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100G ZR

Overview

The 100G ZR is a coherent optical solution designed for transporting 100GbE over long distances through fiber-optic patch cables. This standard defines the technology required to transport 100GbE optical signals using a single wavelength.

The primary application of 100G ZR optics is to provide high-bandwidth connectivity for edge routing, metro aggregation, and data center interconnects (DCI) within a distance of up to 80 km in unamplified links and significantly further in amplified systems. The 100G ZR optical module provides a cost-effective path for operators to scale bandwidth without requiring complex transponder shelves.

Some characteristics of the 100G ZR optics are:

  • Configuration of different modulation formats (such as DP-QPSK) to balance capacity and reach. While optimized for 100 Gbps, these optics can support a nominal reach of 80 km in point-to-point unamplified scenarios and up to 300 km or more with periodic optical amplification.
  • Capacity to carry signals across long distances through fiber-optic patch cables by utilizing DSP to mitigate fiber impairments like chromatic dispersion (CD).
  • Fully C-band tunable and supports dense wavelength-division multiplexing. These modules typically support standard 50 GHz or 100 GHz channel spacings, allowing for high spectral efficiency in existing optical fibers.
  • Ability to operate in both amplified and unamplified modes, making them suitable for simple passive filter deployments or complex integrated optical line systems.

Transceiver Specifications

Form Factor

Juniper coherent 100G transceivers make use of the QSFP28 form factor. For more information on the QSFP28 form factor, see QSFP28.

Juniper 100G ZR Transceivers

For a list of all 100G optics and their supported platforms for 100G ZR, see Hardware Compatibility Tool.

Connector Types

Juniper’s coherent 100G transceivers support Duplex LC PC/UPC connector type. For more information, see Connector Types.

Patch Cable Type and Length

Juniper’s 100G coherent optics utilize SMF to achieve extended reach across high-density optical links. For information on compatible fiber media and patch cable lengths, see Patch Cable and Length.

Breakout Capabilities

Juniper’s coherent 100G transceivers operate exclusively over SMF using LC duplex connectors. Unlike standard optics that use physical breakout cables to split port speeds, coherent modules utilize Software-Defined Rate Selection (logical channelization). As the signal is delivered over a single wavelength, physical breakout to multiple downstream devices is not supported. All rate-based channelization occurs within the logical configuration of the single fiber pair.

The 100G coherent transceivers support the 1 x 100GbE rate selection.