NEC's new transceiver claims 80km transmission distance, revolutionizing data speeds

On December 9, 2024, NEC Corporation, based in Japan, announced the launch of a new optical transceiver designed for high-speed data transmission. This new product, known as the 100G QSFP28 ZR4 BiDi, achieves 100Gb/s transmission over a single fiber, enabling an extended range of up to 80 kilometers. This development comes at a time of increasing demand for data transmission solutions, driven largely by the growth in artificial intelligence and video distribution services, which has significantly amplified data traffic in recent years. Traditionally, achieving 100Gb/s required the use of two fibers; however, with this new compact technology, NEC has developed a method for bi-directional communication using only one fiber. This innovation is made possible through a sophisticated filtering mechanism that multiplexes different wavelengths for incoming and outgoing signals, substantially reducing the need for multiple fiber connections. As a result, operational costs such as fiber procurement and rental costs can be mitigated, promoting a more cost-effective networking solution for data centers. In addition to being cost-efficient, the new optical transceiver addresses a crucial need for high-quality, long-distance data transmission. By combining a high-output laser for sending signals and an optical semiconductor amplifier for receiving them, NEC ensures that their product achieves the necessary link budget of 30dB for effective transmission over its maximum distance. Furthermore, the product specifications support not only standard Ethernet signals but can also handle OTU4 signal rates, providing versatility for various applications. NEC’s new optical transceiver is designed to integrate seamlessly with existing infrastructure, as it maintains the same electrical interface as previous 100G QSFP28 models and operates with a power consumption of 5.5W or less. By utilizing direct detection methods, NEC’s approach promises lower latency compared to traditional coherent methods, positioning the company to meet growing demands in both domestic and international markets with advanced optical technology.