Managed Optical Fiber Networks (MOFN)
Expand your global network reach with MOFN solutions powered by Ciena
Advanced managed network solutions for service providers to address hyperscaler bandwidth demand
The challenge
Cloud providers and hyperscalers are expanding rapidly to fuel growth, artificial intelligence (AI) initiatives, and entry into new and emerging markets. But obtaining dark fiber or licenses to own and operate a network can be difficult in some areas. And getting into new markets quickly can be challenging, opening the door for new service models that easily augment networks with more capacity and new routes.
Our approach
Through strategic relationships, Ciena empowers service providers to design and build a dedicated optical network tailored to the hyperscaler’s unique architecture and technology needs. Using Ciena’s leading data center interconnect (DCI) platforms, open line systems (OLSs), and high-capacity coherent optics, service providers can offer solutions with technology designed for hyperscaler networks. The resulting infrastructure is offered to the hyperscaler or cloud provider as a managed service.
The benefits
As hyperscalers build their global data center infrastructure to support growth and new applications, service providers can offer MOFN solutions to quickly fill network gaps, interconnecting data centers and cable landing stations and helping hyperscalers rapidly expand into new and emerging markets.
Why MOFN services?
- For service providers
- For hyperscalers and cloud providers
For service providers
For hyperscalers and cloud providers
Types of MOFN
Each MOFN opportunity is different, leading to various commercial deployment models. Ciena has the experience to lead you through the planning, deployment, and management of MOFN solutions for hyperscaler network expansion.
Standard MOFN
An end-to-end, dedicated fiber optical network is provided to the hyperscaler as a service, so the hyperscaler can rapidly scale and expand into new markets quickly.
Lit capacity MOFN
This MOFN service offering is like a leased-capacity or wavelength service, with the added benefit of a dedicated network infrastructure built with the hyperscaler’s preferred technology.
Hybrid OLS MOFN
The service provider builds a dedicated OLS and offers it as a service to the hyperscaler, who then deploys transponders over the network as needed for capacity growth.
Episode 88: Mastering MOFN—Lumen and Ciena experts share their insights
Curious about Managed Optical Fiber Networks (MOFN)? Listen as Alison Greenwood, VP of Hyperscalers at Lumen, and Ciena’s Martin Reilly, Director of International MOFN, discuss MOFN’s benefits, trends, and strategic importance for cloud connectivity.
MOFN technology and services
WaveLogic Coherent Optics
Ciena’s WaveLogic coherent optics are deployed across our optical and routing and switching products to power 100G to 1.6 Tb/s solutions driving scalability, intelligence, and programmability—critical elements of the Adaptive Network™.
Waveserver® Family
The Waveserver family of stackable interconnect platforms delivers more capacity and lower power for high-growth, bandwidth-intensive applications.
6500 Reconfigurable Line System
The 6500 Reconfigurable Line System (RLS) is a compact, simple-to-deploy, photonic layer solution that improves scalability, reduces footprint, and offers more flexibility and programmability. It provides highly dense ROADM and amplifier configurations.
Navigator Network Control SuiteTM (NCS)
Navigator NCS provides a single point of control to visualize and optimize multi-layer, multi-vendor network operations—reducing costs and improving customer satisfaction.
Ciena Services
We leverage decades of expertise and innovation to help you build, operate, and improve your network—and achieve your business objectives.
What’s new with MOFN
White Paper
AI Inferencing and the Evolution of On-Demand Optical Networks
Explore Omdia 2026 survey findings on how AI inferencing is driving demand for high-bandwidth optical services and on-demand connectivity.
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Top four wave services market trends
This infographic highlights the top trends shaping wave services, from AI-driven data center demands and distributed cloud growth to submarine cable expansion and the rise of 100/400 Gb/s links. Together, these shifts are redefining data center strategies and opening new opportunities to build more flexible, scalable, and sustainable network infrastructure.
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Unlocking the AI opportunity: How CSPs can capitalize on connectivity demand
AI is reshaping the global business landscape, and communications service providers (CSPs) are central to enabling this transformation. While hyperscalers have dominated the AI connectivity conversation, the growing data center ecosystem—spanning content providers, cloud operators, AI solution developers, and large enterprises—is redefining how networks are designed and built to best meet new connectivity demands.
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The market outlook for wave services in the AI era
Where is the high-capacity network services market headed in the AI era? This critical question is at the center of Ciena’s recently published Wave Services Report. Francisco Sant’Anna explores the key findings.
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