • XPO: Single module 12.8 Tbps (64×200G)
  • NPO: Mainstream specification 3.2 Tbps (16×200G)
  • CPO: Target rate 6.4T/12.8T and above; single switch up to 409.6T

(3) Power Consumption (Core Indicator)

  • XPO: ~400W per module (liquid cooling is mandatory)
  • NPO: ~20W for 3.2T (DSP removed, linear direct drive)
  • CPO: 50–70% lower than traditional pluggable modules, optimal power efficiency per bit

(4) Maintainability

  • XPO: ✅ Hot-swappable, single-module replacement
  • NPO: ✅ Replaceable via LGA socket
  • CPO: ❌ Non-pluggable; entire device replacement required upon failure

(5) Relationship Between XPO, CPO and NPO

XPO is an evolved form developed by the traditional pluggable optical module ecosystem to compete with and even replace the CPO/NPO architecture.
Technical Route Competition:
CPO and NPO belong to the on-board integration route, pursuing lower power consumption and higher density through integration.
XPO belongs to the front-panel pluggable route. It retains operational convenience while approaching CPO-level performance via liquid cooling and ultra-high channel density.

3. Attitudes of Module Manufacturers and Cloud Vendors Toward XPO

XPO sustains the pluggable ecosystem and prevents disruption by CPO.
CPO will reduce optical module manufacturers to mere optical engine suppliers, depriving them of independent product development and pricing power.
By contrast, XPO inherits and develops the existing pluggable industrial chain, keeping module manufacturers as core independent product suppliers.
The industry holds reservations about CPO’s chip-bound optical engine design: Once the optical engine malfunctions in a CPO solution, the entire board or device needs replacement, leading to long downtime and high maintenance costs.
XPO supports full hot swapping — faulty modules can be replaced directly, perfectly fitting the operation and maintenance logic of ultra-large-scale data centers with millions of servers.
Cloud vendors prioritize easy operation and maintenance, while optical module manufacturers pursue sustainable business value. XPO perfectly satisfies the demands of both sides.

4. Industry Consensus & Future Outlook

  • Short term (2026–2028): XPO will be the mainstream solution for AI data centers with rapid market adoption.
  • Long term (Post-2029): CPO may dominate high-end customized scenarios, while XPO and NPO will coexist in the industry long-term.



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