Industry News
IPoDWDM Adoption Hits 59%: IP-Optical Convergence Era Begins
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Author : JIUZHOU
Update time : 2025-09-05 10:13:39
Telecom service providers are greatly boosting their use of IP over DWDM. Within three years, companies expect to deploy 59% of 400G+ pluggable optical modules in routers. 43% of operators plan to use 800G standard modules within a year. However, working with many vendors makes things complicated.
On July 15, 2025, a top global tech research and consulting firm shared a survey. The survey focused on global IP over DWDM adoption.
400ZR coherent pluggable optical modules began with major cloud service providers. Now, communication service providers are quickly moving to a combined IP and optical network.
Architectural Transformation Accelerates
Survey data shows that operators expect to use 59% of 400G+ pluggable optical modules in three years. We will use these modules in IPoDWDM equipment. Meanwhile, the share of traditional optical transmission equipment will fall to 41%.
This ratio marks a significant shift from the 2022 survey findings. In traditional DWDM systems, engineers evenly distribute pluggable modules across metro and long-haul networks. In IPoDWDM scenarios, metropolitan area networks account for a slightly higher proportion than long-haul networks.
How do you see using 400G+ coherent pluggable optical modules in your network by the end of 2027?
Hardware Evolution Trends
When choosing coherent pluggable modules, operators focus on both standardization and high-performance transmission methods.
52% of those surveyed are "extremely willing" to embrace proprietary optical modules for their performance benefits. Meanwhile, 38% are "somewhat willing" but will assess the situation as needed.
The team will finalize the OIF 800ZR standard in October 2024. This makes 800G coherent pluggable modules a key topic of interest.
Significantly, numerous operators strive to extend transmission distances at 400G speeds with advanced optical modules.
Simultaneously, a wave of router upgrades is in progress. Some operators are deploying 800G-compatible routers even faster than the optical modules themselves. 800G port capabilities are now a key need in router updates. This is true even if there are no plans to use them right away.
At what point do you intend to implement 800G coherent pluggable optical modules within your network infrastructure?
Highlighted Software Challenges
Although operators are adopting IPoDWDM to enhance operational efficiency, the complexity of managing multi-vendor optical network environments continues to be a significant hurdle. This makes IPoDWDM software features crucial. This encompasses seamless operation of interchangeable modules, open API management interfaces, and multi-vendor control features for both IPoDWDM and conventional transport systems.
In choosing a management strategy, 38% of operators like optical layer controllers for pluggable modules. Meanwhile, 35% prefer hierarchical controllers, and 21% choose IP controllers.
The survey showed that people's roles in the company affected their preferences. Optical network teams liked optical layer control. In contrast, IP teams preferred IP control.
What strategy do you favor for handling coherent pluggable modules in routers?
A senior principal analyst at a leading global technology research and advisory firm stated:
"Although the road to convergence between IP and optical networks has been bumpy..."
"Survey data from the past five years clearly demonstrates that this has become an irreversible industry trend."
On July 15, 2025, a top global tech research and consulting firm shared a survey. The survey focused on global IP over DWDM adoption.
400ZR coherent pluggable optical modules began with major cloud service providers. Now, communication service providers are quickly moving to a combined IP and optical network.
Architectural Transformation Accelerates
Survey data shows that operators expect to use 59% of 400G+ pluggable optical modules in three years. We will use these modules in IPoDWDM equipment. Meanwhile, the share of traditional optical transmission equipment will fall to 41%.
This ratio marks a significant shift from the 2022 survey findings. In traditional DWDM systems, engineers evenly distribute pluggable modules across metro and long-haul networks. In IPoDWDM scenarios, metropolitan area networks account for a slightly higher proportion than long-haul networks.
How do you see using 400G+ coherent pluggable optical modules in your network by the end of 2027?
Hardware Evolution Trends
When choosing coherent pluggable modules, operators focus on both standardization and high-performance transmission methods.
52% of those surveyed are "extremely willing" to embrace proprietary optical modules for their performance benefits. Meanwhile, 38% are "somewhat willing" but will assess the situation as needed.
The team will finalize the OIF 800ZR standard in October 2024. This makes 800G coherent pluggable modules a key topic of interest.
Significantly, numerous operators strive to extend transmission distances at 400G speeds with advanced optical modules.
Simultaneously, a wave of router upgrades is in progress. Some operators are deploying 800G-compatible routers even faster than the optical modules themselves. 800G port capabilities are now a key need in router updates. This is true even if there are no plans to use them right away.
At what point do you intend to implement 800G coherent pluggable optical modules within your network infrastructure?
Highlighted Software Challenges
Although operators are adopting IPoDWDM to enhance operational efficiency, the complexity of managing multi-vendor optical network environments continues to be a significant hurdle. This makes IPoDWDM software features crucial. This encompasses seamless operation of interchangeable modules, open API management interfaces, and multi-vendor control features for both IPoDWDM and conventional transport systems.
In choosing a management strategy, 38% of operators like optical layer controllers for pluggable modules. Meanwhile, 35% prefer hierarchical controllers, and 21% choose IP controllers.
The survey showed that people's roles in the company affected their preferences. Optical network teams liked optical layer control. In contrast, IP teams preferred IP control.
What strategy do you favor for handling coherent pluggable modules in routers?
A senior principal analyst at a leading global technology research and advisory firm stated:
"Although the road to convergence between IP and optical networks has been bumpy..."
"Survey data from the past five years clearly demonstrates that this has become an irreversible industry trend."
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