100G DCO QSFP28 ZR,Coherent Optical Module for Data Center Interconnection

As 5G networks scale up, AI computing clusters accelerate, and cloud traffic continues to explode, the bandwidth demand between network edges and data centers is rising at an unprecedented pace. Traditional 10G networks are increasingly strained in both capacity and transmission distance, while higher-bandwidth solutions often come with prohibitive equipment costs and complex deployment requirements. Against this backdrop, C-LIGHT introduces its 100G DCO ZR optical module based on the QSFP28 form factor — a cost-effective, low-power, plug-and-play long-haul transmission solution for carriers and enterprise users.

1. Product Overview: Small Form Factor, Big Capability

The C-LIGHT CL100GQSFPDW-ZR is a 100G DWDM coherent optical module in the QSFP28 package, designed to meet the high-speed transmission demands of data center interconnect (DCI), metro access networks, and edge networks. The module supports a 100Gbps data rate, features 96-channel C-band tunable DWDM wavelengths with 50GHz/100GHz spacing, operates over single-mode fiber (SMF) with a standard LC duplex interface, and achieves a maximum transmission distance of up to 120 km. Its commercial-grade temperature range ensures stable and reliable operation in indoor机房 environments.

As a DCO module, the CL100GQSFPDW-ZR highly integrates the traditionally bulky coherent transceiver functionality into a compact QSFP28 package. Compared with conventional CFP/CFP2 DCO modules, the QSFP28 form factor enables much higher port density within the same rack space, significantly improving system integration and deployment flexibility. This design allows network equipment manufacturers and operators to smoothly upgrade to 100G coherent transmission without replacing existing routers or switches equipped with QSFP28 ports.

Product Features

●QSFP28 pluggable optical module (SFF8661compatible form factor)  ●100G 28G Baud DP-DQPSK modulation ●Optical output power (-8dBm ~ -4dBm) ●Full C-band tunable ●Power consumption (≤5.5W) ●Operates within C-temp range of  0°C to 70°C ●SC-FEC compliant with 1EE802.3-2022 100GBASE-ZR ●Low-latency modein GFEC (ITU-TG.709) ●120km reach with EDFA only ●Supports both SFF-8636and OIF-C-CMIS management interfaces ●EFFECT Photonics 100G DSP 7nm ●Integrated OTN Framer ●Multi-rate, triple FEC host interface ●Integrated COSA and ITLA

2. Core Technology and Product Advantages

The competitiveness of the C-LIGHT 100G DCO QSFP28 ZR module lies in three key aspects:

(1) Compact Package and High-Density Deployment

QSFP28 has been one of the most widely deployed 100G form factors over the past decade. The CL100GQSFPDW-ZR inherits this mature standard and can be plugged directly into any network device supporting QSFP28 ports. Whereas traditional CFP2 DCO modules typically support only 4–8 ports per 1RU of rack space, the QSFP28 solution accommodates 30–36 interfaces per RU — a several-fold increase in port density that dramatically reduces both rack space cost and power consumption per unit of bandwidth.

(2) Coherent Technology Downscaled, DSP-Enabled Long-Haul Transmission

The CL100GQSFPDW-ZR adopts DP-QPSK modulation and integrates a high-performance DSP with powerful electronic dispersion compensation. It achieves single-span transmission of up to 120 km without requiring external dispersion compensation modules (DCMs). The embedded DSP also incorporates ITU-T-compliant forward error correction (FEC) to ensure signal integrity over long distances. This technical approach brings high-performance coherent optical modules from traditional backbone/core networks to the network edge, where fiber resources and device density are more constrained — a major driver of the “coherent downscaling” trend.

(3) IP-over-DWDM Direct Connectivity for Simplified Network Architecture

The core value of the 100G ZR DCO module lies in enabling direct IP-over-DWDM transmission. Traditional long-haul transmission requires multiple layers of equipment conversion — from router to transponder to optical amplifier. The 100G ZR module transmits 100GbE signals directly from router ports over DWDM links, eliminating expensive muxponder equipment. This streamlined architecture not only significantly reduces CAPEX but also minimizes failure points and operational complexity.

3. Application Scenarios

The C-LIGHT 100G DCO QSFP28 ZR module is suitable for a variety of long-haul, high-bandwidth transmission scenarios:

• Data Center Interconnect (DCI): With the rapid expansion of AI computing hubs and hyperscale data centers, high-speed interconnection between data centers is increasingly critical. Coherent technology has become the mainstream solution for 80–120 km transmission in DCI applications. The C-LIGHT CL100GQSFPDW-ZR serves as an ideal building block for DCI links, enabling 1.6Tbps capacity per fiber within a standard 1RU rack. Operators can combine C-LIGHT’s DCI wavelength division subsystems with 100G DCO modules to build high-density, low-power DCI networks.

• Metro Access and Aggregation Network Upgrades: 100G coherent pluggable optics will be widely adopted in edge and access network strategies. The CL100GQSFPDW-ZR helps operators smoothly upgrade from existing 10G infrastructure to 100G, addressing bandwidth pressure in scenarios such as 5G mobile backhaul/midhaul, FTTx access uplinks, and metro aggregation. In areas with limited fiber resources, DWDM technology allows a single fiber to carry up to 96 100G wavelength channels, greatly improving utilization of existing fiber assets.

• Enterprise Leased Lines and Campus Interconnection: For large enterprises, universities, and research institutions requiring cross-campus or metro-area connectivity, the 100G ZR module offers a more economical and self-controlled alternative to traditional leased lines. Users can directly deploy 100G links over dark fiber to achieve high-speed, secure interconnection between facilities.

4. Market Trends and Industry Significance

The coherent pluggable optical module market is undergoing profound change. On one hand, 400ZR/800ZR modules are driving high-speed evolution within data centers and short-reach DCI. On the other hand, the industry is increasingly focused on “coherent downscaling” — bringing 100G coherent technology into access and edge networks with lower power and cost. The 100ZR product is a core vehicle for this trend, with typical power consumption of about 5W and the universal QSFP28 package. Any device with QSFP28 ports can directly gain 100G coherent long-haul transmission capability.

C-LIGHT, a professional manufacturer with over 15 years of experience in the optical communications industry, has built deep technical expertise and production capacity in 100G/400G/800G high-speed optical modules. The company’s products are deployed in more than 100 countries and regions, with daily output exceeding 8,000 units, offering significant advantages in supply chain security and quality control. The launch of the CL100GQSFPDW-ZR further enriches C-LIGHT’s portfolio of DWDM coherent optical modules, providing industry users with a high-performance, cost-effective solution for long-haul transmission.

5. Conclusion

The C-LIGHT 100G DCO QSFP ZR module, with its compact QSFP28 form factor, 120 km long-haul capability, C-band 96-channel tunable DWDM flexible spectrum configuration, and cost advantages from IP-over-DWDM architecture, stands as an ideal choice for data center interconnect, metro access, and edge network upgrades. In an era driven by AI computing and continuously escalating network bandwidth requirements, C-LIGHT leverages its deep technical foundation and robust supply chain to deliver high-quality optical modules and customized services to customers worldwide, helping optical networks evolve toward higher speed, greater intelligence, and greener operation.