Vodafone Idea has deployed WaveLogic 6 Extreme coherent optical technology from Ciena to upgrade its transport network across India, targeting higher capacity connectivity for AI-driven workloads, hyperscalers, and enterprise services. The deployment runs on Ciena’s 6500 platform and is designed to scale network capacity while improving efficiency and performance.
The operator recently demonstrated 1.6 Tbps transmission on a single optical wavelength across its data center interconnect network, marking a key milestone for high-capacity optical transport in the region. The upgrade positions Vodafone Idea Limited to support emerging 400G and 800G service demands tied to cloud, AI, and large-scale enterprise applications.
WaveLogic 6 Extreme is designed to maximize fiber capacity while reducing cost per bit and power consumption, aligning with operator requirements to scale infrastructure economically. The deployment supports Vodafone Idea’s broader strategy to expand enterprise services, strengthen data center connectivity, and address rising traffic demands across its national footprint.
- Deployment uses Ciena WaveLogic 6 Extreme (WL6e) on the 6500 optical platform
- Achieved 1.6 Tbps line rate on a single wavelength in live network conditions
- Supports transition to 400G and 800G services for hyperscale and enterprise workloads
- Targets AI-driven traffic growth and data center interconnect (DCI) expansion
- Focus on improving spectral efficiency, power efficiency, and cost per bit
“Vi by doing this is positioning a network to support AI workloads and capture new growth opportunities through enterprise, mobility and data center,” said Jagbir Singh, CTO of Vodafone Idea. “This particular technology from Ciena allows us to scale efficiently while meeting the performance expectations of our most demanding customers.”
🌐 Analysis: The deployment reflects accelerating adoption of 1.6 Tbps-class coherent optics as operators prepare for AI-driven traffic growth and higher-speed interconnects. Ciena’s WaveLogic 6 Extreme competes directly with similar 1.6T-class solutions from vendors such as Nokia and Infinera, highlighting intensifying competition in high-performance optical transport.
