Uniti Fiber, a leading communications infrastructure provider, is deploying Ciena's WaveLogic 5 Nano (WL5n) PKT-MAX coherent pluggable transceivers in its existing Cisco and UfiSpace routers. This upgrade makes it possible for Uniti to transition to a highly efficient converged IP/optical infrastructure while quadrupling network speed from 100 Gb/s to 400 Gb/s.

Uniti operates an extensive network infrastructure that spans approximately 144,000 fiber route miles and 8.7 million fiber strand miles across the United States. Its comprehensive range of services includes dark fiber, Ethernet, wavelength, and internet access, supporting the diverse needs of enterprises, hyperscalers, service providers, government agencies, healthcare systems, and other businesses.

With a strong focus on reliability and high-performance connectivity, Uniti plays a crucial role in supporting the data-intensive applications, seamless cloud services, and critical business operations at the heart of today’s digital transformation initiatives.

“Customers rely on our robust infrastructure to ensure the smooth functioning of their mission-critical processes,” said Graham Wooden, Senior Director of Core/Backbone Engineering at Uniti Fiber. “That’s why we set out to be one of the first regional providers to deploy a large-scale, converged IP/optical backbone. By combining the strengths of optical and IP technologies, we can optimize network performance, achieving enhanced scalability, flexibility, and efficiency.”

Commenting on Uniti’s selection of Ciena for its network upgrade, Wooden explained, “Ciena was the natural choice. We were already using Ciena’s 6500 Family in our optical layer, so we had firsthand experience with the quality and reliability of their gear. And since our goal was to deploy the most innovative, sustainable pluggable technology available, the choice was clear: WaveLogic Nano, hands down.”

Ciena solutions supporting Uniti Fiber

Uniti is leveraging Ciena’s WL5n 100G-400G Universal QSFP-DD transceiver in PKT-MAX mode, known for its outstanding performance, in its converged network.

In addition to using less power and operating at a lower cost per bit than previous coherent technologies, WL5n PKT-MAX runs at 70 GBaud, a very high symbol rate that benefits Uniti by extending 400 Gb/s pluggable connectivity over twice the distance compared to standard 400ZR+ 60GBd pluggables.

Because Ciena’s WL5n is fully interoperable in third-party/white box routers, Uniti also gains:

  • Reduced dependency on a single supplier
  • Greater flexibility in network design and deployment
  • Easy integration of new or upgraded transceivers without requiring reconfiguration, significant changes to infrastructure, or downtime

The network upgrade has brought significant advantages to Uniti, notably a fourfold increase in bandwidth.

“Through our deployment of Ciena’s WaveLogic Nano, Uniti Fiber has demonstrated our unwavering commitment to embracing groundbreaking innovation and expanding the boundaries of connectivity,” said Wooden.

“We are now well poised to serve as a reliable on-ramp and off-ramp to digital highways, ensuring scalable and reliable connectivity that supports the growing data demands of data centers, hyperscalers, and enterprises.”

For more information about Uniti Fiber, visit: https://uniti.com/