Feature: Optoelectronics


Figure 1: Multi-vendor interoperability test configuration using OpenZR+ and OpenROADM


Interoperability testing


challenges in open optical networks


By Tomohide Yamazaki, Assistant Manager, Anritsu


I 22 September 2026 www.electronicsworld.co.uk


P-over-DWDM deployments based on 400ZR and OpenZR+ continue to expand. Tese are coherent optical networking standards for transceivers that transmit high- speed data over fibre optic cables. 400ZR is a standard by the Optical Internetworking Forum (OIF), limited to short point-to-point data centre links, whereas OpenZR+ is an


OpenZR+ Multi-Source Agreement (MSA) standard that extends reach and flexibility for regional and long-haul networks. In data centre interconnect (DCI) and metro networks,


coherent optical modules are increasingly integrated directly into routers and switches, reducing the need for dedicated optical transponders. Tis approach lowers equipment costs, power consumption and rack space requirements. At the same time, network operators increasingly build infrastructures that combine routers, optical modules, reconfigurable optical add-drop multiplexers (ROADMs) and optical transport equipment from different vendors. Greater flexibility in network design increases the importance of


interoperability validation before deployment and communication quality assessment aſter service activation. Even when devices comply with the same standards, different vendor combinations can affect transmission reach and available performance margins. OpenZR+ adds further complexity by supporting multiple data rates (from 100G to 400G), as well as multiple modulation schemes. Consequently, network deployment requires more than connectivity verification. Engineers must evaluate whether a deployed network can maintain communication quality under operational conditions before service activation. Tis article discusses interoperability testing challenges in open optical networks, introduces key metrics used to evaluate


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