Nokia Highlights Key Optical Technology Trends at ECOC 2025

Nokia Oyj was a significant participant at the 51st European Conference on Optical Communications (ECOC 2025) in Copenhagen from September 28 to October 2, 2025. The event gathered over 2,000 delegates from more than 70 countries, providing a platform for Nokia to present industry developments and its own innovations in optical communications.

During the accompanying exhibition, Nokia demonstrated several new technologies. These included the Nokia 1830 GX hyperscale OLS system, thin transponders utilizing ICE-X 800ZR/ZR+ pluggable modules, and coherent routing with C+L ICE-X 800G pluggables. The company also showcased optical fiber sensing technology and closed-loop energy optimization.

Key technology trends discussed at the conference included higher baud rates. With 250+ GBaud pluggable modules under development, expected around 2027-2028, discussions are emerging about future speeds of 500 GBaud and even 1000 GBaud, despite significant technical challenges, particularly with ADC/DAC technology limitations.

In modulator technology, indium phosphide remains the primary material for next-generation coherent communications. Thin-film lithium niobate (TFLN) and lithium tantalate (TFLT) are also maturing, and the use of silicon photonics micro-ring modulators is increasing, as seen in Nvidia's recently announced products. Nokia Bell Labs presented research and experiments on these and other advancements within the field.