High performance and 60 per cent less network power consumption per bit provides crucial services for data center interconnections

By Oystein Bergmann, Bureau Chief, Scandinavia

Nokia and Islalink have achieved a significant milestone by successfully testing Nokia’s sixth-generation Photonic Service Engine (PSE-6s) over an unrepeated 330km submarine cable connecting Crotone, Italy, with Preveza, Greece.

This field trial represents a new capacity-reach record for 800Gbps transmission over the IONIAN cable system, showcasing the capacity and performance of Nokia’s PSE-6s technology.

The IONIAN network, launched by Islalink, is a high-capacity submarine system that provides a reliable, future-proof fiber route between Italy and Greece. It connects the two countries through the submarine link and two terrestrial rings, where band C+L is used (9,6 THz), that connect and give redundancy to the main cities in Italy (Milano and Rome) and in Greece (Athens and Thessaloniki). In addition, 1Tbps has been successfully tested in both terrestrial routes of Greece: the south route (452 km), Preveza-Athens, and the north route (975 km), Preveza-Thessaloniki-Athens.

Nokia’s PSE-6s not only enhances network performance but also delivers a 60 per cent reduction in network power consumption per bit, contributing to more sustainable operations. This technology is crucial in supporting data center to data center connectivity, for global tech leaders and other high-demand users.

CEO of Islalink, Esther Garcés said: “This successful trial proves that the IONIAN network, powered by Nokia’s PSE-6s, is ready to support the next generation of high-speed digital services. Our customers, including tech giants, will benefit from unprecedented capacity, reliability, and efficiency, further enhancing Islalink’s positioning as a key player in the international fiber market.”

Senior Vice President and Head of Europe for Network Infrastructure business at Nokia, Matthieu Bourguignon said: “This capacity-reach record for unrepeated transmission marks a valuable step forward in optical technology. Nokia’s PSE-6s is designed to provide high-speed, power-efficient connectivity over long unrepeated links like the IONIAN submarine cable. Delivering such capabilities enables Islalink’s delivery of innovative services that unlock new opportunities for their customers in Italy, Greece and Spain.”