Launch of Technical Study on 800G Interface Implementation

Launch of Technical Study on 800G Interface Implementation

BBIX, Inc. (“BBIX”), has commenced a technical study toward the introduction of 800G interfaces for its Internet Exchange (“IX“) services.

In recent years, the rapid proliferation of digital services such as generative AI has led to an unprecedented increase in internet data traffic. To proactively address this anticipated surge in future traffic, BBIX has identified further network bandwidth expansion and greater efficiency in long-distance transmission as key challenges, and is advancing its evaluation of next-generation communication technologies.

As part of this initiative, BBIX has organized and compared various 800G-class technology options, verified their characteristics, and conducted technical evaluations using “800G ZR+” transceivers, which support long-distance optical transmission.

This effort aims to assess the practical feasibility of future 800G transmission technologies and to gain fundamental insights that will serve as a foundation for the realization of high-capacity network infrastructure.

1. Overview of 800G Interface Standards

The table below shows vendor support for 800G standards (as of October 2025).

Name	Fiber Type	Max Distance	Modulation	Connector	NOKIA	CompanyB	CompanyC
800G-2VSR4	Multimode	50m	PAM4+	MPO	–	◯	–
800GBASE-2DR4 800G-2DR4	Singlemode	500m	PAM4	LC	–	◯	–
800GBASE-DR8	Singlemode	500m	PAM4	MPO	◯	–	◯
800GBASE-DR8+	Singlemode	2km	PAM4	MPO	◯	–	–
2x400G FR4 800G-2FR4	Singlemode	2km	PAM4	LC	◯	◯	◯
2x400G LR4 800G-2LR4	Singlemode	10km	PAM4	LC	◯	◯	–
800G-ZR	Singlemode	120km	16QAM	LC	◯	–	–
800G-ZR+	Singlemode	500km	16QAM	LC	◯	–	–

Table 1. Comparison of 800G Transceiver Specifications.

Note:
The standardization of these specifications is still under discussion and may be subject to future changes. Additionally, there may be minor differences in terminology or specifications among vendors.

The contents of this table are based on publicly available product information and official websites of each vendor, and have been independently researched and compiled by our company.

Terminology used in the table:
　-Multimode / Singlemode: Types of optical fiber that differ in transmission distance and speed depending on their application.
　-Modulation method (e.g., PAM4 / 16QAM): Indicates the modulation scheme used for optical signals, which affects communication efficiency and stability.
　-Connector type (e.g., LC / MPO): Refers to the connector type used to connect optical fibers to equipment.

2. Test Overview and Verification

In collaboration with NOKIA, BBIX conducted technical validation using 800G ZR+ transceivers capable of long-distance transmission. The test configuration simulated both core network and customer access links.

For comparison, 400G ZR+ transceivers with the same 16QAM modulation were also tested to analyze performance differences.

2-1. Test Conditions and Comparison Specifications

In this validation, NOKIA’s 800G ZR+ transceiver was used to verify key operational parameters in accordance with the relevant standards.

Item	800G-ZR+	400G-ZR+
Temperature（℃）	<75	<75
Voltage（V）	3.17 – 3.43	3.31 – 3.46
Optical Output（dBm）	0 – 2.5	-6.0 – 1.0
Receiver （dBm）	-9 – 1	-12 – 0

Table 2. Transceiver Specifications Used in Testing

Note: Actual performance may vary depending on environmental factors and model-specific conditions. The diagram in Table 2 illustrates the test setup, which includes core routers, amplifiers, optical filters, and optical switches interconnected via 20 km fiber links.

2-2. Long-Distance Transmission and Throughput Test

BBIX installed 800G ZR+ transceivers in the core network and connected them via 20 km single-mode optical fiber links to simulate long-distance communication. The test evaluated throughput and link stability between transmission devices, and a stable throughput of 800 Gbps was achieved, demonstrating the high practicality of the 800G ZR+ solution.

2-3. Optical Switch Switchover Test

Optical switch settings were standardized to ensure fair comparison between 800G ZR+ and 400G ZR+ transceivers. Multiple switching trials were conducted, and recovery times (link-up after link-down) were measured.

	800G-ZR+	400G-ZR+
Average Switchover Time (sec)	2.461	6.154

Table 3. Optical Switch Switchover Times

2-4. Evaluation Results

The validation confirmed that 800G throughput can be stably achieved using 800G-ZR+ transceivers. Stable end-to-end connectivity was established over 20 km fiber links without issues. These findings indicate that 800G-ZR+ transceivers can maintain reliable performance both in direct-to-customer access configurations and over long-distance optical routes.

Additionally, the optical switchover tests revealed shorter link recovery times compared to 400G-ZR+. Since both use 16QAM modulation, the difference likely stems from other factors, which will be analyzed in further detail.

3. Future Outlook

As of October 2025, 800G transceiver standardization discussions are ongoing, and the technology is expected to be finalized in the near future.

Although compatible devices are currently limited, vendor implementations are anticipated to expand soon. Future evaluations will include products from multiple vendors and various 800G standards, with field testing to further verify performance.

As an Internet Exchange operator, BBIX will continue to monitor market trends closely and actively explore the introduction of emerging technologies. Through these efforts, BBIX aims to sustain a highly reliable network infrastructure that underpins the ever-growing importance of the Internet and contributes to the stable delivery of essential services.

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● The contents, products, specifications, contact information and other information contained in this news are as of the date of announcement. This information is subject to change without notice.