Polish network operator EXATEL has selected Ciena’s WaveLogic 5 Nano (WL5n) 400G ZR+ coherent pluggable transceivers to upgrade its open, software-defined optical network, becoming the first operator in Poland to implement a disaggregated architecture of this kind. The deployment spans EXATEL’s 23,800-kilometer fiber-optic infrastructure, which connects major cities in Poland to key interconnection hubs across Europe, including London, Frankfurt, Stockholm, Vienna, and Paris.
Ciena’s WL5n modules enable high-capacity 100G to 400G transport over an open photonic line system, supporting multiple router vendors. The solution allows EXATEL to deliver high-speed, energy-efficient services while maximizing utilization of existing infrastructure. WL5n’s performance, including sub-20W power consumption and multi-rate interoperability, makes it well-suited for access, metro-regional, and data center interconnect (DCI) applications in the operator’s dynamic SDN environment.
The move aligns with EXATEL’s broader strategy to lead in open networking innovation, enabling scalable, sustainable services for enterprises, public institutions, and operators across the region.
- EXATEL selects Ciena WL5n ZR+ for 400G coherent transport across disaggregated SDN infrastructure
- Deployment spans 23,800 km of optical fiber with links to key European telecom hubs
- WL5n supports multi-vendor integration and power-efficient 100G–400G DCI and metro-regional use
- Open architecture reduces cost, space, and operational complexity
- Enhances capacity and sustainability for public sector, financial, and enterprise networks
“We chose Ciena’s WaveLogic 5 Nano because it offers highly reliable 400Gb/s connectivity and seamless interoperability with our disaggregated network stack that we built ourselves,” said Jacek Terpiłowski, Chief Technology Officer, EXATEL.
