Five Ways to Simplify Your DCI Applications with POLS from Coherent

Given the very high growth in DCI interconnect bandwidth and the adoption of IPoWDM, enabled by 400G-ZR and the latest 800G-ZR optics, traditional rack-optical line systems in a rack-mounted form factor in many cases are no longer the optimal solution. 

At Coherent, we’ve developed the Pluggable Optical Line System (POLS) to solve these challenges. By integrating amplification function into a transceiver form factor, with plug-and-play features, POLS offers a revolutionary solution to expand the reach of data center interconnects (DCIs). Here’s how we’re changing the game with POLS.

1. Transforming line card to pluggable transceiver form factor to optimize space efficiency

Traditional optical amplification line systems would take up significant rack space, with multiple units required for amplification, multiplexing, and demultiplexing. The POLS technology from Coherent with its transceiver form factors, can be directly plugged into standard sockets in routers and switches. Available in Octal Small Form-factor Pluggable (OSFP) and Quad Small Form-factor Pluggable (QSFP) form factors, POLS handles up to 8 Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing (DWDM) wavelengths and supports 6.4 Tbps of bidirectional traffic over 120 km when paired with our 800G-ZR/ZR+ optics. This reduction in size frees up valuable rack space, making it easier for data centers to expand without adding significant infrastructure.

The image above illustrates how our revolutionary technology simplifies data center infrastructure by integrating multiple functions into a single, pluggable form-factor module.  Collapsing a rackmount entire line system into a compact pluggable module, POLS significantly reduces the space required in data centers.  

2. Plug-and-Play Simplicity for Ease of Deployment

Deploying traditional OLS systems requires detailed planning at the architecture level, and once the DCI infrastructure is built, expanding the amplifier line cards can be challenging. Our POLS technology addresses these needs by allowing the additional amplification requirement to be met by inserting the POLS directly into available slots in data center routers and switches. Featuring standard CMIS interface compatibility, the plug-and-play nature of the POLS enables operators to deploy the module quickly and with minimal setup. Once installed, POLS automatically adjusts to varying network conditions using automatic gain control, ensuring consistent performance without manual intervention. This simplicity not only eliminates the need for sophisticated upfront planning but also reduces deployment complexity, allowing data center staff to focus on higher-priority tasks.

3. Improved Energy Efficiency for Lower Operational Costs

Energy consumption is a major concern for data centers as they scale up to meet growing demand. Traditional optical line systems are known for their high-power usage, which can drive up operational costs. The POLS technology from Coherent technology consumes 95% less power than conventional OLS systems, providing significant power savings while also reducing the environmental impact. This efficiency enables data centers to meet increasing capacity demands without the burden of excessive energy costs, making POLS an ideal solution for operators looking to cut power consumption and enhance sustainability.

Cost Savings with Our POLS Technology

Our POLS technology offers substantial cost savings by integrating multiple functions into a pluggable module, and by eliminating the need for additional equipment and infrastructure. This consolidation leads to:

• One-fifth of the Cost: Compared to traditional line cards that include separate Mux/DeMux, POLS provides a more cost-effective solution.

• Space Savings: POLS eliminates the need for multiple rack units, freeing up valuable space in data centers.

• Reduced Power Consumption: With a two-third reduction in power usage, POLS significantly lowers operational costs.

• Simplified Operations: The plug-and-play nature of POLS reduces the complexity and cost of DCI system design, deployment and maintenance.

 4. Seamless Scalability to Meet Growing Demand

As AI data demands continue to rise, data center interconnects need scalable solutions that can grow alongside their operations. Our POLS technology offers a pay-as-you-grow model, allowing operators to easily add capacity and extend reach by deploying additional modules as needed. This scalability ensures that data center interconnects can keep pace with growing bandwidth requirements without overhauling their existing infrastructure. The ability to scale without large upfront investments and planning offers the ability to future proofing for data centers that anticipate rapid growth.

5. Boost Network Reliability with Advanced Amplification and Real-Time Monitoring

Maintaining high reliability is crucial for data centers. Our POLS technology not only provides advanced network amplification but also offers flexible real-time integration with third party performance monitoring tools. The module includes built-in pump and photodiode monitors, along with temperature sensors, to provide real-time insights into the health of the optical link. This proactive monitoring allows data center operators to identify and address potential issues before they escalate into serious problems, reducing the risk of costly downtime. With real-time insights, operators can ensure their systems remain reliable and maintain peak performance, even as data demands grow.

From Concept to Reality: A Collaborative Innovation

The idea for this technology was born from a conversation between Dr. Sanjai Parthasarathi, CMO at Coherent, and Dr. Hacene Chaouch, distinguished engineer at Arista Networks, to create a compact, power-efficient optical amplifier that would fit into the small form factor of a standard pluggable optics module. Leveraging our expertise in micro-pump lasers and miniaturized passive erbium-doped fiber amplification, our engineering team lead by Arvi Gurusami and Dr. Yajun Wang, worked closely with Arista to bring this groundbreaking solution to life, creating a new market category for miniaturized pluggable optical line systems. 

Our efforts have not gone unnoticed. The POLS technology from Coherent was honored by the  Lightwave Innovation Review award for its innovative approach to extending the advantages of pluggable optics beyond transceivers1. This recognition underscores the impact of our technology in revolutionizing data center interconnects.

Image courtesy of Arista Networks. Used with permission. 

Embracing the Future of Disaggregated Networks with Open Solutions

As the industry moves to the increasing adoption of disaggregated networks, where systems are sourced from multiple vendors, the demand for open and interoperable solutions that allow for greater flexibility and vendor choice. Our POLS technology, with its adherence to industry standards and commitment to interoperability, perfectly complements this trend towards disaggregated networks. It empowers data center operators to select best-in-class modules and systems from different vendors, building a more flexible, adaptable, and cost-effective DCI infrastructure.

Revolutionizing Data Center Interconnects

The POLS technology from Coherent is transforming data center interconnects by offering a pluggable transceiver form factor, energy-efficient, and scalable solution that simplifies data center infrastructure. By integrating essential OLS functions into a plug-and-play module, POLS enables data centers to expand their capacity at any time, reduce operational complexity, and lower energy consumption—all while maintaining high performance and reliability. With its ability to adapt to disaggregated networks and future bandwidth growth, POLS is a future-proof solution for modern data centers.

Ready to transform your data center interconnects? Contact us today to discover how we can help you scale efficiently, reduce costs, and stay ahead of the competition. Don’t wait—future-proof your infrastructure now!