Top Optical Networking Companies

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Optical networking allows enterprises to stay ahead of the curve in today’s technology-driven world. This type of networking is becoming increasingly popular, as it offers many benefits, such as higher bandwidth and lower latency – far more than traditional networking methods. Finding a reliable and reputable optical networking company is essential for any business that wants to move data at the speed of light. 

What is Optical Networking?

Optical networking is a type of computer networking that uses light waves to transmit data between devices. The result is ultra-fast speeds with low latency, making it ideal for businesses that need to move large amounts of data quickly.

Optical networking is increasingly being used to support various applications and services. For example, it is commonly used in long-haul telecommunications networks to transmit data over long distances.

It is also often used in data centers and enterprise networks to provide high-speed connectivity between servers and storage devices. In addition, optical networking is frequently used in over-the-top (OTT) services to distribute digital video and other multimedia content.

As optical networking technology continues to evolve, it is expected to be used for an even wider range of applications in the future. A recent study by Markets and Markets found that the global optical communication and networking equipment market is projected to exceed $36.6 billion by 2027.

Also see: Best Network Virtualization Software & Products 

How to Select an Optical Networking Company

There are a few key criteria to consider when selecting an optical networking company:

  • Market Entrenchment: Determining how long the company has been in the market will offer an idea of its stability and reputation. It’s also important to find out who the company’s customers are, which will reflect the type of businesses they typically work with and whether they are a good fit for your needs.
  • Technology: Research whether the company uses the latest optical networking technology and equipment. This will ensure you get the most out of your investment.
  • Service and Support: Finding out what kind of service and support the company offers is important in case you run into any problems down the road.

Also see: Trends Shaping the Future of IoT

Best Optical Networking Companies

Now that you know what to look for in an optical networking company, here are 10 of the best companies that perfectly fit the criteria above.

Cisco Systems 

Cisco is a global leader in networking solutions with a long history of innovation and customer satisfaction. The company offers a wide range of optical networking products and services, making it a great choice for businesses of all sizes.

Performance on key assessment criteria

  • Market Entrenchment: Cisco has been in the market for over 35 years and is a trusted name in the industry. It has many customers, including small businesses, enterprise organizations, and service providers.
  • Technology: Cisco offers a variety of optical networking products that use the latest technology, such as dense wavelength-division multiplexing (DWDM), packet optical transport systems, data center interconnect, and optical network management.
  • Service and Support: Cisco’s Support Services provide around-the-clock technical support, software updates, and access to a knowledge base of online resources.

Ciena Corporation

Ciena is a leading provider of networking systems, services, and software. It offers a wide range of products and services, making it an excellent choice for businesses that need high-speed connectivity.

Performance on key assessment criteria

  • Market Entrenchment: Ciena has been in the market for over 30 years and is a trusted name in the industry. It has over 1,700 enterprise customers (comprising 85% of the world’s service providers) globally and more than 8,000 staff.
  • Technology: Ciena’s optical networking products use the latest technology, such as WaveLogic Ai, to provide high-speed connectivity.
  • Service and Support: The company’s support services provide 24-hour technical support via email and a toll-free number.

Coherent Corp, Formerly II-VI Incorporated 

Headquartered in Saxonburg, Pennsylvania, Coherent has been in the telecommunications, semiconductor, and consumer electronics business since 1971.

Performance on key assessment criteria

  • Market Entrenchment: Having been in the market for over 45 years, Coherent has a long history of innovation and is a trusted name in the industry.
  • Technology: Coherent’s optoelectronic components technology enables a broad range of applications, including high-power lasers for materials processing, optical amplifiers for terrestrial and submarine communications, and high-bit rate transceivers for data centers.
  • Service and Support: Coherent offers a variety of services and support options, including online resources, phone support, and on-site services.

ADTRAN 

ADTRAN is a leading global provider of telecommunications networking equipment and internetworking products. The company offers a wide range of products and services, making it a great choice for businesses that need high-speed connectivity.

Performance on key assessment criteria

  • Market Entrenchment: ADTRAN has been in the market for over 35 years and is a trusted provider of full fiber solutions. It services five main industry segments: altnets, cable multiple-system operators (MSOs), telcos, utilities, and municipalities.
  • Technology: ADTRAN’s optical networking products use the latest technology, such as its XGS-PON passive optical network (PON) system, to provide high-speed connectivity.
  • Service and Support: ADTRAN offers a variety of services and support options, including an online ticketing system, phone support, documentation, and a vibrant user community.

Also see: 7 Enterprise Networking Challenges 

Infinera Corporation 

Infinera is a leading global supplier of optical transport network (OTN) systems and a pioneer in the field of large-scale photonic integrated circuits. Wavelength-division multiplexing (WDM)-based packet optical transmission equipment and IP transport technologies for the telecom industry are among its products.

Performance on key assessment criteria

  • Market Entrenchment: Infinera has been in the market for over 20 years and is a trusted name in the optical networking industry. It has a strong customer base with over 900 service providers, enterprises, and web-scale companies worldwide.
  • Technology: Infinera’s optical networking products use the latest technology, such as its 1.6T ICE6 Coherent Optical Engine that operates above 100 Gbaud.
  • Service and Support: Infinera offers various services and support options via the Infinera Call Center and Technical Assistance Center (TAC).

ADVA Optical Networking 

ADVA Optical Networking is a leading global provider of fiber optic connectivity and equipment solutions in Europe. In 2017, the company acquired MRV Communications to bolster its market presence in North America. The company offers a wide range of products and services for businesses that need high-speed connectivity.

Performance on key assessment criteria

  • Market Entrenchment: ADVA has been in the market since 1996 and has a global workforce of over 1,900 staff. It has a strong customer base with over 900 service providers, enterprises, and web-scale companies worldwide.
  • Technology: ADVA’s optical networking products include the latest wavelength-division multiplexers, carrier Ethernet access products, and network management software.
  • Service and Support: The company offers around-the-clock support via a dedicated customer portal.

Nokia Corporation 

Nokia is a leading global telecommunications equipment and services provider. The company offers various products, including fixed, mobile, and converged broadband networking solutions. Nokia’s optical networking products are used by service providers to deliver high-speed connectivity.

Performance on key assessment criteria

  • Market Entrenchment: Nokia has been in the market since 1865 and has grown into a trusted name in the telecom industry over the last five decades with a presence in over 100 countries. The company has a solid customer base. In 2007, over one billion people used its products and services daily.
  • Technology: Through its innovation platform, Nokia collaborates with professional inventors, leading academics, and startups to create new optical networking technologies.
  • Service and Support: The company offers services and support via regional customer care centers. Customer service representatives are available around the clock to help with any questions or concerns. Nokia also offers online support and training resources.

FUJITSU 

Fujitsu is a leading multinational information and communications technology equipment and services company. It is the sixth largest in the world and the largest in Japan. The company offers various products, including fixed, mobile, and converged broadband networking solutions.

Performance on key assessment criteria

  • Market Entrenchment: Fujitsu has been in the market since 1935 and has, over the last five decades, grown into a trusted name in the telecom industry with a worldwide presence.
  • Technology: Fujitsu is a recognized innovator in the optical networking space. For example, its 1FINITY platform offers several choices to right-size ROADM (reconfigurable optical add-drop multiplexer) networks.
  • Service and Support: The company has over 160,000 service professionals through staff and partnerships in more than 100 countries.

Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd. 

Headquartered in Shenzhen, China, Huawei is a leading global provider of information and communications technology (ICT) infrastructure and smart optical networking devices.

Performance on key assessment criteria

  • Market Entrenchment: Founded in 1987, Huawei employs over 195,000 employees in more than 170 countries worldwide.
  • Technology: Huawei’s Intelligent OptiX Network strategy focuses on creating intelligent, efficient, super-fast, and all-encompassing next-generation optical networks to provide an improved service experience for every individual, home, and organization.
  • Service and Support: Huawei provides good local support throughout its many territories and has an active online user community.

ZTE Corporation

ZTE Corporation is a Chinese semi-state-owned multinational telecommunications equipment and systems company headquartered in Shenzhen, China.

Performance on key assessment criteria

  • Market Entrenchment: ZTE has been in business since 1985 and is the fourth largest telecom equipment manufacturer worldwide. The company operates worldwide with a workforce of over 80,000 people.
  • Technology: ZTE’s has several optical networking solutions, which are designed to support next-generation networks and offer high capacity, scalability, and flexibility. Its Intelligent E-OTN 2.0 Solution is one example of how the company is tackling the ultra-high bandwidth, low latency, and high-reliability requirements of the 5G era.
  • Service and Support: ZTE provides 24/7/365 customer service and technical support in multiple languages through its global network of service centers.

Also see: Best Open Source Network Monitoring Tools 

Kihara Kimachia
Kihara Kimachia
Kihara Kimachia is a writer and digital marketing consultant with over a decade of experience covering issues in emerging technology and innovation. In addition to appearing regularly in Enterprise Networking Planet, his work has been published in many leading technology publications, including TechRepublic, eSecurity Planet, Server Watch, Channel Insider, IT Business Edge, and Enterprise Storage Forum.

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