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40 Gigabit Ethernet (40GbE) is an Ethernet standard which allows for frame transfers at a speed of 40 gigabits per second (Gbps). This standard is usually intended for connecting local servers only, rather than being used for the Internet backbone which requires the more robust 100 Gigabit Ethernet (100GbE) standard.
It uses Quad Small Form Factor Pluggable (QSFFP) cabling, which uses a high-density fiber connector that has 12 strands of fiber. 40GbE, together with 100GbE, were the works of the IEE Higher Speed Study.
Techopedia Explains 40 Gigabit Ethernet
The 40 Gigabit Ethernet standard was developed with the 100GbE standard in 2007 for the purpose of increasing available bandwidth, while ensuring compatibility with the current interfaces and network management principles. It was also a solution for the increased working distance requirements of applications. The standards were approved in 2010.
According to the IEEE Higher Speed Study Group, both standards are meant to fulfill the following objectives:
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Preserving the existing 802.3 frame format either in minimum or maximum size
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Supporting applications which requires more bandwidth
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Supporting high-speed switching, routing and application functions for data centers
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Exhibiting bit error rates of 10-12 or better
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Providing support for optical transport networks
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Providing the specifics for operations over specific fibers, cables and backplanes
