New generations of enabling technologies should make it easier to roll out 8 Gbps Fibre Channel devices for the enterprise, a key consideration as the format prepares to take on 10 GbE for the storage networking market.

The UK's Phyworks Ltd. recently launched a new 8G Fibre Channel receiver that the company says is capable of scaling up to 17 Gbps. The Phy1068 uses decision feedback equalization and re-timing among a range of techniques to combat issues like crosstalk, channel loss and jitter.

The device can operate links up to 30 meters aboard twin-axial cable. The unit can also provide one-meter links on existing 4 G backplanes.

The company is offering samples at less than $20 each in volume shipments.