Openreach is deploying Ciena’s Waveserver powered by WaveLogic 6 (WL6) 1.6Tb/s coherent technology into its Optical Spectrum Extended Access (OSEA) portfolio. Ciena’s technology will support Openreach’s wholesale customers with tailored network solutions serving specialist locations such as cable landing stations (CLS), access and backhaul services to Core intersect nodes and DCs.
The deployment further strengthens Openreach’s ability to deliver scalable, high-capacity optical infrastructure to the UK wholesale market, through Ciena managed services.
The solution includes the deployment of 400G and 800G client traffic over dedicated 1.6Tb/s wavelengths, with a 2RU chassis supporting up to 32 x 400G services. This significantly expands the range of high-capacity services Openreach can offer. It also introduces national 800G services for the first time and creates a clear path to even faster services as customers’ needs grow.
The new technology gives wholesale customers more flexible, tailored options for services that need to carry very large amounts of data. Using Openreach’s extensive UK fibre network, customers can support:
High-capacity connections between data centres
Private cloud networks for businesses
Connections between international cable landing stations and data centres
More resilient connections using different fibre routes across the UK
Extra capacity to support growth in cloud services, online content and international subsea traffic
“Demand for fast, reliable connectivity is growing rapidly. This investment shows how Openreach is strengthening its network to support wholesale customers across the UK,” said Nicolas Lemaitre, Openreach’s Director of Products. “By using Ciena’s Waveserver and WL6 technology, we’re preparing our services for the next wave of digital growth, including increasing demand from AI applications and Critical National Infrastructure.”
The deployment is part of Openreach’s continued investment in the UK’s digital infrastructure. By increasing the capacity of its optical network, Openreach is helping wholesale providers support the growth of cloud services, international subsea connections and data centres across the UK.
Ciena also provides specialist support to help Openreach deploy, proactively monitor and maintain its OSEA optical product. This long-standing partnership helps keep the network reliable and enables Openreach to introduce new services more quickly.
