Ciena Corporation (CIEN) and Arelion have achieved a groundbreaking milestone in the world of data transmission. In a live network field trial, they successfully transmitted data at a record-breaking 1.6 terabits-per-second (Tb/s), marking the first time this speed has been achieved in a live network. This accomplishment was made possible by leveraging Ciena’s cutting-edge WaveLogic 6 Extreme (WL6e) technology. The trial took place over Arelion’s 470km route connecting its Ashburn, Virginia (Equinix) and Telxius’ Virginia Beach cable landing station. This significant boost in capacity between these key Points-of-Presence (PoPs) will greatly enhance the performance of Arelion’s North American network.
Arelion specializes in addressing connectivity challenges for multinational enterprises that rely on robust digital infrastructure across the globe. They offer a wide range of services, including IP services for unlimited global internet access, enterprise, networking, and mobile data solutions. Their focus is on connecting critical content and applications to audiences worldwide. This latest data transmission achievement further elevates the performance of Arelion’s leading optical transmission services, such as high-speed Managed Optical Fiber Services and Wavelengths. These services are designed to cater to the needs of service providers, content providers, and enterprises.
Following the successful trial, Arelion plans to deploy Ciena’s WL6e technology across its network to meet the ever-increasing bandwidth demands driven by 5G, AI/ML applications, cloud services, and content delivery for both wholesale and enterprise customers. This deployment is a testament to Arelion’s commitment to open optical networking and next-generation coherent optic solutions, driving improvements in performance, energy efficiency, and cost savings.
The WL6e technology utilizes coherent digital signal processing innovations that boost energy performance and efficiency. Ciena highlighted that WL6e offers a 50% reduction in space and power per bit, along with a 15% improvement in spectral efficiency compared to previous generations. With WL6e, Arelion can now provide multiple 400 and 800 gigabits-per-second (Gb/s) services, leveraging 1.6 Tb/s line capacity to support higher traffic volumes and faster connectivity speeds across its existing network. The demonstration also incorporated Ciena’s open, programmable 6500 Reconfigurable Line System (RLS), which simplifies and automates network service provisioning and reconfiguration.
This groundbreaking achievement sets a new benchmark for the industry, demonstrating the power of advanced optical networking technologies to meet the growing demands for high-bandwidth connectivity. As the industry’s first 1.6 Tb/s coherent optic solution, Ciena’s WaveLogic 6 Extreme introduces cutting-edge capabilities for optical transport. This milestone serves as a testament to Ciena’s position as a leading provider of optical and routing systems, services, and automation software worldwide. Ciena is dedicated to building highly adaptive networks that meet the ever-increasing digital demands and deliver richer, more connected user experiences.
