Ciena has unveiled its advanced 1.6 Tb/s Coherent-Lite pluggable solution to meet rising AI and cloud data demands.
This launch addresses the exponential growth in traffic driven by artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and machine learning technologies.
The solution is designed for cloud and data center providers seeking to scale their networks with efficiency and precision.
It empowers providers to handle higher capacities without compromising on speed, power usage, or operational cost efficiency.

Built on Ciena’s WaveLogic 6 Nano (WL6n) platform, the new offering is engineered for data center fabric and campus applications.
The WL6n platform provides unmatched integration with coherent optical technology to boost performance across data-driven network infrastructures.
Available in both 1.6 Tb/s and 800G variants, it offers the flexibility needed for modern, high-performance environments.
Its 3nm coherent ASIC supports dual 800G data streams on one chip, enhancing speed while minimizing energy consumption.

The Coherent-Lite design is optimized for low latency and power, making it ideal for shorter-reach deployments in data centers.
It addresses real-time performance needs where traditional technologies often fall short under pressure from growing bandwidth demands.
This power-efficient design ensures sustainable network scaling, crucial for providers navigating AI and cloud-native application growth.
Its compact footprint offers space efficiency, helping operators maximize infrastructure within existing real estate constraints.

Dr. Vlad Kozlov of LightCounting noted AI and ML adoption is pushing global bandwidth to unprecedented levels.
He praised Ciena’s pluggable for setting a new benchmark in scale, flexibility, and power for cloud-era networking.
Dino DiPerna of Ciena emphasized the limitations of legacy systems in today’s high-capacity data center environments.
He added that the 1.6 Tb/s pluggable brings the power, efficiency, and size required for next-gen data centers.

Ciena confirmed the WL6n Coherent ASIC will be available for electro-optic integration later this year.
This makes it easier for OEMs and hyperscalers to adopt the tech and develop high-capacity solutions quickly.
A prototype of the 1.6 Tb/s Coherent-Lite pluggable will be showcased at ECOC 2024 in booth A14.
This demonstration highlights Ciena’s leadership in innovating next-gen optical connectivity for future-ready digital infrastructure.

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