Introducing Backpack: Our second-generation modular open switch

What this post added

This post introduces Backpack, Meta's second-generation modular open switch platform, designed to support the migration to 100G data centers. It highlights the hardware design challenges, including improved cooling systems for higher power ASICs and optics, and a disaggregated architecture for scalability and thermal performance. The post also details the software stack (FBOSS, OpenBMC), testing methodologies, and the contribution of Backpack's specifications to the Open Compute Project, emphasizing its role in building a more efficient and scalable data center infrastructure.