Coherent Announces Industry’s First 100G ZR QSFP28 for Bi-directional Applications – Enabling 10x Capacity on Existing Network Infrastructure

Rhea-AI Summary

Coherent (NYSE:COHR) has unveiled the industry's first QSFP28 Dual Laser 100G ZR solution, a groundbreaking innovation for broadband network infrastructure. This digital coherent optics (DCO) module features dual independently tunable lasers for single fiber, bi-directional applications.

The solution, powered by Coherent's proprietary Steelerton™ DSP, enables a 10x capacity increase on existing 10Gb/s networks while operating at lower power consumption. Comcast's Chief Network Officer has endorsed the technology for its ability to effectively double fiber inventory and enhance network expansion capabilities. The product is currently sampling to key customers with general availability expected in Q4 2025.

Positive

• First-to-market with dual laser QSFP28 technology for single fiber applications
• Enables 10x capacity increase on existing network infrastructure
• Reduces power consumption and overall cost per bit
• Secured endorsement from major customer Comcast

Negative

• None.

Insights

Telecommunications Infrastructure Specialist

Coherent's innovative dual-laser solution enables 10x capacity on existing single-fiber networks, addressing critical bandwidth constraints while reducing operational costs.

Coherent's new Dual Laser 100G ZR QSFP-DCO represents a significant technical breakthrough in optical networking. This first-of-its-kind module integrates two independently tunable lasers into a compact form factor, enabling coherent optics deployment on single-fiber networks—previously impossible with traditional solutions that required dual-fiber architectures.

The innovation addresses a critical infrastructure bottleneck: how to dramatically increase bandwidth capacity without laying new fiber, which is both expensive and logistically challenging. By enabling 10x capacity increases on existing 10Gb/s infrastructure through IP-over-DWDM transmission, operators can effectively double their fiber inventory without physical expansion.

What makes this particularly valuable is the module's compatibility with existing QSFP28 ports, allowing plug-and-play deployment into current equipment. The proprietary Steelerton™ DSP optimization specifically for 100G applications suggests significant power efficiency advantages—a crucial consideration as data centers face growing energy constraints.

Comcast's endorsement as a lead customer validates the real-world demand. For broadband providers facing surging bandwidth needs, this technology enables more cost-effective network expansion to underserved areas while reducing operational power requirements. The Q4 2025 availability timeline positions Coherent to capture market share in the rapidly growing coherent optics segment, particularly in access and aggregation networks where single-fiber deployments are common.

SAXONBURG, Pa., Sept. 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Coherent Corp. (NYSE: COHR), a global leader in photonics, announces the industry’s first QSFP28 Dual Laser 100G ZR solution that enables broadband providers to efficiently maximize capacity on existing fiber infrastructure.

The Coherent 100G ZR QSFP-DCO is the industry’s first dual laser QSFP28 digital coherent optics (DCO) module for single fiber, bi-directional applications – a breakthrough for network operators in access and aggregation networks.

“Traditionally, the benefits of coherent optics have been limited to dual fiber networks, but innovations like these give operators the ability to leverage the performance of coherent optics, across a range of network architectures,” said Sunny Sun, Executive Vice President, Communications at Coherent.

“This innovation enables us to seamlessly deploy the benefits of coherent optics more pervasively throughout our network and gives us greater flexibility to expand our network to new and underserved communities,” said Elad Nafshi, Chief Network Officer at Comcast. “With help from this and similar technologies, we’re essentially doubling our fiber inventory, enhancing capacity by 10x and increasing reach while reducing the amount of power it takes to operate this critical fiber equipment, enabling Comcast and other operators to more efficiently, effectively and broadly deliver next generation connectivity to customers.”

The Dual Laser 100G ZR QSFP-DCO integrates two independently tunable lasers – one for transmit and one for the local oscillator – into a compact pluggable module. The solution is powered by the Steelerton™ DSP, the proprietary low-power digital signal processor (DSP) by Coherent that is optimized for 100G deployments. This pluggable module enables IP-over-DWDM transmission over a single working fiber, a key enabler to expand capacity 10x on existing 10Gb/s network infrastructure at the lowest power dissipation and overall cost per bit.

The Coherent Dual Laser 100G ZR QSFP-DCO is sampling now to key customers and will be generally available in the fourth quarter of 2025, marking a major step forward in enabling more flexible, scalable, and cost-efficient optical access solutions for service providers adapting to surging bandwidth demand.

About Coherent 

Coherent is the global photonics leader. We harness photons to drive innovation. Industry leaders in the datacenter, communications, and industrial markets rely on Coherent’s world-leading technology to fuel their own innovation and growth.

Founded in 1971 and operating in more than 20 countries, Coherent brings the industry’s broadest, deepest technology stack; unmatched supply chain resilience; and global scale to help its customers solve their toughest technology challenges. For more information, visit us at coherent.com.

Media Contact: 
innovations@coherent.com 

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/2333b47d-f643-4b94-8426-1e7530aabd4d

FAQ

What is Coherent's new 100G ZR QSFP28 technology and how does it work?

Coherent's 100G ZR QSFP28 is a dual laser digital coherent optics module that integrates two independently tunable lasers for transmit and local oscillator functions, enabling bi-directional communication on a single fiber while increasing network capacity by 10x.

When will Coherent's (COHR) new 100G ZR QSFP28 be available commercially?

The Coherent Dual Laser 100G ZR QSFP-DCO is currently sampling to key customers and will be generally available in Q4 2025.

What are the main benefits of Coherent's new 100G ZR technology for network operators?

The technology enables operators to double their fiber inventory, increase capacity by 10x, extend network reach, and reduce power consumption while delivering next-generation connectivity more efficiently.

How does Coherent's QSFP28 technology impact existing network infrastructure?

The technology allows operators to maximize capacity on existing 10Gb/s network infrastructure through IP-over-DWDM transmission over a single working fiber, providing 10x capacity increase at lower power consumption and cost per bit.