Coherent Corp. announced a QSFP28 Dual Laser 100G ZR digital coherent optics (DCO) module designed for single-fiber, bi-directional applications. The module enables broadband providers to expand capacity up to 10x on existing 10Gb/s network infrastructure while lowering power consumption and cost per bit.
The pluggable integrates two independently tunable lasers—one for transmit and one for the local oscillator—into a compact QSFP28 form factor. Powered by Coherent’s Steelerton DSP, optimized for 100G deployments, the solution supports IP-over-DWDM transmission over a single working fiber. This allows operators to deploy coherent optics in access and aggregation networks that traditionally relied on dual-fiber systems.
The Dual Laser 100G ZR QSFP-DCO is currently sampling with key customers and will be generally available in Q4 2025. Comcast, an early collaborator, said the technology effectively doubles usable fiber inventory, expands reach, and reduces power requirements while enabling service expansion in both existing and underserved markets.
• QSFP28 Dual Laser 100G ZR DCO for single-fiber applications
• Supports 10x capacity increase on existing 10Gb/s network infrastructure
• Dual independently tunable lasers integrated in a compact pluggable module
• Powered by Coherent’s Steelerton DSP for low-power 100G deployments
• Sampling now, with general availability in Q4 2025
“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.
🌐 Analysis: Coherent’s dual laser 100G ZR QSFP-DCO illustrates the trend of extending coherent optics into access and aggregation layers. By enabling single-fiber, bi-directional operation, the module provides operators with a cost-efficient path to modernize legacy 10G networks. Other optical vendors are also broadening pluggable coherent portfolios, but Coherent’s design emphasizes compact integration and near-term deployability in access scenarios.
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