Fiber Optic Enterprise Router NRZ

Enterprise fiber optic routers using NRZ modulation provide reliable 100G connectivity with binary optical signaling, suitable for high-speed data center and enterprise networks.Overview of NRZ in Enterprise Routers

NRZ (Non-Return-to-Zero) is a binary modulation scheme where the light intensity represents either a 0 or 1, making it the traditional choice for lower-speed and many 100G optical links . NRZ is simpler than PAM4, which uses four amplitude levels to encode two bits per symbol, and is less sensitive to amplitude noise, making it highly reliable for enterprise deployments .

Single-Lambda 100G Optics

Modern enterprise routers often use single-lambda 100G optical modules, which transmit 100Gbps over a single wavelength using either NRZ or PAM4 modulation . Single-lambda optics reduce component complexity, lower power consumption, and allow higher port density, making them ideal for enterprise and data center networks . These modules are compatible with QSFP28 ports and can connect to 400G switches gradually without sacrificing bandwidth .

Deployment Considerations

• Distance and Fiber Type: NRZ-based 100G optics typically support short to medium distances (up to 500m on single-mode fiber for 100GBASE-DR), while long-reach modules like QSFP-100G-ZR4-S can extend up to 80 km for enterprise or service provider networks .
• Error Correction: NRZ optics often include forward error correction (FEC), equalization, and clock recovery circuits to maintain signal integrity over longer distances .
• Compatibility: These modules are designed to work with standardized pluggable ports, ensuring interoperability across multiple router and switch platforms .

Enterprise Use Cases

• Data Center Interconnects: Connecting leaf-spine architectures with 100G links using NRZ optics for reliable, low-latency communication .
• Campus and Enterprise Networks: High-speed backbone links between buildings or remote offices, leveraging single-mode fiber and NRZ transceivers for cost-effective deployment .
• Scalable Upgrades: Enterprises can start with NRZ 100G optics and later transition to PAM4 or 400G platforms without replacing the entire infrastructure .

Summary

Using NRZ-based fiber optic modules in enterprise routers provides a stable, cost-effective, and scalable solution for high-speed networking. Single-lambda 100G optics simplify deployment, reduce power and component costs, and support gradual upgrades to higher-speed networks while maintaining compatibility with existing infrastructure . This makes NRZ optics a practical choice for enterprise and data center environments.