• Telxius is deploying Nokia ICE-X 800G ZR/ZR+ coherent pluggable optics across terrestrial networks in Europe, the United States and Latin America
  • The IP-over-DWDM design can remove separate transponder equipment from suitable links, although achievable rate and reach still depend on each fibre route

The fact

Telxius is deploying Nokia ICE-X 800G ZR/ZR+ coherent pluggable optics across its terrestrial transport networks in Europe, the United States and Latin America. The companies announced the rollout on 15 September. The deployment uses IP-over-DWDM, allowing coherent optical modules to sit directly in compatible routing equipment on suitable links rather than relying on a separate transponder shelf. Nokia says this can reduce the space and power required when Telxius adds network capacity.

Nokia is also supplying automation for optical-network visibility, fault and performance monitoring, and coordinated service provisioning. The rollout follows a demonstration on Telxius's BRUSA subsea cable that carried 400Gbps per wavelength over more than 5,600km. That trial does not establish the rate or reach of the newly announced terrestrial links.

The assessment

Telxius is moving part of the optical transport function closer to the router on routes that can support it. With IP-over-DWDM, a coherent module can transmit directly from compatible routing equipment instead of passing through a separate transponder shelf. That can reduce the number of boxes that need to be powered, racked and configured when capacity is added.

The module does not remove the limits of the fibre itself. Reach and line rate vary with span length, fibre quality and optical noise, so engineering teams still need to qualify each corridor and retain enough telemetry to diagnose problems across the IP and optical layers.

For BTW readers, the rollout matters where this simpler equipment chain produces usable capacity on real routes. Commercial service dates, supported rates and operating data from individual corridors will show how much of Telxius's network can actually use the 800G design.

What to watch

Watch which Telxius corridors enter commercial service with the new optics and what line rates they support. Power consumption, provisioning time and fault-resolution data would show whether removing separate optical equipment delivers measurable operating benefits. Routes that require lower rates or additional equipment will also show where the pluggable approach reaches its limits.