400G ZR coherent pluggable optics plays a vital role in enabling the next-generation data center to interconnect (DCI) and metro network solutions to meet the bandwidth requirements of today and tomorrow. It reduces the cost and complexity of high-bandwidth data center interconnects and promotes interoperability among optical module manufacturers and providers. This article provides some knowledge about 400G ZR.

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400G ZR coherent pluggable optics plays a vital role in enabling the next-generation data center to
interconnect (DCI) and metro network solutions to meet the bandwidth requirements of today and
tomorrow. It reduces the cost and complexity of high-bandwidth data center interconnects and promotes
interoperability among optical module manufacturers and providers. This article provides some
knowledge about 400G ZR.
What is 400G ZR?
400G ZR or 400ZR is an interoperable standard that enables the transmission of multiple 400GE
payloads over Data Center Interconnect (DCI) links up to 80/120km using dense wavelength
division multiplexing (DWDM) and higher-order modulation(16 QAM). It aims to secure an
affordable and long-term implementation based on single-carrier 400G using dual-polarization
16 QAM (16-state quadrature amplitude modulation) at approximately 60 gigabaud (Gbaud).

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How Does 400G ZR Work?
400G ZR is an interoperable networking Implementation Agreement (IA) released by the Optical
Networking Forum (OIF). It uses advanced coherent optical technology design for small,
pluggable form factor modules such as QSFP-DD (Quad Small Form Factor Pluggable Double
Density) and OSFP (Octal Small Form Factor Pluggable). These form factors defined separately by
Multi-Source Agreement (MSA) bodies specify compact mechanical transceivers, which are
pluggable into a compatible socket in a system platform. 400G ZR supports high-capacity data
transport, matched to the 400GE switch port.
Benefits of Using 400G ZR
400G ZR provides the following benefits:

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 400G ZR provides 400Gbps high optical bandwidth over a single optical wavelength using
DWDM and 16 QAM.
 400G ZR simplified supply chain management and deployment, and interoperability eases.
 400G ZR leverages an ultra-modern coherent optical technology and supports high-capacity
point-to-point data transport over DCI links between 80 and 120km.
 400G ZR ensures it's cost-effective with a small physical size and low power consumption.
Applications
400G ZR is used in point-to-point DCI (up to 80/120km), cloud networks, distributed campuses &
metropolitan areas networks, telecommunications networks, etc.
Conclusion
400G ZR is frequently used for point-to-point DCI (up to 80/120km), simplifying the task of

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interconnecting data centers. It maximizes fiber utilization and reduces the cost of data transport,
high optical bandwidth, and low power consumption.
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