Coherent has announced the industry’s first QSFP28 dual laser 100G ZR module—dubbed the 100G ZR QSFP-DCO—enabling broadband providers to expand network capacity using existing single-fiber infrastructure. This is the first digital coherent optics (DCO) module of its kind in a QSFP28 form factor, specifically designed for single fiber, bi-directional operation in access and aggregation networks.
The 100G ZR QSFP-DCO integrates two independently tunable lasers, one for transmission and one for the local oscillator, within a compact pluggable module. The solution is powered by Coherent’s proprietary Steelerton digital signal processor (DSP), a low-power device optimized for 100 gigabit-per-second deployments. Coherent claims this module enables IP-over-dense wavelength division multiplexing (DWDM) transmission on a single working fiber, allowing operators to scale capacity by 10 times over existing 10 gigabit-per-second networks with lower power use and reduced overall cost per bit.
According to Coherent, this advancement makes it possible for network operators and service providers to deploy coherent optics in scenarios previously limited to dual-fiber networks while supporting flexibility for a range of network architectures. Applications are focused on access and aggregation for broadband, hyperscale, and data center operators.
Elad Nafshi, Chief Network Officer at Comcast, said, “This innovation enables us to seamlessly deploy the benefits of coherent optics more pervasively throughout our network and gives us greater flexibility to expand our network to new and underserved communities,” and continued, “With help from this and similar technologies, we’re essentially doubling our fiber inventory, enhancing capacity by 10x and increasing reach while reducing the amount of power it takes to operate this critical fiber equipment, enabling Comcast and other operators to more efficiently, effectively and broadly deliver next generation connectivity to customers.”
Coherent reports that the 100G ZR QSFP-DCO module is currently sampling to selected customers, with general availability expected in the fourth quarter of 2025.
Source: Coherent
