Test Report on the New Pluggable Optical Module
Recent tests confirm that next-generation pluggable optical modules, including QSFP-DD, OSFP, and XPO, deliver high-speed, interoperable, and thermally efficient performance suitable for AI and high-density data center networks.
Performance Evaluation
The Optical Internetworking Forum (OIF) conducted extensive multi-vendor interoperability testing of 400ZR and OpenZR+ pluggable modules during the OFC 2023, ECOC 2023, and OFC 2024 Plugfests. The evaluation focused on the required optical signal-to-noise ratio (rOSNR) to maintain post-FEC error-free links over dense wavelength-division multiplexing (DWDM) optical line systems. Ten different QSFP-DD modules from various vendors were tested using Anritsu's 400G transport tester (Network Master MT1040A) and other optical measurement equipment. Results demonstrated strong interoperability and consistent performance, providing confidence for multi-vendor ZR deployments with high channel density and efficiency .
High-Density and AI-Optimized Modules
For next-generation AI data center fabrics, Arista's eXtra-dense Pluggable Optics (XPO) modules were tested and designed to deliver 12.8Tbps per module using 64 electrical lanes. These modules incorporate liquid-cooled cold plates to support 400W+ power consumption and achieve up to 204.8Tbps switching capacity in a single Open Rack Unit, representing a 4× increase in front-panel density compared to OSFP modules. XPO modules maintain field pluggability, enabling quick replacement or upgrades without servicing the entire switch, and support multiple optical architectures including DR, FR, LR, SR, and ZR .
OSFP and OSFP-XD Modules
The OSFP1600 and OSFP-XD modules were evaluated for thermal and electrical performance in high-speed data center applications. OSFP1600 supports 8×200Gb/s host interfaces, achieving up to 102.4Tbps in a 2U switch using belly-to-belly configurations. Integrated heatsinks provide over 30W thermal performance, ensuring reliability for 800G, 1.6T, and 3.2T pluggable optics. These modules maintain backward compatibility with OSFP800 while addressing thermal challenges and supporting breakout applications .
Coherent Pluggable Optics
Testing of QSFP-DD2 coherent modules highlights their suitability for client interfaces in both telecom and data center interconnect (DCI) applications. These modules integrate high-speed digital electronics, DSP firmware, microcontrollers, and photonics to support 400G Ethernet with 8 parallel differential lanes using PAM-4 modulation. Coherent pluggable modules are increasingly important for high-density, high-performance networks, providing advanced monitoring, telemetry, and diagnostics for link quality and pre-FEC BER/SNR measurements .
Key Takeaways
- Interoperability: Multi-vendor testing confirms reliable operation across different module types and vendors.
- High Bandwidth: Modules like XPO and OSFP1600 support terabit-scale throughput in compact form factors.
- Thermal Management: Integrated cooling solutions ensure stable operation under high power consumption.
- Operational Flexibility: Field pluggability and support for multiple optical architectures enable scalable deployment.
- AI and Data Center Readiness: These modules are optimized for AI workloads and hyperscale data center environments, addressing both bandwidth density and serviceability challenges . Overall, the new pluggable optical modules demonstrate robust performance, high-density scalability, and operational flexibility, making them suitable for modern high-speed networks and AI-driven data center infrastructures.
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