Rumor has Intel using copper Light Peak

Intel may be rushing a stopgap version of Light Peak to make an early launch, a tentative rumor hinted late last week. The company would allegedly switch from the technology's signature fiber optics to copper wires for its first incarnation. The CNET tip has it still reaching the promised 10Gbps peak transfer speeds.

The short-term solution could let Intel ship computers badged with Light Peak in the first half of 2011.

The rumor is called somewhat into question by the nature of the switch. Light Peak is defined by its optical connection and would lose some of its advantages by using wired connections, such as the cabling flexibility and the ability to scale significantly in the future. Light Peak should eventually reach 100Gbps but likely wouldn't reach these peaks without fiber.

It would regardless line up with rumors that some companies, particularly Apple and Sony, have been pushing for an early Light Peak release beyond the current 2012 target. Apple isn't directly involved but is known to have provided recommendations for Light Peak that likely shaped its creation. At a minimum, Light Peak will simplify the internal connections by letting FireWire, Ethernet, USB and other external formats share a single pipe. It may eventually become a port of itself and provide much faster syncing for mobile devices.

By Electronista Staff

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Intel, sony, computers, industry, Apple, Light Peak