Lumen Technologies achieved a new optical networking milestone by transmitting a single-carrier 1.2 Tbps wavelength signal across 3,050 kilometers (1,895 miles) without regeneration, the longest distance ever recorded at this data rate. Conducted on Lumen’s Ultra-Low-Loss (ULL) fiber network between Denver and Dallas, the live field trial utilized Ciena’s WaveLogic 6 Extreme (WL6e) technology running on the Waveserver platform over a 6500 photonic line system.
The demonstration validated transport of Ethernet and IP services using 800G interfaces across the 1.2 Tbps optical channel. It also proved full interoperability with the Juniper PTX10002-36QDD packet transport router, confirming minimal latency and zero packet loss under live conditions. This trial highlights a clear path for hyperscalers and large enterprises to scale toward AI and data-intensive cloud workloads while improving spectral efficiency and network reach.
Ciena’s WL6e, based on advanced 3nm silicon, supports up to 1.6 Tbps per wavelength and is designed to deliver high capacity over long-haul links. With Lumen’s 400G-enabled backbone now spanning over 78,000 route miles, the company is preparing for scalable upgrades to multi-terabit services. This architecture is aimed at AI training, inferencing, real-time analytics, and high-speed data movement across intercity and metro distances.
• Record-breaking 1.2 Tbps wavelength transmitted over 3,050 km without regeneration on Lumen’s ULL fiber.
• Used Ciena’s WaveLogic 6 Extreme coherent optics in Waveserver over 6500 photonic line system.
• Ethernet and IP services tested over 800G interfaces with Juniper PTX10002 router, zero packet loss.
• 3nm silicon-powered WL6e platform supports scalable upgrade to 1.6 Tbps per wavelength.
• Trial enables future-ready AI, cloud, and DCI services over Lumen’s 400G-enabled, 78,000-mile network.
“1.2 terabits per second isn’t just about incredible speed and long distances, it’s about the value of enabling the next wave of digital transformation,” said Dave Ward, Lumen’s Chief Technology and Product Officer. “Our investment in increased capacity, powered by Ciena’s WaveLogic 6 technology, provides our hyperscale cloud partners and enterprises with the ultra-high-capacity connectivity needed to scale their AI and cloud applications.”
