Nokia and Aramco break records with groundbreaking 2.4Tbps optical transmission
- The implementation utilized Nokia's PSE-6s technology to achieve 2.4Tbps capacity in a live environment.
- This advancement helps reduce costs and energy usage while meeting increasing traffic demands.
- The trial reinforces the partnership's role in enhancing technology capabilities and infrastructure efficiencies.
In a significant technological advancement, Nokia and Saudi Aramco achieved the first-ever optical transmission of 2.4Tbps on December 5, 2024, in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This trial marks a milestone in the integration and enhancement of telecommunications infrastructure in the region, showcasing the capabilities of Nokia's sixth-generation super-coherent Photonic Service Engine (PSE-6s). The successful implementation utilized Aramco's existing fiber network infrastructure, which underwent rigorous testing to assess the performance of the new technology in a real-world environment. The trial highlighted the full card capacity of Nokia's PSE-6s technology, capable of delivering substantial 2.4Tbps capacity per line card. With higher demand for data traffic growing, this advancement is crucial; it minimizes costs and energy consumption while improving operational efficiency. Additionally, the innovative fiber sensing capabilities of the PSE-6s allow for proactive monitoring and maintenance of Aramco's fiber optic infrastructure, enhancing network security significantly. As noted by Nabil Nuaim, Aramco's Senior Vice President of Digital & Information Technology, the collaboration with Nokia will continue to strengthen Aramco's optical network infrastructure, making it fit to handle increased high-capacity traffic securely. This development not only future-proofs the operations but also enables better responsiveness to evolving demands, affirming Aramco's commitment to innovation and technological evolution in digital communication. This undertaking also reflects Nokia's dedication to advancing optical networks globally. Carlo Corti, who heads Optical Networks in the Middle East and Africa for Nokia, emphasized the significance of providing cutting-edge technologies to their clientele. The successful field trial clearly indicates that Aramco’s existing network is well-prepared for upcoming high-capacity requirements and presents a seamless upgrade path for current installations. With this technological success, both companies stand to bolster their positions as leaders in the optical network technology space.