In a remarkable feat of technological advancement, Verizon has recently achieved a staggering speed of 1.6 terabits per second (Tbps) in its live fiber network. This trial occurred in the Boston area and is a significant leap forward in network capacity. Verizon utilized a single-carrier wavelength and Ciena’s WaveLogic 6 Extreme (WL6e) technology to secure these blistering speeds over a 118-kilometer metro fiber route.
This development is pivotal as it aligns with the demands placed on networks by artificial intelligence (AI) workloads. Adam Koeppe, Verizon’s Senior Vice President of Technology Strategy, highlighted the advancements, noting, “This continued advancement of our fiber network will further position us to be the provider of choice for AI workloads now and in the future.”
The trial managed to maintain speed across nine reconfigurable optical add-drop multiplexers (ROADMs). This showcases Verizon’s commitment to enhancing network reliability and efficiency, especially in AI applications that require handling millions of data points in real time.
Energy efficiency is another crucial benefit of this upgrade. Ciena claims its WL6e technology offers an 86% reduction in emissions per terabit, a significant stride towards sustainable network operations.
Historically, Verizon’s achievements in fiber optic technology have been notable. The current accomplishment follows a successful trial of 800 Gbps on a single wavelength just four years prior. As AI becomes more integrated into telecom networks, its impact on network capabilities is two-fold. On one hand, AI enhances operational efficiency. However, the anticipated increase in AI-driven data traffic also necessitates substantial upgrades to fiber networks. Recent surveys by Ciena affirm that nearly all telecom professionals believe in the necessity of such upgrades to accommodate AI demands.
Ciena’s Brian Lavallée emphasizes the infrastructure challenges with AI, particularly in scaling storage and network solutions while addressing energy consumption. He highlights that AI’s success hinges on secure and economical data movement from core data centers to edge locations. As AI-enriched network traffic is expected to grow rapidly, links operating at speeds like 400G, 800G, and 1.6 Tbps will be imperative for accommodating AI’s data needs.
Other trials by Ciena in collaboration with Telstra and Ericsson as well as Arelion further underscore these network pioneering efforts. While high-speed data centers are evolving swiftly, the comprehensive needs throughout the full span of networks remain a developing narrative.
