Cignal AI foresees deployments of 100ZR coherent pluggable transceivers in 2024
Operators will begin to deploy 100ZR coherent pluggable transceivers in 2024, predicts Cignal AI. QSFP28 100ZR modules will earn most of the access market share because QSFP-DD versions based on 400ZR technology will not meet desired size and power requirements, the market research firm states in its new Coherent at the Network Edge report.
Cignal AI based the report’s conclusions on discussions with component makers, hardware manufacturers, and network operators. “It was important to discuss the requirements and viability of this technology with the hardware designers and end users, not just the component manufacturers,” explained Scott Wilkinson, lead analyst for optical components at Cignal AI. “We learned that dedicated QSFP28-based 100ZR modules will fill a central role in the next generation of fiber access networks.”
Those access networks where mobile and enterprise traffic converge will be the primary application for 100ZR pluggables, says Cignal AI. While price isn’t a primary driver for the modules’ use, the market research firm believes 100ZR transceivers will need to be significantly less expensive than 400ZR to gain traction. That said, the analysts expect the technology development community will be ready next year to meet 100ZR demand. (Enabling technologies will be on display at OFC 2023 -- see, for example, “EFFECT Photonics develops Pico Tunable Laser Assembly for QSFP28 100G ZR coherent pluggable modules" -- as well as a few 100ZR modules themselves.)
The research led Cignal AI to double its 100ZR shipment forecast for 2025.
The Coherent at the Network Edge report is part of Cignal AI’s Active Insight research service, which provides real-time reporting on important developments in the optical market. This free service is included with subscriptions to Cignal AI’s Transport Hardware and Optical Component reports and is available as a standalone subscription to network operators and investors. Active Insight reports provide analysis of new product launches, show reports, summaries of quarterly earnings calls, and vendor reports.
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Stephen Hardy | Editorial Director and Associate Publisher, Lightwave
Stephen Hardy is editorial director and associate publisher of Lightwave and Broadband Technology Report, part of the Lighting & Technology Group at Endeavor Business Media. Stephen is responsible for establishing and executing editorial strategy across the both brands’ websites, email newsletters, events, and other information products. He has covered the fiber-optics space for more than 20 years, and communications and technology for more than 35 years. During his tenure, Lightwave has received awards from Folio: and the American Society of Business Press Editors (ASBPE) for editorial excellence. Prior to joining Lightwave in 1997, Stephen worked for Telecommunications magazine and the Journal of Electronic Defense.
Stephen has moderated panels at numerous events, including the Optica Executive Forum, ECOC, and SCTE Cable-Tec Expo. He also is program director for the Lightwave Innovation Reviews and the Diamond Technology Reviews.
He has written numerous articles in all aspects of optical communications and fiber-optic networks, including fiber to the home (FTTH), PON, optical components, DWDM, fiber cables, packet optical transport, optical transceivers, lasers, fiber optic testing, and more.
You can connect with Stephen on LinkedIn as well as Twitter.