Networking Trends 2024

Quantum Encryption

In 2024, quantum encryption (QKD) will become a good, common standard.

Why am I anticipating change? Well, until recently, to use this method of transferring quantum keys, a separate fiber was needed. Currently, quantum links can be run on existing optical networks (together with DWDM systems working there), and most vendors have implemented the ability to use quantum key distribution in their solutions.

I believe that the popularization of QKD is a huge technological leap that will improve data security in 2024.

Artificial Intelligence

For several years now, we have been observing numerous projects on the telecommunications market using AI to solve individual technological or business problems. The key change that is expected in 2024 is to find a holistic solution that, thanks to AI, will analyze very many parameters.

Let's imagine an application that collects and processes data on customer satisfaction, their behavior and events that have occurred on the network (logins, errors) in the context of, for example, network architecture or the placement of transmitters. This approach will allow you to gain practical conclusions aimed at better architecture, customer service or process improvement.

800G Coherent

The topic of rising energy costs and co-location fees will probably stay with us for years to come. Hence, less energy-intensive solutions and those that reduce the number of devices needed (such as IP over DWDM systems) will enjoy unabated interest.

2024 will bring 800G coherent module in the form of QSFP-DD interface. There were fears that this would not work out, that this type of module would need a larger chassis, such as the OSFP type, meanwhile in the second half of 2024 the 800G QSFP-DD module will see the light of day.

The new star, together with the current QSFP-DD 400G module on the market and the entering 100G QSFP28, will significantly accelerate the adoption of IP over DWDM technology in the telecom operator market. Due to their small size and low power consumption, coherent modules are expected to play a key role in mitigating rising energy and space costs.

Open Optical Networking

We have to say this openly: 2024 will not yet bring about a revolution in the field of open networks. This idea needs the right management applications to fully materialize.

Driving this trend will be the need to reduce costs on both OPEX and CAPEX. Open optical networks will allow operators to choose the network components that best suit their needs, while avoiding being tied to a specific solution provider. The undoubted advantage of this approach is also greater flexibility and security in the event of turbulence in supply chains. Just like we saw in the pandemic years.

Open networks, of course, bring many challenges, but at the end of the day it will be the fact that the TCO will be lower.

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Coherent revolution

I predict that in 2024, it will be important for the operator market to enter the market of 100G 0 dBm coherent modules in the QSFP28 standard. These modules are designed to work at the edge of the grid, where space and power consumption are key requirements. They allow you to increase bandwidth without the need for infrastructure expansion.

These modules will accelerate the adoption of 100G technology, making it more accessible and economical for a wide range of applications.

In 2024, we also expect increased interest in 400G coherents among operators as software supporting coherent modules for the most popular network solutions has emerged.

Automation & Open Networks

The trend towards open networks allows for greater flexibility and choice in hardware and software providers, which in turn leads to a more competitive and innovative market. Will there be a chance to make this idea a reality in 2024?

It all depends on the automation of the management of multilayer transmission networks at the level of optical networks and IP networks. SDN systems are needed to manage multivendor networks. Whoever creates the right application will break the bank.

3-nm DSP Solutions for 800G Coherents

2024 will be the time to complete work on the standard for 800G. The long-awaited 800G modules based on 3-nm DSP technology should be commercially available soon. It is likely that discussions will also begin on standardization for 1.6T modules.

Of course, like 400G modules, their twice as high counterparts will not immediately enter into wide use. It is only in the coming years (and generations) that they will become the standard in telecommunications, offering even more bandwidth and performance initially for data centers and later for the vendor backbone.

1.2Tb+ Wavelengths

In the coming months, the first deployments of optical transmissions at wavelengths capable of transmitting 1.2Tbps should appear, marking a significant leap in transmission capabilities. Currently, such capacities will only be used in very demanding environments, such as intercontinental transmissions, large data centers, or advanced scientific research. Over time, as you know, there will be more and more of them.

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Coherent modulation game changer

In 2024, the absolute star of the telco market in the context of optical modules will be QSFP28 100G coherent inserts. Why are they? Because it is precisely the QSFP28 coherent modules that will allow to exceed the range of 80km, which was the limit of the transmission capabilities of the “gray” modules. Add to this the low power consumption, different operating temperature ranges and different transmit powers and you have an extremely flexible solution. Especially in the access and aggregation area of the network.

This type of module will allow for a huge increase in bandwidth, unification and simplification of connections, thus increasing the reliability of the network and reducing the costs of its construction and operation. Also important is the fact that QSFP28 ports are common in many network devices.

Battle for Bandwidth

The fiercest battle to ensure adequate capacity in 2024 will be in the area of access and aggregation networks. For comparison, the load on the backbone networks does not grow so fast. Therefore, in areas of networks with a large number of connections, modernization projects and implementations effective from the point of view of return on investment will be the most desirable and valuable.

In this context, the use of 100G QSFP28 coherent module is particularly advantageous. Especially since thanks to the capabilities offered by the GBC Photonics SRD programmer, these modules will be able to be used even in routers and switches that were not originally adapted to support coherent modules.

400G Dissemination

Everything indicates that 2024 will be the year of the popularization of 400G. 400G connections will finally become fully available with the smooth availability of the right amount of 400G QSFP-DD ports. In this application, the most spectacular performance and cost effects will be achieved with 400G ZR+ coherent modules. Thanks to their use, it will be possible to effectively implement IP-over-DWDM technology.

The latest updates to standards, such as C-CMIS, introduced at the end of 2023, will facilitate the management and monitoring of the operation of these modules in network systems.

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Are you planning changes to your network infrastructure in 2024? We will be happy to help! Write to us: sales@salumanus.com

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