Source: Converge Digest

Ciena: Ciena at OFC25: 448G PAM4 and WL6e Coherent Routing

Ciena is set to showcase its latest breakthroughs in coherent optics, pluggable transceivers, and network automation at OFC 2025, reinforcing its position as a key enabler of scalable AI-era infrastructure. Headlining the exhibit is a 1.6Tbps coherent optical solution, WaveLogic 6 Extreme (WL6e), which Ciena will demonstrate alongside its new 1.6T Coherent-Lite pluggable transceivers, liquid-cooled coherent modules, and intelligent multi-layer software controls. These innovations target data center scalability, optical transport performance, and energy efficiency in hyperscale AI and cloud networks.Ciena will also highlight its latest programmable photonic systems, including the Enhanced Line System (ELS) and Reconfigurable Line System (RLS), which scale from edge to core. Demonstrations will include 448Gbps PAM4, coherent routing across the WaveRouter and 6500 platforms, and AI-driven multi-vendor network operations powered by Navigator Network Control Suite (NCS). Ciena's platform supports both WL6e and WL6 Nano (WL6n) 800G pluggables, delivering long-reach transport and multi-vendor interoperability.CEO Gary Smith will participate in the Optica Executive Forum's CEO panel on March 31 to discuss optical networking economics and future trends. Additionally, Ciena is contributing to multiple interoperability demos in the OIF booth, covering 800ZR, OpenZR+, CMIS, and 448G SerDes signaling with live PAM4, PAM6, and PAM8 transmissions, helping guide the industry toward future electrical and optical standards.• Ciena to demo 1.6Tbps WL6e coherent optics and 1.6T Coherent-Lite pluggables at OFC 2025.• Features include 448Gbps PAM4, liquid-cooled coherent modules, and AI-powered network automation via Navigator NCS.• Live demonstrations include coherent routing, 25GS-PON, and multi-vendor convergence.• ELS and RLS programmable photonic systems support massive edge-to-core scale.• OIF demos include 800ZR, CMIS, and next-gen electrical I/O standards at 448G SerDes rates.• CEO Gary Smith to speak at Optica Executive Forum panel on March 31.Ciena at OFC25: 448G PAM4 and WL6e Coherent Routing

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Annual Revenue
$1.0-5.0B
Employees
5.0-10K
Gary B. Smith's photo - President & CEO of Ciena

President & CEO

Gary B. Smith

CEO Approval Rating

88/100

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