IEEE created the HSSG (Higher Speed Study Group) to work on developing the next generation Ethernet standard. The current standard top speed is 10Gbps. Originally, the group set out to develop a 100Gbps standard, but factions within IEEE fought for an interim 40Gbps standard as well. The battle almost scuttled the whole project as the two sides reached a stalemate and refused to work together. Computerworld reports that the two sides have more or less agreed to disagree and that work is now continuing to develop a single standard for both 40Gbps and 100Gbps ethernet. Read IEEE group settles on faster Ethernet plans for more details.