Ciena unveils WaveLogic 1.6Tbps coherent optics

Technologies and Products

Ciena has announced the latest generation of its WaveLogic technology. Optimised for high-capacity transport required with next-generation routing data paths and associated wholesale services,

Ciena says WaveLogic 6 Extreme (WL6e) integrates new coherent DSP innovations to provide the highest capacity over fibre. It supports 1.6Tbps single-carrier wavelengths for metro ROADM networks, 800Gb/s across the longest links, with a 15% improvement in spectral efficiency compared to the previous generation. WL6e will also deliver a 50% reduction in space and power per bit compared to its 800G technology.

WaveLogic 6 Nano (WL6n), Ciena’s footprint-optimised solution, powers 400G-800G coherent pluggables to drive cost, power, and space efficiencies in 400G long-haul and 800G metro/regional applications, as well as interoperable 800ZR DCI applications. With Ciena’s unique engineering innovations, WL6n can also deliver an 800LR design, bringing coherent technology inside the data centre campus for the first time.

WaveLogic 6 will start to become available in the first half of 2024, and will be supported across a range of Ciena’s optical and routing and switching platforms, as well as for use in third-party solutions.

Jimmy Yu, Vice President, Dell’Oro Group says, “Ciena ups the ante in the delivery of high-performance coherent solutions, using advanced technology and high bandwidth electro-optics, with WaveLogic 6, which is expected to be the first 1.6Tbps wavelength transmitted over a single carrier. We believe 1.6Tbps wavelengths will be a critical technology to enable operators to sustainably grow their networks as bandwidth demand continues to grow annually at 30%. Hence, we anticipate that in five years over 50% of capacity additions will come from DWDM systems built with sixth generation coherent DSPs.”

Scott McFeely, senior vice president, Global Products and Services, Ciena adds, “The last few years have irreversibly changed our expectations of networks, showing the critical importance of enabling greater connectivity to help fuel our digital lifestyles. At the same time, we all need to do more to help the environment. As the pioneer in coherent optical technology, and the first to bring coherent 40G, 100G, 400G and 800G to the industry, we continue to set the standard in optical transport and push the limits of innovation by creating solutions that significantly reduce cost per bit, improve network performance, and drive energy efficiency.”

For more information, visit www.ciena.com

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