400ZR vs 800G – Classifying Coherent Technology
The historical classification of coherent optical technology (Gen1, Gen2, etc.) is no longer sufficient. Therefore, Cignal AI will now recognize and classify coherent DSP technology by its maximum baud rate and whether the DSP is optimized for Performance or Compact applications.
Cisco/Acacia Announces 1.2Tbps DSP and Coherent Module
Development moves past 90+ GBaud directly to 120+
OpenROADM Update
Nearly 5 years after the project’s inception, AT&T disclosed it has deployed OpenROADM-based networks across a dozen US metros.
OFC 2021: 400ZR/ZR+ Coherent Pluggables
After years of anticipation, 400G pluggable digital coherent optics (DCO) will finally achieve general availability and initial deployment in 2021.
OFC21: Marketwatch State of the Industry
Quick thoughts on equipment spending trends as well as a current view on the role of pluggable coherent modules.
OFC21: 800G Coherent and Beyond
Several vendors are shipping 800Gbps capable coherent optical solutions, and now the industry must consider the next steps in development.
OFC21: Co-packaged Optics
Co-packaged optics (CPO) moved from hero experiments to discussions of commercial roadmaps this year. In this update from OFC21, we cover the key points about CPO discussed at the show.
GEN90P Coherent Trials and Deployments
Cignal AI continues to track announcements of 5th generation (800Gbps-capable, 90+ GBaud) optical trials and deployments.
Infinera Investor Day 2021
Infinera provided new details on ICE6, XR Optics, Groove Compact Modular, and opportunities to displace Huawei.
Telia Carrier – Open Optical Networks and 400ZR
TeliaCarrier’s plans for deploying 400ZR and growing its network post-COVID
Tencent, Coherent CFP2 ZR+ and Optical White Boxes
Chinese webscale operator Tencent has been developing its own white box for optical transport. In this report we provide more details of Tencent’s work, including its adoption of CFP2 400Gbps optics.
The Growth of Compact Modular in APAC
Compact Modular sales (and hence disaggregation) have historically lagged in APAC versus the rest of the world, so APAC’s sudden and extraordinary growth over the past few quarters means that something has changed and deserves a closer look.
400ZR+ First Field Trial
Windstream announced it performed a field trial of Acacia 400ZR+ modules in Cisco compact modular equipment. This is a notable event because it is the first public trial of extended reach 4th gen pluggable coherent 400ZR+ modules and the first demonstration of 400ZR+ modules using the larger CFP2 format.
2021 Outlook: Optical & Packet Transport
This report provides a summary of Cignal AI’s current outlook for the year. Creating forecasts for 2020 was uniquely challenging and forecasting the expected return to normal by the end of 2021 is also very complex.
5G Optimized Packet Transport for Mobile Fronthaul
The diverse requirements of 5G require both the radios and the network supporting the radios to be updated. This report covers advances in 5G packet fronthaul and includes an overview of existing vendor solutions.
Coherent Port Pricing Trends (1Q20)
Our 3Q18 report showed coherent optical port pricing dropping at 26% per year. This report examines the stability of that trend over the last 12 months as new coherent systems entered the market.
Nokia PSE-V Coherent Chipset
Overview and analysis of Nokia’s fifth generation of coherent DSPs, the PSE-Vs, and PSE-Vc.
Acacia 1Q20 Vendor Summary Report
Acacia’s results are a bellwether to the industry. This report looks at the most recent results for the company and examines them in the context of historical trends.
COVID-19 Impact – 2020 Forecast Update
Cignal AI updated the 2020 optical and packet transport hardware forecast with our best estimates of the impact of COVID-19.
OFC2020 Optical Hardware Review
Major optical transport equipment vendors did not present at OFC in March due to COVID-19 concerns, but that did not stop announcements of products and online updates to customers and analysts.