OIF approves CFP2-ACO Implementation Agreement

The Optical Internetworking Forum (OIF) has ratified the CFP2 Analog Coherent Optics (CFP2-ACO) Implementation Agreement (IA). The IA covers a pluggable optical transceiver that will support coherent transmission for 100-Gbps (and, in some cases, 200 Gbps) metro networks.

The CFP2-ACO is expected to supplant the OIF MSA 100G coherent transponder as the go-to optical module for coherent 100-Gbps applications, particularly in metro networks where its smaller size, lower cost, and pluggability are expected to find favor. The most salient feature of the design is the removal of the coherent processing DSP from the module. The design means that systems houses and their customers aren't locked into a single optical transceiver vendor or DSP. Line card port density will increase as well.

While the IA has just achieved ratification, module vendors have been working on CFP2-ACO modules for some time (see, for example, "Oclaro shows off coherent CFP2 at 200 Gbps"). DSP vendors also have developed chips designed to work with such transceivers (see "ClariPhy 200G coherent DSP chip reaches production" and "NEL sampling second-generation 20-nm coherent DSP").

"A long life-span for the CFP2-ACO solution is expected by providing optical module vendors a large addressable market," said Ian Betty of Ciena and OIF board member and IA editor. "Significant innovation and cost reduction in the coherent optics solutions for metro-to-regional reach line-side transport is anticipated with the CFP2-ACO solution."

Details of the CFP2-ACO module IA can be found on the OIF's website.

For more information on optical transceivers and suppliers, visit the Lightwave Buyer's Guide.