News - Component Test

Evaluation of Networks using OpenZR+ Transceivers

13 February 2024 – Anritsu Corporation introduced the 400G (QSFP-DD) multi-rate module MU104014B that supports the new interface standard OpenZR+, as a module of the Network Master Pro MT1040A. OpenZR+ enables low-cost Data Center Interconnects (DCI) and metro network construction. This measurement solution supports tests for transitioning from high-cost networks using existing WDM systems to low-cost networks using OpenZR+ transceivers. Through this solution, the MT1040A helps reduce network construction and expansion costs. With excellent heat dissipation and cooling performance, the new measurement module is able to prevent communication failures caused by the heat generated by OpenZR+ transceivers. This enables more accurate measurement of network performance.

Datacenters and metro networks are growing at a rapid pace due to the spread of generative AI and cloud services as well as advances in digital transformation (DX) meeting social needs. Particularly, limits on available space, power-supply capacity, and air-conditioning can cause problems in scaling-up the capacity of established medium-scale datacenters so increasing the number of distributed medium datacenters can be more efficient than building new hyperscale datacenters, which is driving demand for DCI between more medium-scale datacenters.

WDM circuits provided from network operators are used widely for DCI but are expensive. To resolve this issue, the 400ZR standard was established, allowing low-cost network construction. However, the transmission distance of 400ZR is short and its data rate is only 400G. The OpenZR+ standard was created to support a longer transmission distance and data rates ranging from 100G to 400G.

OpenZR+ transceivers are inexpensive compared to the existing WDM systems. OpenZR+ supports various network configurations and is suitable for DCI construction. On the other hand, however, because OpenZR+ is capable of long-haul transmission, some OpenZR+ transceivers consume nearly 1.5 times as much power as the existing 400ZR transceivers and generate more heat. In order to measure an OpenZR+ transceiver accurately without failure, therefore, the measurement module needs to have a transceiver heat dissipation measure in place to suppress the heat generated by the transceiver. This measurement solution answers this need.

Network Master Pro (400G Tester) MT1040A

The MT1040A is a B5 size 400G handheld tester with excellent expandability and operability. It is a touch panel-operated field measurement instrument equipped with a 9-inch screen that is small enough to carry with a single hand. It supports a range of interfaces from 10M up to 400G.

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