The OpenZR+ Multi-Source Agreement (MSA) Group has published its first specification, OpenZR+ Rev 1.0, as well as an accompanying whitepaper. The group, formed to drive industry consensus toward open modules that would provide performance that would extend beyond that of the OIF’s 400ZR Implementation Agreement for coherent pluggable 400G modules, promises refinements to the specification in future releases.
The specification leverages high-gain oFEC derived from the Open ROADM MSA that can be applied to high-density form factors such as QSFP-DD and OSFP for 100G to 400G transmissions. “OpenZR+ enables network operators to address 400G regional interconnects beyond 1,000 km, and even long-haul requirements with 200G reaches beyond 2,500 km, using interoperable modules from multiple vendors,” explained Tom Williams, co-chair of the OpenZR+ MSA Group.
The MSA announced its formation in May of this year with initial members Acacia Communications, Cisco, Fujitsu Optical Components, InnoLight Technology, Juniper Networks, Lumentum, and NTT Electronics. Some members have already begun work on such modules (see, for example, the video interviews "Is your Network Ready for 400GbE?" and "400G Module Update with Acacia Communications"). The group said it seeks to members to join discussions on enhancing the specification. Opening the application range to include 75-GHz spacing requirements is one topic of recent conversation, the MSA reveals.
The OpenZR+ Rev 1.0 specification and whitepaper are available from the MSA’s website.
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