Coherent Announces General Availability of 800G ZR/ZR+ QSFP-DD Transceiver

Rhea-AI Summary

Coherent Corp. (NYSE: COHR) has announced the general availability of its 800G ZR/ZR+ QSFP-DD transceiver, designed for high-speed optical networking applications. The new module supports transmission spanning over 500 km in ZR mode and beyond 1000 km in ZR+ modes, with capabilities extending to 2000 km at lower data rates.

The transceiver features proprietary Indium Phosphide chip technology, delivering transmitter optical output power of -7dBm for OIF 800ZR and 0dBm for ROADM-based systems. Unlike silicon photonics solutions, it operates without additional EDFAs or tunable optical filters, reducing complexity and costs.

The product enables IP-over-DWDM deployments in routers and Ethernet switches, eliminating standalone transport equipment and reducing operational costs. According to Cignal AI, over 70% of coherent bandwidth deployed in 2024 was in pluggables, with growth expected due to AI-driven data center interconnect demands.

Positive

• New 800G transceiver enables longer transmission distances (500-2000 km)
• Eliminates need for additional equipment, reducing system costs
• Strong market position with 70% of coherent bandwidth in pluggables
• Partnership with Juniper Networks for integration into routing solutions
• Leverages existing 400G manufacturing processes for efficient production

Negative

• None.

Insights

Telecommunications Engineer

Coherent's launch of its 800G ZR/ZR+ QSFP-DD transceiver represents a significant technological advancement in the optical networking space with material business implications. The timing is particularly strategic as AI infrastructure buildouts drive explosive growth in data center interconnect requirements.

The technical specifications are impressive - offering transmission distances of over 500km in standard mode and beyond 1000km in enhanced modes, with the proprietary Indium Phosphide chip delivering superior optical output power (-7dBm for OIF 800ZR and 0dBm for ROADM systems). What truly distinguishes this product is achieving these performance metrics without requiring additional amplifiers or filters that competitors need, creating a meaningful cost advantage.

This product directly addresses the accelerating shift toward IP-over-DWDM architectures, which eliminate standalone transport equipment. Network operators implementing this approach can realize substantial CAPEX and OPEX reductions – a compelling value proposition in the current high-interest rate environment where capital efficiency is paramount.

The endorsement from Juniper Networks is particularly noteworthy as it signals strong customer interest and integration into leading routing platforms. With over 70% of coherent bandwidth now deployed in pluggable formats according to Cignal AI, Coherent is targeting the fastest-growing segment of the optical networking market, positioning itself to capture significant share in AI-driven optical infrastructure.

Financial Analyst

This product launch strengthens Coherent's competitive positioning in the high-growth data center interconnect market where AI deployments are driving explosive bandwidth demand. The ability to deliver 800G optical performance without the additional components required by silicon photonics-based solutions represents a sustainable competitive advantage that should translate to higher gross margins and market share gains.

The strategic partnership with Juniper Networks provides a clear go-to-market channel, with the executive endorsement indicating potential for significant volume deployments. The timing is opportune – hyperscalers are racing to build out AI infrastructure, creating unprecedented demand for high-performance optical interconnects between compute clusters.

The economic value proposition centers on capital efficiency – by enabling the elimination of standalone transport equipment through IP-over-DWDM architectures, Coherent addresses the critical TCO concerns of both cloud providers and traditional carriers. This aligns perfectly with current market priorities where infrastructure cost optimization has become essential.

Cignal AI's market data validating that over 70% of coherent bandwidth deployed in 2024 was in pluggable formats confirms Coherent is targeting the market's sweet spot. The product's enhanced capabilities should command premium pricing while leveraging established manufacturing processes from their 400G product line, suggesting favorable production economics and rapid scalability as demand increases.

SAXONBURG, Pa., March 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Coherent Corp. (NYSE: COHR), a global leader in photonics, announces general availability of its 800G ZR/ZR+ transceiver in QSFP-DD form factor. This launch reinforces the company’s commitment to next-generation optical networking. 

The 800G ZR/ZR+ addresses increasing demand for high-speed, efficient, and scalable metro, regional, and data center interconnect applications. Its pluggable form factor supports IP-over-DWDM deployments, enabling seamless integration into high-capacity routers and Ethernet switches. By eliminating standalone transport equipment, network operators achieve significant reductions in capital and operational costs. 

Supporting multiple operational modes, the module delivers 800G ZR/ZR+ transmission spanning more than 500 km in ZR mode, beyond 1000 km in high-performance ZR+ modes with probabilistic shaping and over 2000 km at lower data rates. Its advanced IC-TROSA optical engine utilizes proprietary Indium Phosphide (InP) chip technology, providing transmitter optical output power of –7dBm for OIF 800ZR and 0dBm for ROADM-based line systems. Unlike silicon photonics-based solutions, these performance levels are achieved without additional Erbium-Doped Fiber Amplifiers (EDFAs) or tunable optical filters, thus reducing complexity, and lowering costs. "The availability of our 800G ZR/ZR+ QSFP-DD module marks another significant step in delivering innovative, high-performance solutions that address the evolving needs of optical networks,” said Dr. Beck Mason, Executive Vice President, Telecommunications at Coherent. 

“The advent of small form factor pluggable coherent optics and IPoDWDM optimized routers is fueling a profound transformation of how networks are designed and implemented,” said AE Natarajan, Executive Vice President, Chief Development Officer, Juniper Networks. “Our journey to create a comprehensive portfolio of IPoDWDM-optimized solutions has been greatly enhanced and accelerated by our collaboration with Coherent. With Coherent’s 800G ZR/ZR+ 0dBm QSFP-DD optics, combined with Juniper’s industry-leading 800G routing solutions (e.g., PTX10002-36QDD), customers can achieve lower total cost of ownership (TCO) across cloud and AI data center applications spanning core, regional, and metro networks.” 

“More than 70% of the coherent bandwidth deployed in 2024 was in pluggables, and that percentage will continue growing as AI drives data center interconnect bandwidth,” said Dr. Scott Wilkinson, Lead Analyst at Cignal AI. “The high output power option and extended reach of Coherent’s QSFP-DD module will further expand the market into existing hyperscale and service provider ROADM networks.” 

The 800G ZR/ZR+ module leverages common manufacturing processes established for the company’s successful 400G products, facilitating streamlined production and customer migration to higher-capacity coherent optics. 
 
Visit Coherent booth #1519 at OFC 2025 in San Francisco April 1-3 to learn more about our high-performance optical networking solutions. 

About Coherent 

Coherent empowers market innovators to define the future through breakthrough technologies, from materials to systems. We deliver innovations that resonate with our customers in diversified applications for the industrial, communications, electronics, and instrumentation markets. Coherent has research and development, manufacturing, sales, service, and distribution facilities worldwide. For more information, please visit us at coherent.com.

Media Contact: 

innovations@coherent.com

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/7c963059-e53a-47d6-8478-8f833f7d0df0

FAQ

What are the transmission capabilities of Coherent's new 800G ZR/ZR+ QSFP-DD transceiver?

The transceiver spans over 500 km in ZR mode, beyond 1000 km in ZR+ modes with probabilistic shaping, and over 2000 km at lower data rates.

How does COHR's 800G transceiver differ from silicon photonics-based solutions?

It uses Indium Phosphide chip technology and operates without additional EDFAs or tunable optical filters, reducing complexity and costs.

What is the market trend for coherent bandwidth deployment according to Cignal AI?

Over 70% of coherent bandwidth deployed in 2024 was in pluggables, with growth expected due to AI-driven data center interconnect demands.

What are the optical output power specifications of COHR's 800G ZR/ZR+ module?

The module delivers -7dBm for OIF 800ZR and 0dBm for ROADM-based line systems.

How does Coherent's 800G ZR/ZR+ QSFP-DD benefit network operators?

It enables IP-over-DWDM deployments, eliminates standalone transport equipment, and reduces capital and operational costs.