RETN, an independent global network provider, has completed the deployment of Juniper’s 400GbE coherent pluggable optics across its entire Pan-Eurasian IP network, reflecting the growing momentum around IP-over-DWDM (IPoDWDM).
This build marks one of the largest IP-over-DWDM (IPoDWDM) deployments in production today.
RETN’s deployment spans backbone links ranging from 300 to 950 kilometres and involves hundreds of 400G pluggables—all fully operational, stable, and live in production.
Besides offering greater speeds and efficiency, RETN said the deployment highlights its sustainability efforts:
· 40% power savings
· 55% lower carbon footprint
· 15% reduction in space requirements
Today, RETN’s network delivers over 75 terabits of connectivity to its partners and customers. The deployment of 400G pluggables will enable RETN to exceed 100 terabits soon.
By leveraging Juniper's equipment to create a standardised, homogeneous infrastructure that simplifies operations and accelerates deployments, RETN can reduce complexity and expand its Eurasian footprint with a scalable, repeatable model.
Tony O’Sullivan, CEO of RETN, said the 400G rollout sets a foundation for future technology shifts, including 800 G.
“Our widespread rollout of 400G services, powered by Juniper’s latest routing platforms, positions us at the forefront of ultra-high-capacity, sustainable networking,” he said. “We're also actively evaluating 800G technology to ensure our network remains future-ready.”
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Cignal AI: IP-over-DWDM port deployments to surpass 700k in 2027
Driven by cloud operator Datacenter Interconnect (DCI), Cignal AI, in its 2024 IP-over-DWDM Pluggables Forecast, notes that the standardization, development, and maturation of 400G pluggable coherent optics (400ZR) have coincided with the ongoing AI spending boom, with volumes increasing faster than any previous DWDM technology. The deployments will come in phases.
Once 800G and 1600G are adopted, the cloud operator's 400G purchases peak in 2026. Looking forward, the research firm notes that the performance gap between embedded and pluggable optics will further shrink with 1600G, making IP-over-DWDM even more attractive from a network design perspective. Cignal AI cautions that the adoption rate of IP-over-DWDM will be “slow and steady,” but “the technology’s space, power, and cost benefits will justify the change in architecture for many operators.”
Sean Buckley
Sean is responsible for establishing and executing the editorial strategies of Lightwave and Broadband Technology Report across their websites, email newsletters, events, and other information products.