Nokia: 800ZR/ZR+ 3nm DSP pluggable optics for subsea networks

September 26, 2026September 27, 2026

Nokia (Optical network blogs) Finland

Overview

Nokia reports that coherent pluggable optics, traditionally used in terrestrial networks, are now extending their applicability to subsea networks. This shift is driven by advancements in 800ZR/ZR+ pluggables incorporating 3nm DSPs, leading to significant reductions in power per bit, increased functionality, and enhanced chromatic dispersion compensation for longer distances. This technological evolution provides a viable option for subsea cable operators seeking to optimize for power, space, or cost, opening new upgrade paths for existing submarine infrastructure.

In Depth

Key Findings

Nokia highlights a significant expansion in the deployment of coherent pluggable optics, moving beyond their traditional terrestrial applications into the more challenging domain of subsea networks. This transition is primarily fueled by the advent of advanced 800ZR/ZR+ pluggable optics, which leverage cutting-edge 3nm Digital Signal Processors (DSPs). Key advantages include substantial reductions in power consumption per bit and enhanced functionality, crucial for improving the efficiency and economics of optical transmission in subsea cable systems.

Technical / Clinical Details

Historically, pluggable optics have been less common in subsea systems due to stringent performance requirements. However, the latest generation of 800ZR/ZR+ pluggables, powered by advanced 3nm DSPs, exhibits dramatically improved power efficiency. This leads to a smaller device footprint and reduced overall power consumption. Critically, these new modules feature enhanced chromatic dispersion compensation capabilities, vital for maintaining signal integrity over the immense distances characteristic of subsea cables. This allows subsea cable operators to achieve higher data throughput with fewer devices, translating into significant operational cost savings.

Background & Context

Global data traffic is experiencing exponential growth, continuously elevating the importance of subsea cable networks for intercontinental and wide-area connectivity. Previous subsea cable systems have relied heavily on proprietary line cards and custom-designed transmission equipment, leading to high initial investment and operational costs. The evolution of coherent pluggable optics, offering standardized form factors and reduced costs, provides a flexible and more economical alternative for building and upgrading subsea networks. This development is a crucial step towards meeting the escalating bandwidth demands driven by the expansion of AI and cloud computing.

Strategic Significance & Outlook

Nokia’s analysis underscores the pivotal role coherent pluggable optics are expected to play in the future of subsea networking. For subsea cable operators focused on optimizing power, space, and cost, this technology presents a highly attractive option. It is anticipated that the adoption of pluggable optics in future subsea cable projects will enhance the flexibility and scalability of the global data communication infrastructure. Furthermore, continued technological advancements could enable even longer-reach and higher-capacity subsea transmissions to become standard capabilities for pluggable devices, fundamentally reshaping the economics of global connectivity.

Source: https://www.nokia.com/blog/how-are-coherent-pluggable-optics-evolving-from-terrestrial-to-subsea-networks/

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