Introduction
This report is an update to our original 100ZR report, published in 2023 (see 100ZR: Coherent at the Network Edge). Most of the conclusions from that report, including applications, technology, and drivers, have not changed. However, with shipments now exceeding 10k per quarter and more DSP vendors entering the market, it is time to take another look at 100ZR.
Since the introduction of 400ZR in 2020, pluggable coherent modules have grown to dominate the coherent optical market. Over 200k 400ZRx modules shipped per quarter this year and 800ZRx modules are forecast to surpass 100k per quarter by the end of the year. Pluggable coherent offers lower cost, more flexibility, and pay-as-you-grow benefits over embedded optics, and it is not surprising that those benefits are desired at 100G.
Except for 100ZR, the 100G market is on the decline as AI networks, data center interconnect, and traditional telecom metro and long-haul networks have moved on to higher speeds per wavelength. 100ZR is a niche product, at least currently, for applications where 400G is overkill. The killer app for 100ZR, as described in our original report, remains replacing 10G DWDM (non-coherent) optics in the access network. But access networks are extremely price sensitive and 100ZR is still too expensive for widespread access network deployment.
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