AI traffic and data center interconnect (DCI) requirements are continuing to accelerate, exceeding the practical limits of approaches based solely on incremental improvements over previous generations. As applications diversify, network operators increasingly require solutions that are specifically optimized for different performance, reach, and efficiency requirements. Nokia’s latest innovations represent a fundamental shift in how optical transport products are designed and developed, delivering application-optimized connectivity that maximizes performance while significantly reducing cost, space, and power and simplifying network operations.

The innovations include a new suite of coherent optical solutions and a compact, multi-fiber optimized in-line amplifier. Nokia executives will be at the OFC conference in Los Angeles this week to share the company’s latest vision for optical networking in the AI era.

New suite of application-optimized coherent optical solutions

At the core of Nokia’s announcement is a new approach to building coherent optical solutions for AI-era networks. Rather than developing discrete solutions for each application, Nokia is introducing a building block-based development methodology that enables technologies to be easily assembled and integrated across a broad range of optical transport use cases. These building blocks include four new digital signal processors and multiple optical front ends built using both Indium Phosphide and Silicon Photonics. This approach results in a comprehensive suite of coherent optical transport solutions that are specifically optimized to address both existing and emerging network applications improving cost, space, and power efficiency while delivering up to 70% total cost of ownership savings.

The new solutions include:

• A 1.6T-capable coherent pluggable optimized for IP over DWDM DCI and scale across applications.
• A 2.4T-capable coherent pluggable optimized for thin transponder deployments supporting a broad range of terrestrial and subsea network applications.
• A 3.2T-capable coherent lite solution optimized for low power to address shorter reach campus and enterprise applications.
• A new class of double-sided pluggables optimized to pair with CPO-, LPO-, and NPO-based switches, supporting campus, metro and regional DCI and scale across applications.
• A new class of full-band transponders that combine hundreds of coherent components into a single, operationally simplified solution optimized for hyperscale capacity demands across campus, metro, regional, long-haul, and submarine applications.
• 2.4T and a 3.2T embedded transponders optimized to maximize fiber capacity at any distance for fiber-constrained applications.

The new family of coherent optical solutions is expected to begin sampling in mid-2027 with general availability anticipated to begin in the second half of 2027.

Multi-rail in-line amplifier

As bandwidth demands increasingly exceed what can be delivered over a single pair of fibers, network operators are adopting multi-fiber architectures to scale capacity. A key constraint to multi-fiber network expansion is the physical space limitations of in-line amplifier huts required for network spans beyond 80 kilometers.

To address this challenge, Nokia is introducing a new multi-rail in-line amplifier designed for scalable multi-fiber deployments. This solution delivers a 40-fold increase in in-line amplifier density over today’s solutions or 160 fiber pairs in a single rack. This enables them to expand capacity and services within their existing network footprint while reducing cost and operational complexity.

Nokia’s new multi-rail optical line system will be available in the second half of 2026.

Nokia will hold an executive investor, analyst and media briefing at OFC on March 18 from 8:30 – 9:30 a.m. PDT at the Los Angeles Convention Center​ in Room #409A, Concourse Hall, Level 2. Nokia’s leadership team will present the company’s next-generation optical networking vision.

The event will be publicly available via live webcast and replay on the Investor Relations section of Nokia’s website, under Events.

For more information on Nokia’s participation at OFC, visit us at Nokia at OFC 2026 | Nokia.com.

Multimedia, technical information and related news

Web Page: Nokia at OFC 2026 | Nokia.com

Web Page: Nokia Optical Networks

Traditional OOBM architectures depend on dedicated per-rack switches, adding unnecessary complexity while increasing power and cooling demands. As data centers scale, finding new ways to simplify operations and reduce costs become critical.

Nokia’s Aurelis solution for Data Centers provides a simpler, more efficient and cost effective OOBM architecture. The PON optical switch with six nines availability can connect and manage thousands of endpoints from a single platform, significantly reducing the number of switches and power required. With zero touch provisioning, the solution is easy to install and comes with plug-and-play optical modems that can be remotely managed. AI-enabled proactive troubleshooting and automated operations also reduce manual work and minimize on-site visits. 

Nokia’s Aurelis solution includes:

• Aurelis MF-2 Optical Switch (OLT): a central switch that connects thousands of devices in point-to-multipoint architecture.

• Aurelis Optical Modems (ONT): stateless devices that terminate fiber and convert signal into Ethernet ports. The ONTs can be managed remotely and are typically top-of-rack  mounted to save space.

• Aurelis Command Center (CC): a mature management solution with intent-based capabilities for simplified operations that is designed to interface with data center controller and automation systems.

Resources and additional information:

Product Page: Nokia PON-based out-of-band management