Ciena Optical Microsystems preps WaveLogic 5 coherent transceiver sales

March 8, 2019
As Ciena (NYSE:CIEN) readies to incorporate its newly announced WaveLogic 5 coherent DSPs into its optical transport platforms, the company’s Optical Microsystems unit is prepping to bring the devices to market via alternative means. That includes internally developed pluggable optical transceivers.

As Ciena (NYSE:CIEN) readies to incorporate its newly announced WaveLogic 5 coherent DSPs into its optical transport platforms, the company’s Optical Microsystems unit is prepping to bring the devices to market via alternative means. That includes internally developed pluggable optical transceivers.

Ciena Optical Microsystems has been managing the company’s external engagements with the previous WaveLogic AI (see, for example, “Ciena to license WaveLogic Ai coherent DSP to optical module vendors”), which have been incorporated into 5x7 coherent modules. With the upcoming availability of the 800-Gbps capable WaveLogic 5 Extreme and the more modest WaveLogic 5 Nano (for applications up to 400 Gbps), the business unit will offer the DSPs as standalone products as well as coherent pluggable modules that incorporate them. According to Helen Xenos, senior director, optical solutions marketing, the 400ZR presents a near-term opportunity of interest. Such modules should be available in the first half of next year, she predicted.

Prior to that, transceivers targeted at 100- and 200-Gbps applications via the WaveLogic 5 Nano should become available in the second half of this year. Xenos says the modules will be based on in-house designs that leverage the indium phosphide and silicon photonics capabilities Ciena acquired from TeraXion in 2016 (see “Ciena buys TeraXion's indium phosphide, silicon photonics assets”) as well as third-party technology where necessary. The company will use its contract manufacturers to produce the modules.

Infinera (NASDAQ:INFN) also has announced its intention to offer pluggable coherent modules based on its own DSP technology (see “Infinera offers Infinite Network pluggable coherent module strategy details”).

For related articles, visit the Optical Technologies Topic Center.

For more information on optical modules and suppliers, visit the Lightwave Buyer’s Guide.

About the Author

Stephen Hardy | Editorial Director and Associate Publisher

Stephen Hardy has covered fiber optics for more than 15 years, and communications and technology for more than 30 years. He is responsible for establishing and executing Lightwave's editorial strategy across its digital magazine, website, newsletters, research and other information products. He has won multiple awards for his writing.

Contact Stephen to discuss:

  • Contributing editorial material to the Web site or digital magazine
  • The direction of a digital magazine issue, staff-written article, or event
  • Lightwave editorial attendance at industry events
  • Arranging a visit to Lightwave's offices
  • Coverage of announcements
  • General questions of an editorial nature

Sponsored Recommendations

Transforming the metro network and the evolution of the "Digital Service Provider"

March 4, 2025
Join experts at EXFO and Ekinops in this webinar that will review the evolving metro-centric requirements and the technologies emerging to meet them.

Unveiling the Synergy Between AI and Optical Networking

March 12, 2025
Join us for an engaging discussion with industry experts on the intersection of AI and optics. Moderated by Sean Buckley, editor-in-chief of Lightwave+BTR, this panel will explore...

Innovations Optical Transceivers

March 10, 2025
The continual movement around artificial intelligence (AI) cluster environments is driving new sales of optical transceiver sales and the adoption of linear pluggable optics (...

ON TOPIC: Filling Coverage Gaps, Enhancing Public Safety

Jan. 30, 2025
With the ongoing drive to support AI and the need for high-speed data center interconnection, the call for higher-speed 800G optical technology is emerging. Initially focused ...