Anritsu Enhances Network Master™ Pro MT1040A to Provide Support of OpenZR+

Anritsu Corporation introduces the 400G (QSFP-DD) multi-rate module MU104014B that supports the new interface standard OpenZR+, as a module of the Network Master Pro MT1040A. OpenZR+ enables low-cost Data Center Interconnects (DCI) and metro network construction.

This measurement solution supports tests for transitioning from high-cost networks using existing WDM[*1] systems to low-cost networks using OpenZR+ transceivers. Through this solution, the MT1040A helps reduce network construction and expansion costs. With excellent heat dissipation and cooling performance, the new measurement module is able to prevent communication failures caused by the heat generated by OpenZR+ transceivers. This enables more accurate measurement of network performance.

Development Background

Datacenters and metro networks are growing at a rapid pace due to the spread of generative AI and cloud services as well as advances in digital transformation (DX) meeting social needs. Particularly, limits on available space, power-supply capacity, and air-conditioning can cause problems in scaling-up the capacity of established medium-scale datacenters so increasing the number of distributed medium datacenters can be more efficient than building new hyperscale datacenters, which is driving demand for DCI between more medium-scale datacenters.

WDM circuits provided from network operators are used widely for DCI but are expensive. To resolve this issue, the 400ZR[*2] standard was established, allowing low-cost network construction. However, the transmission distance of 400ZR is short and its data rate is only 400G. The OpenZR+ standard was created to support a longer transmission distance and data rates ranging from 100G to 400G.

OpenZR+ transceivers are inexpensive compared to the existing WDM systems. OpenZR+ supports various network configurations and is suitable for DCI construction. On the other hand, however, because OpenZR+ is capable of long-haul transmission, some OpenZR+ transceivers consume nearly 1.5 times as much power as the existing 400ZR transceivers and generate more heat. In order to measure an OpenZR+ transceiver accurately without failure, therefore, the measurement module needs to have a transceiver heat dissipation measure in place to suppress the heat generated by the transceiver. This measurement solution answers this need.

Product Overview

Network Master Pro (400G Tester) MT1040A

The MT1040A is a B5 size 400G handheld tester with excellent expandability and operability. It is a touch panel-operated field measurement instrument equipped with a 9-inch screen that is small enough to carry with a single hand. It supports a range of interfaces from 10M up to 400G.

Technical Terms

[*1] WDM

Abbreviation for Wavelength Division Multiplexing technology supporting transmission of multiple optical signals with different wavelengths in one optical cable by simulating multiple cables.

[*2] 400ZR

One interface standard for optical modules used by DCI. Facilitates lower-cost connections between data centers than conventional wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) systems.

About Anritsu 

Anritsu Corporation (www.anritsu.com), a global provider of innovative communications test and measurement solutions for 125 years. Anritsu’s philosophy engages customers as true partners to help develop wireless, optical, microwave/RF, and digital solutions for R&D, manufacturing, installation, and maintenance applications, as well as multidimensional service assurance solutions for network monitoring and optimization. Anritsu also provides precision microwave/RF components, optical devices, and high-speed electrical devices for communication products and systems. The company develops advanced solutions for 5G, M2M, IoT, as well as other emerging and legacy wireline and wireless communication markets. With offices throughout the world, Anritsu has approximately 4,000 employees in over 90 countries.