OIF has released a new Implementation Agreement (IA) for 800LR, a single-wavelength 800G coherent optical interface designed for short-reach, high-volume applications such as data center interconnects (DCI), metro edge, and enterprise campus networks. The IA defines a fixed-wavelength, unamplified, point-to-point coherent link spanning up to 10 kilometers—optimized for low-power, low-latency, and interoperable deployments.
The 800LR interface supports either one 800GE client or two 400GE clients, providing flexibility while aligning with modern bandwidth demands. Unlike traditional long-haul coherent systems, 800LR is designed to match the density and simplicity of client optics, while delivering the capacity advantages of coherent transmission. The IA allows unrestricted form factors, promoting design freedom and encouraging multi-vendor interoperability in pluggable or integrated modules.
OIF’s 800LR IA was developed to support the growing need for energy-efficient, scalable optical connectivity in data-intensive environments. As hyperscalers and service providers push toward higher-speed interconnects with strict power and cost constraints, 800LR offers a practical solution to enable the next generation of data center architectures.
- OIF releases 800LR Implementation Agreement for 800G coherent short-reach (≤10 km) optics.
- Supports fixed-wavelength, single-span, unamplified coherent links.
- Enables flexible support for 800GE or 2x400GE client signals.
- Targeted at DCI, metro edge, and enterprise campus applications.
- Form factor agnostic, supporting multi-vendor interoperability and innovation.
“This IA offers a practical specification designed for high-volume, short-reach scenarios in and around the data center—once again enabling broad adoption of next-generation coherent technology,” said Ian Betty, OIF Board Member (Ciena).
