Xsight Labs X2 to enable Starlink V3 satellite networking
Xsight Labs said its X2 Programmable Ethernet switch would serve as the high-speed networking core for Starlink V3 satellites, a role that addressed Starlink’s need to handle large volumes of real-time data.
Each V3 Starlink satellite was designed to deliver more than 1 terabit per second of fronthaul throughput, more than 10× the capacity of Starlink V2 Mini satellites, and about 160 gigabits per second of uplink capacity; the service depended on processing and routing inter-satellite optical link traffic, orbital mesh routing decisions, adaptive beam steering, and high-throughput downlink.
The X2 delivered 12.8 Tbps of switching capacity using 100G Serializer/Deserializer (SerDes) and TSMC’s N5 process, providing a power-efficient, ultra-low-latency data path built for harsh environments; its fully programmable architecture allowed dynamic adaptation to evolving orbital networking demands.
The X2 passed a full suite of environmental qualification tests in extreme environments, including vibration, radiation, temperature and thermal stress, confirming its readiness for deployment in orbital missions. Xsight’s portfolio included the complementary E1 solution. “Starlink demands next-generation networking capabilities to quickly expand access to high-speed internet all around the world,” said Michael Nicolls, VP Starlink Engineering, SpaceX.
“We are extremely proud to partner with Starlink to bring connectivity worldwide. Low-Earth orbit satellite connectivity presents some of the toughest networking challenges imaginable,” said Yossi Meyouhas, CEO, Xsight Labs. “With the X2 switch, we’re delivering an integrated, high-performance solution that handles massive data flows with ultra-low power while remaining resilient in extreme conditions. Our ongoing control and data plane optimizations ensure Starlink can rely on X2 as a next-generation network.”
Xsight’s X2 switch was available and would be leveraged in Starlink V3 satellites launching on SpaceX’s Starship.