ZTE optical network solutions earned recognition across all submitted categories at the 2026 Lightwave Innovation Reviews, the company said on March 24, 2026. The awards span six distinct technology areas, covering artificial intelligence-driven diagnostics, broadband access, and high-capacity transmission systems.
ZTE Optical Network AI-Powered OLT: The ZXA10 C600H
The ZXA10 C600H is built on a fully distributed architecture and supports large-scale deployment of 50G PON. The device enables smooth migration from existing GPON, XG(S)-PON, and EPON/10G-EPON systems toward future 200G PON. Moreover, it integrates endogenous AI and computing power for optical layer diagnostics and quality degradation analysis. Dual power supply protection and second-level service recovery capabilities support high reliability across FTTx networks.
Fiber Fingerprint ODN and WaveMind AI x Wi-Fi 7
ZTE completed Europe’s first trial of a fiber fingerprint ODN solution, improving resource utilization and fault localization efficiency across ODN networks. The trial visualized previously unmonitored fiber infrastructure, advancing the transition toward a fully digitalized optical access network. Meanwhile, the WaveMind AI x Wi-Fi 7 platform integrates AI into Wi-Fi 7 CPEs. Its SmartWave AI Antennas use real-time environmental sensing and microsecond-level antenna switching, boosting average network speeds by over 20%.
The SeamlessWave AI Roaming feature delivers ultra-low latency of 10ms through zero-packet-loss handover. In addition, SpeedWave AI Acceleration uses Cloud DPI and reinforcement learning to cut service latency by over 50%.
World-First 1.6 Tbps Transmission on 12 THz DWDM Live Network
ZTE demonstrated the world’s first live-network 1.6 Tbps optical transmission over a 12 THz C+L-band DWDM system. The system supports 60 × 1.6 Tbps channels and doubles fiber utilization compared with the previous C6THz system. Compared with the 1.2T solution, transmission speed increased by 33% and per-Gbit power consumption decreased by 25%. The proprietary Flex Shaping 3.0 dynamic modulation technology supports flexible rates from 400G to 1.6T, serving data center interconnects and trans-Eurasian backbone networks.
AI Optical Diagnostics and Digital Twin Simulation
The AI-based optical diagnostic system provides intelligent diagnosis and early warning for high-fault-risk points in OTN networks. Leveraging the ZENIC ONE management and control system, it supports real-time monitoring of optical fiber degradation and accurate prediction of optical device failure. As a result, overall network reliability increased by 20%, O&M efficiency improved by 30%, and O&M costs decreased by 15%.
Furthermore, ZTE’s multi-vendor distributed digital twin simulation system uses high-fidelity modeling and real-time data synchronization to create a virtual IP network replica with over 95% accuracy. The system achieved zero configuration errors during network cutover and improved operational verification efficiency by 80%. It has been trialed in new Metropolitan Area Networks, supporting the shift from reactive troubleshooting to proactive O&M.
“These awards recognize ZTE’s innovation and solution capabilities in optical communications and broadband. Moving forward, the company will further advance R&D and scenario-based applications, fueling industry upgrade and digital transformation.”
ZTE Corporation
Context and Industry Outlook
ZTE Corporation is listed on both the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (0763.HK) and the Shenzhen Stock Exchange (000063.SZ). The 2026 Lightwave Innovation Reviews evaluate submissions based on technological originality, customer value, and industry impact. The company said it plans to deepen research and development across optical communications and broadband infrastructure in the coming period.