News: Optoelectronics
1 November 2024
OIF releases 800ZR coherent interface implementation agreement and key 400ZR IA updates
In its ongoing commitment to meet evolving market demands for interoperability and address real-world network requirements, the Optical Internetworking Forum (OIF) has released its 800ZR coherent interface implementation agreement (IA). OIF has also released updates to the foundational 400ZR coherent optical interfaces IA.
Developed through a systematic process driven by OIF’s network operator and vendor members, the new 800ZR IA defines the requirements for an 800G coherent line interface and frame format for single-span, amplified 80-120km dense wavelength division multiplexing (DWDM) links, specifically targeting data-center interconnect (DCI) applications.
“This IA represents a critical milestone in expanding the capacity and efficiency of DCI solutions,” says Karl Gass, OIF Physical and Link Layer (PLL) Working Group (WG) Optical Vice Chair. “The 800ZR IA builds on the success of OIF’s transformational 400ZR work, providing a clear pathway for vendors and network operators to implement scalable, interoperable 800G solutions.”
The 800ZR IA enables Ethernet client interfaces, starting at a minimum of 100GE, to scale up to 800G aggregate bandwidth over a single coherent line interface. It specifies the Ethernet client mappings, frame format, forward-error correction (FEC), modulation and optical characteristics needed for interoperable 800ZR implementations. An important feature of this IA is its focus on low-power, cost-effective coherent solutions in small-form-factor pluggable modules, which provide high port densities typically found in client optics.
The IA marks a significant advancement in 800ZR interoperability, demonstrating its potential to deliver scalable solutions for high-capacity optical links over extended distances, says OIF. The organization recently demonstrated the first multi-vendor interoperability of 800ZR coherent interfaces at the European Conference on Optical Communication (ECOC 2024) in Frankfurt, Germany (23–25 September), showcasing the technology’s readiness for deployment in high-capacity DCI applications.
The updates to the 400ZR IA (3.0) focus on addressing identified deficiencies and clarifying several parameter definitions. These updates aim to enhance interoperability and improve the implementation of 400ZR solutions across the industry.
The 400ZR IA has seen rapid adoption since its introduction, with 400ZR modules now widely available from multiple vendors. OIF recently released a story showcasing the industry impact of the 400ZR IA, highlighting how it has transformed the market by enabling interoperable, cost-effective solutions for data-center interconnects.
“400ZR and its derivatives are by far the most successful coherent technology of all time,” says Scott Wilkinson of Cignal AI. “Without 400ZR, data-center development would not be where it is today.”
