Ready for the next leap? Here’s when to consider 800G

Is 800G right for you? A look at 800ZR vs. 400ZR

The 800ZR standard builds on everything that made 400ZR successful, including broad interoperability and compact, pluggable optics, while doubling capacity and significantly improving cost per bit. Breakout capacity doubles from 4×100G to 8×100G, enabling higher fiber utilization. Line rates become more flexible and programmable with transponders, and ZR++ extends reach significantly further for coherent DWDM pluggables. 

Summary of improvements of 800ZR over 400ZR 

• Improved cost per bit 
• Doubled line capacity (400G → 800G) 
• Doubled breakout capability (4×100G → 8×100G) 
• Extended long-haul reach with coherent DWDM pluggables (ZR++) 
• Flexible, programmable line data rates (with transponders)

Smartoptics CTO Kent Lidström explains how to determine if 800G is right for you: 

“Increased fiber utilization and extended reach are compelling reasons to consider 800ZR – even if it’s similar to 400ZR in many respects. The real question isn’t ‘do I need 800G of capacity?’ It’s ‘can I benefit from running more 100G or 400G services without adding more infrastructure?’ And if I have long-haul, high-speed links today, could I simplify by moving to pluggable DWDM optics? Or if I’m already using pluggables, would I benefit from reaching even further?”

Maximizing fiber utilization with 800G breakout

One of the most immediate benefits of 800ZR is the ability to break out a single 800G port into multiple high-speed links – including 2×400G, 4×200G or 8×100G. This makes it possible for service providers and internet exchanges to offer more capacity and for enterprises to run more services. Using an 800G transponder for breakout adds key advantages – including clear service separation, extended reach and greater flexibility to connect with different client gear or legacy platforms.

“8x100G is the most exciting breakout application right now, enabling more high-speed links without requiring as many coherent plugs. It also increases the value of switch and router investments – either by breaking out 800G ports into multiple lower-rate links or by extending the life of existing 100G and 400G platforms with increased capacity. It’s a smart way to improve cost efficiency and get more out of your infrastructure – and we expect it to drive many of the first real-world 800G deployments,” says Kent.

Bringing pluggable DWDM to longer reach with ZR++

ZR++, the standard associated with 800ZR, makes it possible to reach well beyond the 800 km limit of 400ZR’s ZR+ using pluggable coherent DWDM optics. With higher output power and broader amplifier compatibility, ZR++ extends compact, simplified and power-efficient DWDM networking to thousands of kilometers – enabling more cost-efficient long-haul network designs.

“Before ZR++, long-haul networks had no choice but to rely on bulky, power-hungry, closed transponder-based solutions. Now, it’s possible to fully embrace IP over DWDM – with broader interoperability, simpler architectures and cost-efficient multiplexing across much longer distances. That’s why ZR++ is such an attractive option for cross-border deployments, like Stockholm to Frankfurt or similar spans across any continent,” says Kent.

Simplify your 800G upgrade path with Smartoptics

Smartoptics offers a complete 800G portfolio built for open, efficient and future-proof optical networking. Just like with the move from 100G to 400G, we’ve made sure existing investments can continue to deliver value as you scale. The latest platforms supporting 100G and 400G are also designed to support 800G optics, making upgrades as simple as replacing the transceivers when you're ready – with no need to change out the chassis or disrupt your network design.

Our latest DCP-M open line system supports 800G signals with 150GHz spacing and automated provisioning. Our 800G-enabled DCP-R ROADM adds flexible wavelength management with FlexGrid and advanced WSS. The DCP-802 transponder enables compact, high-efficiency 800G breakout with programmable line rates. All are built for seamless integration with our 800G pluggable optics in both QSFP-DD and OSFP form factors with ZR++ compliance.