Powering the Open Road: How Coherent Technology is Simplifying Optical Networking for ISPs 

In the competitive landscape of Internet and Wireless Internet Service Providers (ISPs and WISPs), the pressure is constant: deliver more bandwidth, improve reliability, and manage costs—all at the same time. The network architecture of yesterday, often built on closed, single-vendor systems, is struggling to keep up. 

Just as data centers have embraced disaggregation and Wi-Fi has been transformed by OpenWiFi, a similar revolution is underway in optical networking. The move towards open, interoperable, and simplified architectures is not just a trend; it's a strategic necessity. At EPS Global, we are proud to partner with technology leaders like Coherent, who are at the forefront of this evolution, developing the tools that empower ISPs to build the networks of tomorrow. 

The Shift to Open Optical Networking 

The demand for open connectivity is reshaping the transport layer of the network. Carriers are pushing for solutions that break vendor lock-in, increase flexibility, and drive down costs. The key to unlocking this new era lies in pluggable optics that are powerful, intelligent, and standardized. 

The first major enabler of this transition is 100G ZR. This groundbreaking technology packs the power of digital coherent optics into a standard QSFP form factor. For ISPs, this means you can upgrade your network for long-distance edge connections using the legacy QSFP slots you already have, dramatically simplifying the upgrade path. 

This isn't just theory. Coherent has already demonstrated the power of open, white-box solutions, proving that protocols like Open ZR and ZR+ are ready for carrier adoption. This technology gives you the freedom to choose the best-in-class components for every part of your network. 
 

Simplify Your Architecture with IP over DWDM 

One of the most powerful applications of this new technology is IP over DWDM (IPoDWDM). This approach allows you to collapse network layers and streamline your architecture in several key ways: 

• Eliminate Equipment: IPoDWDM removes the need for separate muxponders and transponders, along with the associated gray optics, that were traditionally required for long-haul transport. 

• Reduce Footprint and Power: With less equipment, you drastically cut down on rack space and power consumption—two of the biggest operational expenses for any ISP. 

• Improve Reliability: A simpler network has fewer points of failure, leading to a more robust and reliable service for your customers. 

• Lower Total Cost of Ownership: By reducing hardware, power, and complexity, IPoDWDM delivers significant cost savings over the life of the network. 

Coherent makes this possible with incredible innovation. High-power lasers and advanced components are integrated directly into the pluggable module, delivering the required zero dBm output. For situations needing an extra boost, Coherent has even developed a pluggable Optical Line System (OLS)—an entire amplification system that fits into a single QSFP slot. It’s a game-changer for network simplification. 

Why Vertical Integration Matters 

A key differentiator for Coherent is their deep commitment to vertical integration. By developing their own core technologies—from the Digital Signal Processor (DSP) to the lasers and final module assembly—they gain unparalleled control over the entire manufacturing process. 

Why is this important for you, the ISP? 

1. Superior Performance: Owning the technology allows for tighter integration and optimization, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. 

2. Competitive Cost: In-house development and manufacturing create efficiencies that translate to better market costs. 

3. A True Second Source: In an industry plagued by supply chain concerns, Coherent’s vertical integration provides supply assurance and protects customers from single-source dependency. 

Looking Ahead: Faster, Cheaper, and More Efficient Backhaul 

The innovation doesn’t stop at 100G and 400G. As the industry looks toward 800G ZR+ and beyond, the focus for backhaul applications is clear: reduce power consumption and lower costs. Coherent is engineering its next generation of 400G products specifically to meet these critical needs, ensuring that as speeds get faster, the solutions remain commercially viable and efficient for broader adoption in the backhaul space. 

The EPS Global & Coherent Partnership: A Complete Solution 

For over 20 years, EPS Global and Coherent have maintained an outstanding partnership built on a shared goal: delivering real-world success for our customers. 

A pluggable module, no matter how advanced, is only one piece of the puzzle. Our value at EPS Global lies in our expertise to integrate these powerful components into larger systems. We don’t just supply parts; we architect and deliver complete, end-to-end solutions. By combining Coherent’s world-class optical technology with EPS Global’s integration and programming services, we provide ISPs with a reliable, cost-effective, and future-proofed network. 

Ready to simplify your optical network and unlock the benefits of an open architecture? Contact an EPS Global expert today to learn how our partnership with Coherent can help you build a faster, more efficient, and more reliable network.