Inphi Corp. (NYSE: IPHI) says it has collaborated with Verizon Media to demonstrate the upgrade of 100 Gigabit Ethernet (GbE) QSFP28 optics to a 400ZR QSFP-DD in a production open line system. The QSFP28 was a COLORZ optical transceiver from Inphi, while the QSFP-DD was the succeeding COLORZ II. Inphi and Verizon added the 400ZR module into an Arista 400G switch, sending the 400-Gbps transmission down a 100-GHz DWDM channel without affecting any of the existing 100GbE wavelengths.
The high-speed optics are important to Verizon Media as the CDN operator connects super PoPs with low-latency, high-capacity DWDM links. Verizon Media has begun to base its networks on the disaggregated optics, switching, and optical line systems.
“To ensure our CDN remains ready for the web of tomorrow, we must constantly stay at the leading edge of technology to drive scalability of our network, while building the most price competitive and efficient infrastructure possible,” explains Nitin Batta, principal infrastructure architect, Verizon Media. “The solutions and roadmap offered by COLORZ products will allow us to rapidly, easily, and cost-effectively add terabits of capacity in response to customer demands.”
The trial also demonstrated the upgrade of a channel transmitting PAM4-based wavelengths to one based on coherent transmission. The COLORZ was the first 100GbE pluggable PAM4-based transceiver for IP over DWDM applications (see “Production ramps for Inphi ColorZ pluggable optical transceiver for DCI”). COLORZ II follows the precepts of the OIF coherent 400ZR Implementation Agreement (see "Inphi sampling COLORZ II QSFP-DD optical transceiver for 400ZR data center interconnect").
“As data center network traffic continues to grow exponentially, it is critical for infrastructure suppliers to continue providing innovative scalable solutions,” said Tomas Maj, senior director, marketing, optical interconnect at Inphi. “COLORZ products continue to open new possibilities for DCI total cost of ownership reductions, while providing a seamless upgrade path to 400G.”
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