Coherent 100G QSFP28 DCO Transceiver Transforms Edge Network Expansions, Delivering 10X Bandwidth

PublishTime： 2024-07-24 Article Source：COHERENT Official Website

To meet the soaring demand for high-speed data traffic management from AI/ML, IoT, and metaverse applications as well as broadband services, service providers need more advanced solutions to enhance bandwidth in access edge networks.

Introducing the groundbreaking coherent 100G QSFP28 Digital Coherent Optics (DCO) transceiver: the first 100Gbps coherent transceiver in a standard, compact QSFP28 form-factor along with low power dissipation, making it compatible with existing 100Gbps ports in routers and switches.

The bottom line: The coherent 100G QSFP28 DCO transceiver facilitates a seamless tenfold increase in network speed without requiring new equipment, streamlining the upgrade process for existing infrastructures. Furthermore, moving to coherent solutions simplifies network planning and engineering, thereby enabling faster bandwidth expansion. The 100G QSFP DCO offers the same or better chromatic dispersion tolerance and link budget as the deployed 10G direct detect solutions and can be seamlessly deployed over the existing DWDM infrastructure.

The Genesis of A Game-changer
In a strategic collaboration of optical networking pioneers, Coherent and Adtran defined the requirements for the Steelerton™ Digital Signal Processor (DSP). Then Coherent developed the DSP in parallel with the optical component technologies to ultimately design the DCO module.

Released in 2023, this DSP is purpose-built for 100G QSFP28 modules for edge networks. It addresses a critical industry challenge: increasing networking speeds without a proportional increase in power consumption. The groundbreaking device not only introduces 100Gbps coherent transceiver technology into access edge networks but does so cost-effectively and simply.

As the first DSP tailored for 100G QSFP28 DCO ZR ports, Steelerton™ achieved substantial reductions in power dissipation and form factor, allowing Coherent to launch its first 100Gb/s DCO in the QSFP-28 standard by 2023. The DSP is paired with a highly efficient silicon photonics optical front-end, purpose-built driver, and TIA, as well as a power-optimized tunable laser. This results in a typical module power dissipation of less than 5W, which is the industry standard requirement for the QSFP28 module form factor.

Why Does This Matter?

Today, the QSFP28 ports are widely available in routers and switches. These DWDM applications are currently deployed using 10G tunable transceiver solutions. These existing routers and switches can now be upgraded with coherent optics. Network operators can now deploy the Coherent 100G QSFP28-DCO on any standard 100G port-equipped switch or router. This capability delivers a tenfold capacity increase —without the need for capital expenditures or new transport equipment. Available even in industrial temperature ranges (I-Temp), this module is versatile for various environments, including challenging outdoor applications.

Moreover, the transceiver aligns with the IEEE 802.3™-2022 100GBASE-ZR standard, ensuring broad compatibility and integration ease, capable of supporting 100Gbps signals over distances much greater than 100 kilometers.

Expanded Product Range and Market Reach
A versatile technology for the broader network or DCI applications, the market for the coherent 100G QSFP28 DCO transceiver is expanding from traditional edge networks to include enterprise and datacenter applications. Additionally, Coherent has introduced new variants, such as versions with high transmitter optical output power and I-temp versions (industrial temperature range, -40℃ to +85℃ ), catering to a wide range of environmental conditions.

Reduced Operational and Capital Expenses
With the introduction of Flextune™ technology, Coherent has extended operational efficiency by offering Pluggable Self-Tuning Optics (STO), negating the need to stock multiple wavelength-specific transceivers. Moreover, the 100QSFP28 DCO transceiver supports remote diagnostics capability and built-in latency management for Precision Time Protocol in 5G wireless applications.

Recognizing the transformative potential of these optical solutions in the telecommunications industry, the 100QSFP28 DCO transceiver received a top 5.0 rating from Lightwave Innovation Reviews in 2023.

Real-world Impact
Kinetic by Windstream, a key player in fiber-based services, was among the first to adopt this technology, significantly enhancing their network scalability and sustainability. According to Jeff Austin, CTO at Kinetic, this technology was pivotal in revolutionizing IP-over-DWDM networks, which is crucial for expanding rural connectivity.

COHERENT: Enabling Next-gen Optical Networks

The coherent 100G QSFP28 DCO transceiver is more than just a module; it's a strategic enabler of next-generation optical networks, offering significant benefits, including:

Simplifying complex network architectures
Reducing layers of unnecessary equipment
Offering a cost-effective route for scaling up network capabilities

As telecom companies face an ever-increasing demand for more bandwidth, coherent technology is not only delivering essential modules for advanced networks—we're creating a sustainable platform for the future of global connectivity.

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