SPONSORED FEATURE ZTE
Full-Band OTN Leader, Ushering in a New Chapter for Optical Networks
T he digital wave is surging forward, with digital network traffic, and in turn, drives optical networks – the ‘invisible artery’ of digital civilization – to exhibit three major development trends. Firstly, ultra-high bandwidth transport demands, such as those for cross-regional computing power collaboration, are accelerating the transition of optical networks from 400G towards a new Tbit-level era. Secondly, the deep integration of AI large model technology with optical networks is speeding up the evolution of optical networks towards higher- order autonomous capabilities. Thirdly, to overcome the transport performance bottleneck of traditional silica optical fibers, the industry is actively exploring novel hollow-core fiber transport systems to enable ultra-high bandwidth, ultra-long distance, and ultra-low latency transport. In this technological transformation, the most critical aspect is the enhancement of system capacity. To achieve accelerated speeds without technologies like AI, big data, and intelligent manufacturing rapidly developing. This leads to an explosive growth in reducing the number of wavelengths, the optical network’s operational spectrum has expanded to include both C and L bands. Current C/L segregated systems still have room for improvement in aspects such as wavelength scheduling, integration, and low-carbon operation. Facing these challenges, ZTE has continuously innovated, taking the lead in launching the full-band OTN solution. This solution integrates numerous advantages including ultra-large
capacity, full-band scheduling, and a minimalist architecture, enabling it to provide customers with an even more superior value experience. Regarding ultra-large capacity, by combining 12THz integration with flexible shaping algorithms, the solution achieves a single-fiber hundred-terabit
Over the past year, ZTE, in collaboration with operators, has conducted a series of C+L full-band OTN lab and live network tests, setting multiple records and providing crucial references for future network deployment and optimization. In the future, ZTE will continue to sail
transport system, boosting capacity by 25%. This provides robust bandwidth assurance for massive data transport. In terms of full-band scheduling, the solution adopts a tunable spectral width twice that of the industry standard, enabling C+L full-band non-blocking scheduling. This improves resource utilization by 100%, truly achieving zero wavelength waste and significantly enhancing network O&M convenience. Concerning the minimalist architecture, the full-band integrated architecture reduces the number of optical boards by 20% and compresses the variety of spare parts by 50%. This saves space and lowers CapEx, building a leaner and greener operational model for operators.
with “open cooperation” and paddle with “continuous innovation,” working hand-in-hand with industry partners to jointly promote standard formulation and scenario innovation. This will build a more efficient, flexible, and reliable optical network ecosystem, laying a solid “optical foundation” for the sustainable development of the global digital economy.
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| ISSUE 43 | Q1 2026
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