O-Band - GIGALIGHT

10Mar, 2026

GIGALIGHT Launches ColorX 400G PSM DWDM4 O-BAND Silicon Photonics Module Supporting 30 km DWDM, Breaking Through the Coherent Barrier

March 10, 2026, Shenzhen, China. – GIGALIGHT, a company committed to differentiated technologies, has recently announced the launch of its latest 400G QSFP-DD PSM DWDM4 optical module based on the O-Band (original band). This new product further expands the company’s O-Band DWDM product portfolio and provides a cost-effective new solution for 400G DWDM links.

1. Introduction to the ColorX 400G QSFP-DD PSM DWDM4 O-Band Silicon Photonics Module

The product is based on 4×100G PAM4 silicon photonics modulation technology, covering 16 wavelengths with a 200 GHz channel spacing.

O-band (1310 nm window) DWDM technology, leveraging its natural zero-dispersion characteristics, redefines a cost-efficient DCI interconnection standard for 400GE.

Key Features:

DCM-Free Operation:
Operating in the zero-dispersion region of the O-band, eliminating the need for expensive and bulky dispersion compensation modules (DCM). This significantly simplifies line card design and reduces insertion loss.
Ultra-Low Power Consumption:
Utilizing advanced silicon photonics integration technology, the module achieves industry-leading power efficiency (power consumption < 11 W), making it ideal for high-density data center deployments.
Ultra-Low Latency:
By eliminating the DSP-based dispersion compensation used in coherent modules, the transmission latency of the optical module is significantly reduced.

2. Application Scenarios of the ColorX 400G QSFP-DD PSM DWDM4 O-BAND Silicon Photonics Module

Metro Access and Aggregation Networks: Provides a cost-effective solution for 5G fronthaul and enterprise private line services.
Data Center Interconnect (DCI): Supports short- to medium-reach transmission within 30 km, meeting the requirements of distributed computing infrastructure.
Open Optical Networks: Decouples from white-box equipment, improving network deployment flexibility.

15 km Data Center Interconnect (without SOA amplifier).

30 km Data Center Interconnect (with SOA amplifier)

30 km Data Center Interconnect (with SOA amplifier)

3. Industry Value of the ColorX O-BAND Optical Modules

According to the Product Director of Eoptolink:
“O-Band has unique advantages in metro network scenarios due to its dispersion characteristics. The newly launched 400G DWDM4 module addresses the urgent market demand for cost-effective DWDM solutions for short- and medium-reach transmission, and is particularly suitable for data center interconnect (DCI), telecom edge network upgrades, and various niche markets that require high cost-performance solutions.”

Product roadmap:

ColorX O-BAND 100G QSFP28 DWDM1 – a complementary and breakthrough solution to 100G coherent technology.
ColorX O-BAND 200G QSFP-DD PSM DWDM4 – a complementary and breakthrough solution to 200G coherent technology.
ColorX O-BAND 400G QSFP-DD PSM DWDM4 – a complementary and breakthrough solution to 400G coherent technology.
ColorX O-BAND 800G QSFP-DD PSM DWDM4 – a complementary and breakthrough solution to 800G coherent technology.
ColorX O-BAND 800G OSFP PSM DWDM4 – a complementary and breakthrough solution to 800G coherent technology.

We believe that Eoptolink’s O-BAND DWDM technology journey will bring new value and fresh possibilities to users and the entire industry.

About GIGALIGHT

As an open optical networking explorer, GIGALIGHT integrates the design, manufacturing, and sales of both active and passive optical devices and subsystems. The company’s product portfolio includes optical modules, silicon photonics modules, liquid-cooled modules, passive optical components, active optical cables, direct attach copper cables, coherent optical communication modules, and OPEN DCI BOX subsystems. GIGALIGHT focuses on serving applications such as data centers, 5G transport networks, metropolitan WDM transmission, ultra-HD broadcast and video, and more. It stands as an innovative designer of high-speed optical interconnect hardware solutions.

17Dec, 2025

COLOR X SiPh DWDM Solutions– 100G QSFP28 DWDM1 and 400G QSFP-DD PSM DWDM4, O-Band

Overview

GIGALIGHT’s Color X O-BAND series modules operate in the O-Band with a 200 GHz channel spacing. Based on this platform, GIGALIGHT offers a complete O-BAND DWDM solution, including 100G, 200G, and 400G O-BAND DWDM modules and systems. These solutions are widely applicable to metro access and aggregation networks, data center interconnects (DCI), and 5G fronthaul, providing cost-effective connectivity for 5G networks, enterprise private lines, and distributed computing in medium- to short-reach scenarios.

For applications requiring longer transmission distances, the use of SOA amplifiers can extend the reach up to 30 km, and the system supports 1+1 fiber link protection to ensure stable and reliable transmission. Additionally, the GIGALIGHT O-BAND DWDM solution supports remote NMS (Network Management System) control, allowing users to monitor and manage the network in real time, while reducing operational and maintenance costs.

Key Products & Highlights

Color X 400G QSFP-DD PSM DWDM4 O-Band

30-wavelength O-BAND DWDM,
200 GHz spacing
Up to 15 km and 30km under SOA
Power comsuption <12.75W

Color X 200G QSFP-DD PSM DWDM4 O-Band

30-wavelength O-BAND DWDM,
200 GHz spacing
Up to 20 km and 30km under SOA
Power comsuption <11W

Color X 100G QSFP28 DWDM1 O-BAND

100G PAM4 SiPh MZ
O-Band 200GHz 16-Channels
Up to 30km with SOA
Power Consumption <3.5W

Application Scenarios

22Apr, 2025

O/C-band DWDM Modules: COLOR Series Drives Efficient Transmission

High-speed and stable data transmission capabilities are pivotal for the development of various industries. From data center interconnections to metropolitan area network infrastructure, optical communication technologies face increasingly stringent requirements. DWDM technology, with its high bandwidth and long-distance transmission capabilities, has become a cornerstone of communication networks. Among these, the O-band and C-band each offer unique advantages. GIGALIGHT has introduced three COLOR series 100G DWDM optical transceivers for these two bands, providing users with optimal solutions.

O-band and C-band: Distinctive Tools for Transmission

In DWDM (Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing) systems, C-band and O-band are two commonly used optical wavelength bands, differing in wavelength range, transmission characteristics, and application scenarios.

O-band: The earliest band used in fiber-optic communications (e.g., early 1310nm systems).

C-band: The core band for modern DWDM, covering 1530–1565nm (expandable to C+L-band, 1565–1625nm).

The zero-dispersion characteristic of O-band is suitable for direct detection (non-coherent), but its high attenuation limits transmission distance.

C-band’s low attenuation and amplifier support make it ideal for long-haul DWDM.

How to Choose Between O-band and C-band?

C-BAND

Requirements: High speed (≥100G), long-distance, high channel density (e.g., operator backbone networks).

Limitations: Requires dispersion compensation and complex DSP (coherent optics).

Long-haul DWDM systems:

Backbone networks, submarine cables (e.g., C-band 96 channels, 100G/400G per channel).

Coherent optical communications (C-band + EDFA for thousands of kilometers of transmission).

Expanded applications:

Combined use of C+L-band (doubling channel capacity, e.g., 192 channels).

O-BAND

Requirements: Low cost, short-range (<40 km), plug-and-play (e.g., intra-data center rack interconnections).

Limitations: No amplifier support, typically ≤100G speed.

Low dispersion: O-band’s low fiber dispersion is suitable for long-distance transmission, reducing signal distortion.

High bandwidth: Through DWDM technology, O-band optical transceivers can transmit multiple wavelengths over a single fiber, significantly increasing transmission bandwidth.

Compatibility: O-band DWDM optical transceivers are generally compatible with existing fiber infrastructure, facilitating upgrades and expansions.

The characteristics of O-band DWDM optical transceivers make them suitable for applications in metropolitan networks and data center interconnections.

GIGALIGHT COLOR Series: Exceptional Choices for O-band and C-band

COLOR X 100G QSFP28 DWDM1 O-BAND

Product speed: 100Gbps, PAM4 modulation mode, 30km transmission distance (with SOA).

Full series of 16 wavelengths, covering O-Band DWDM 1295.56nm~1312.58nm with a 200GHz wavelength interval.

Key Applications:

5G front-haul

Data center interconnection (DCI)

COLOR ZR+ 100G QSFP28 PSM DWDM4

O-band

Product speed: 100Gbps, NRZ modulation mode, 40km transmission distance (with SOA).

Full series of 16 wavelengths, covering ITU-T 694.1 O-Band DWDM 233.6~231.2THz with a 150GHz wavelength interval.

Key Applications:

Point-to-point access networks

C-band

Product speed: 100Gbps, NRZ modulation mode, 120km transmission distance (with EDFA & DCM).

Full series of 48 wavelengths, with 4 channels per device, covering C-Band DWDM 191.3THz to 196.0THz with a 100GHz wavelength interval.

Key Applications:

100G Ethernet metropolitan access via DWDM

Point-to-point access networks

GIGALIGHT’s COLOR series (COLOR X/ZR+) 100G QSFP28 DWDM optical transceivers offer innovative products for both O-band and C-band, providing users with diverse choices. O-band products, with their low loss and no need for dispersion compensation, have broad application prospects in metropolitan access scenarios. C-band products, known for their maturity, stability, and long-distance transmission capabilities, are the preferred choice for data center interconnections and cross-metropolitan optical cable transmissions.

As communication technologies continue to evolve and market demands change, GIGALIGHT will continue to develop more cost-effective, non-coherent DWDM transmission solutions in 200G, 400G, and 800G transmission networks using silicon photonics and traditional technologies. We believe that GIGALIGHT’s optical transceiver products will play an even more critical role in future communication networks, providing users with more efficient, reliable, and cost-effective data transmission services, and jointly driving innovation and progress in communication technologies. Choosing GIGALIGHT means choosing endless possibilities for future communications!

23Dec, 2024

GIGALIGHT’s O-BAND DWDM: Exceptional Performance, The Ideal Choice

In the rapidly evolving field of fiber-optic communications, the O-band has garnered significant attention due to its unique advantages. The O-band, with a wavelength range of 1260 to 1360 nanometers, stands as a crucial segment in fiber-optic communications. Building on this, GIGALIGHT offers a comprehensive O-BAND DWDM solution, encompassing 100G O-BAND DWDM optical transceivers and systems. Let’s delve into why GIGALIGHT’s O-BAND DWDM solution can be your ideal choice.

Zero-Dispersion Characteristics for Efficient Transmission

A notable feature of the O-band is its zero-dispersion characteristic. Dispersion, the phenomenon where optical signals of different wavelengths travel at different speeds, can degrade signal quality and limit transmission distance. However, the O-band’s zero-dispersion characteristic significantly mitigates this effect, enabling more stable and efficient signal transmission. This characteristic is crucial for enhancing transmission rates and extending transmission distances, particularly in high-bandwidth, low-latency applications such as 5G fronthaul and data centers.

Cost-Effective Advantage for Simplified System Architecture

Beyond its efficient transmission performance, the O-band also offers significant cost benefits. Since the O-band does not require additional dispersion compensation equipment, system architecture can be simplified, reducing complexity and overall costs. This represents a significant attraction for operators and equipment manufacturers seeking cost-effective solutions.

Efficient Transmission and Extended Reach

The O-band is suitable for mid-range transmissions, such as 5G fronthaul and data centers, with transmission distances up to 10 kilometers. With an external SOA (Semiconductor Optical Amplifier), single-span transmission can reach 30 kilometers.

GIGALIGHT 100G O-BAND DWDM Optical Transceiver

Offers 16 O-band DWDM wavelengths ranging from 1260 to 1360 nm.
100Gbps hot-pluggable QSFP module suitable for 100G Ethernet PAM4 modulation.
Duplex LC optical interface.
Single-mode fiber reach up to 10 km, extendable to 30 km with SOA.
Internal CDR circuits on both receiver and transmitter channels.
Digital diagnostic monitoring.
Low power consumption of <3.5W.
Operating temperature range from 0℃ to +70℃.
3.3V power supply voltage.
RoHS compliant (lead-free).

GIGALIGHT O-BAND DWDM Solution

With extensive experience and advanced technology, GIGALIGHT introduces the O-BAND DWDM solution tailored to meet transmission needs across various scenarios. The solution provides 16 O-band DWDM wavelengths ranging from 1260 to 1360 nanometers, offering users a diverse selection.

O-Band WDM Interconnection for Data Centers (Without SOA)

Key Application Highlights:

Up to 16x100G transmission capacity per fiber.
Low cost, requiring only passive MUX/DEMUX equipment and optical terminals.
Easy deployment with a transmission distance of approximately 10 km.

O-Band WDM Interconnection for Data Centers (With SOA)

Key Application Highlights:

Up to 16x100G transmission capacity per fiber.
Low cost, requiring only SOA, OLP devices, and optical transceivers.
Easy deployment with a transmission distance of approximately 30km.
Supports 1+1 fiber link protection.
Supports remote NMS management.

Metro Network O-Band WDM Solution

Key Application Highlights:

Up to 16x100G transmission capacity per fiber.
Low cost, eliminating the need for additional transponders or DCM modules.
Transmission distance of 30 km with easy maintenance.
Supports 1+1 fiber link protection.
Supports remote NMS management.

In data center applications, GIGALIGHT’s O-BAND DWDM solution demonstrates unique advantages. Without the need for an SOA, it achieves up to 16x100G transmission capacity per fiber using only passive MUX/DEMUX equipment and optical terminals. This solution is not only cost-effective but also easy to deploy, with a transmission distance of up to 10 km. For scenarios requiring longer transmission distances, the use of SOA extends the distance to 30 km and supports 1+1 fiber link protection, ensuring stable and reliable transmission.

Furthermore, GIGALIGHT’s O-BAND DWDM solution supports remote NMS management, facilitating real-time network monitoring and management, and reducing operational costs.

GIGALIGHT’s O-BAND DWDM solution has demonstrated strong competitiveness across multiple application scenarios. In data center interconnects, it provides a high-capacity, low-cost, and easy-to-deploy solution, meeting data centers’ demands for bandwidth and flexibility. In metro network construction, GIGALIGHT’s O-BAND DWDM solution, with its long-distance transmission capability, low cost, and ease of maintenance, has become an ideal choice for operators building efficient and reliable networks.

30Apr, 2024

O-Band: A Comprehensive 100G DWDM Solution

WDM, or Wavelength Division Multiplexing, represents a pioneering transmission technique that harnesses a solitary optical fiber to concurrently convey multiple optical signals, each distinguished by unique wavelengths, within optical fiber communication systems. These diverse wavelengths are systematically organized into distinct bands, adhering to the established ITU-T norms. In this context, single-mode fibers are categorized into six distinct bands: the O-band, E-band, S-band, C-band, L-band, and U-band, each serving a specific purpose within the transmission spectrum.

The O-BAND, often referred to as the Original Band, holds historical significance as the inaugural band introduced in the wavelength division multiplexing realm. Its prevalence is particularly evident in high-speed Ethernet transmission applications. The O-BAND’s distinctive feature lies in its utilization of quartz glass, a material characterized by a zero-dispersion wavelength. This unique property minimizes dispersion, facilitating high-speed optical transmission without the necessity for complex dispersion compensation mechanisms. Consequently, it presents compelling advantages in terms of reduced initial investment and operational expenses, translating into more cost-effective transceivers and lower power consumption.

The enduring longevity of the O-BAND in datacom and telecommunications applications stems primarily from its inherent zero-dispersion property. Chromatic dispersion, a phenomenon that distorts signals and restricts data rates at elevated transmission speeds (gigabytes per second, Gb/s), is effectively mitigated by the O-BAND. As a result, it eliminates the requirement and associated costs of dispersion management techniques, such as deploying digital signal processing (DSP) units. Consequently, the O-BAND is ideally positioned to cater to high-speed, cost-conscious, and high-volume markets. This strategic alignment not only contributes to the cost reduction of transceivers but also lowers operational expenses by minimizing power consumption.

The 100G PAM4 DWDM O-BAND solution is designed for customers requiring multiple 100G connections over medium length distances. Gigalight’s COLOR X-ray module uses the PAM4 DWDM1 O-BAND silicon optical platform, which can be used in 5G fronthaul applications. The transmission distance reaches 10km. With an external SOA, it can meet the single-span transmission of 30km.

100G QSFP28 DWDM1

Adopting 100G PAM4 silicon photonic MZ modulation technology
The electrical port side uses 4X 25G NRZ with built-in FEC-KP4
DWDM O-BAND 150GHZ, 16 channels
Meets 10km transmission
With the addition of external SOA, it can meet the requirement of single-span transmission of 30km.
Power consumption is expected to be less than 3.5W
Applied to 5G fronthaul and DCI interconnection

Gigalight will continue to develop more non-coherent economical DWDM transmission solutions using silicon photonics and traditional technologies in 100G, 200G and 400G transmission networks, aiming to create a mid-to-long distance transmission market segment with COLOR X-ray transceiver non-coherent transceiver , and provide customers with simplified network deployment and expert-level low-cost interconnect solutions in this market segment.