Open optical networking (OON) is an increasingly popular networking approach where the optical terminals are decoupled from the line system, enabling operators to operate optical signals generated by transceivers from multiple vendors over a dense wavelength-division multiplexing (DWDM) open line system from a different supplier. OON allows network operators to become more competitive, enabling vendor choice that supports a more resilient supply chain, faster access to innovation, and improved economics.With a growing number of high-performance coherent optical pluggables on the market that can be equipped directly in switches and routers in IP over DWDM (IPoDWDM) deployments. These bypass the traditional use of transponders, streamlining architecture and lowering costs.

AFL recently announced it is investing more than $50 million into its fiber-optic cable manufacturing operations in South Carolina. The company said this investment “aligns with the Biden-Harris administration’s Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and Internet for All initiatives to increase broadband access in the U.S.,” adding that it “will result in the creation of new jobs and support AFL’s portfolio of products compliant with the Build America Buy America [BABA] Act.”