The AI opportunity for service providers
Capture hyperscaler and neoscaler demand with connectivity built for scale, performance, and monetisation
Convert demand into growth
No longer only scaling inside the data centre, AI is scaling across sites, metros, sovereign domains, and edge environments. This traffic is becoming more persistent and transport-intensive. As a result, meeting AI demand is a connectivity race and monetisation opportunity.
Own the connectivity layer
AI traffic isn’t the same as traditional traffic. By becoming the provider of choice for hyperscalers, neoscalers, and data centre operators, you can capture demand for data centre interconnect (DCI), high-capacity intercity routes, and subsea landing station connectivity, driving AI workload performance, data mobility, and ecosystem growth.
Turn AI buildout into revenue
Hyperscalers and neoscalers need high-capacity, low-latency, scalable connectivity to make AI infrastructure viable. With optical networking as a critical enabler of AI workloads, you have the unique opportunity to monetise fibre assets and become the backbone of the AI economy.
AI is reshaping infrastructure and redefining connectivity
Even when space, power, and water are available, data centres still need the networks designed for distributed AI inference workloads and massive data movement, along with low-latency synchronisation. Without them, you risk:
- Stranded AI capacity (GPUs waiting on data) as networks are complex and time-consuming to deliver
- Disconnected AI infrastructure across data centres, clouds, and regions, limiting workload mobility and performance
- Missed monetisation opportunities
This once-in-a-generation shift is happening now, with:
- Rapid bandwidth growth and need for distributed architecture to support training and inference models at scale
- New traffic patterns, including persistent, high-throughput flows
- Massive scale, from Tb/s to Pb/s interconnect and distributed AI
- Greater performance sensitivity, where latency equals GPU use
This is being driven by:
- Hyperscalers and neoscalers demanding unprecedented capacity
- Governments treating AI as critical national infrastructure
- Enterprises accelerating AI adoption at scale
- Rising sovereign network requirements, driving demand for secure, locally controlled connectivity infrastructure
Your path to AI success starts here
Discover how you can monetise your fibre assets with network solutions tailored to the needs of hyperscalers and AI powerhouses with Ciena. We work with you to achieve business outcomes and AI-ready digital transformation.
Powering AI-scale connectivityTransform fibre infrastructure into high-capacity, high-performance networks that support distributed AI workloads.
Transform fibre infrastructure into high-capacity, high-performance networks that support distributed AI workloads.
Connecting the AI ecosystemCreate a seamless connectivity fabric within and between network operators, data centres, and across geographies to serve hyperscalers and neoscalers.
Create a seamless connectivity fabric within and between network operators, data centres, and across geographies to serve hyperscalers and neoscalers.
Unlocking monetisationCapture new revenue streams and increase service agility with high-value solutions such as low-latency AI-optimised routes, high-capacity DCI, and multi-data centre connectivity.
Capture new revenue streams and increase service agility with high-value solutions such as low-latency AI-optimised routes, high-capacity DCI, and multi-data centre connectivity.
Simplifying complexityManage AI-driven networks with assurance, automate operations, and optimise performance in real time to deliver programmable, on-demand connectivity and faster time to market.
Manage AI-driven networks with assurance, automate operations, and optimise performance in real time to deliver programmable, on-demand connectivity and faster time to market.
Bridging ecosystemsEstablish a common, scalable connectivity layer across a fragmented, rapidly evolving, interdependent ecosystem.
Establish a common, scalable connectivity layer across a fragmented, rapidly evolving, interdependent ecosystem.
Enabling a win-win outcomeEnsure hyperscalers and neoscalers gain the high-performance connectivity they need—without the complexity of building networks—while you monetise your network investments.
Ensure hyperscalers and neoscalers gain the high-performance connectivity they need—without the complexity of building networks—while you monetise your network investments.
Insights
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Optical networks: Powering AI innovation for neoscalers
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Scaling networks for the AI era: A conversation with Dino DiPerna
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What does DCI really mean today? From scale across to submarine
In this blog, Ciena’s Helen Xenos explores the requirements behind each DCI deploymen...
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What is scale across? The optical innovations enabling a new AI architecture
As AI training scales beyond the limits of a single data center, a new architectural ...
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Sovereign AI: Challenges and opportunities for network operators
As AI sovereignty moves from policy debate to infrastructure reality, Ciena’s Francis...
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Scaling AI in Australia: Infrastructure, connectivity, and opportunity
Ciena’s Pradap Rajagopal explores why Australia’s rise as an AI infrastructure hub de...
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Accelerating AI Growth: Optical Networking Breakthroughs for Neoscalers
Power AI-scale growth with optical networking built for neoscalers. Explore the break...
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Riding the AI wave: Unlocking the Singapore–Malaysia–Thailand digital corridor with Managed Optical Fiber Networks
Alex Wong explores how the Singapore–Malaysia–Thailand corridor is emerging as ASEAN’...
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Scaling AI in Australia: The network imperative
Australia’s AI opportunity will depend on more than data centres and compute. As depl...
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AI is everywhere. But its value only flows where networks can carry it.
AI is scaling beyond the data center into distributed inference across clouds and the...
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AI inference is the next network stress test
When people think about AI infrastructure, they usually focus on large language model...
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See how our customers have modernised legacy infrastructure to create resilient, secure, and AI-ready networks.
PRESS RELEASE
Lumen Selects Ciena Optical Tech to Support AI WorkloadsLearn more
PRESS RELEASE
Lightstorm Upgrades JGA Submarine Cable with Ciena to Support 400 Gb/s Services Enabling Next-Generation Cloud and AI Connectivity Between Japan and AustraliaLearn more
PODCAST
Episode 87: How Meta Reimagined OOB Management in the Data CenterListen
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