Wavelength service is a Layer 1 optical transport that delivers a dedicated “lambda” across fiber between two sites. If you’re asking what is Wavelength, it’s the simplest, fastest way to move large amounts of data: no packet switching, just a reserved optical channel engineered for capacity and predictability.
We often see IT and network teams use wavelengths for data center interconnect (DCI), storage replication, cloud on-ramps, live media transport, and latency-sensitive workloads. Because traffic rides directly on the optical layer, performance is consistent and overhead is minimal.
Key advantages include:
- Deterministic performance: Very low latency and jitter on fixed optical paths.
- High capacity: 10/100/400G circuits today, scalable by adding lambdas.
- Isolation & security: Dedicated Layer 1 channel—no shared packet plane.
- Simplicity: Point-to-point service that bypasses routing complexity.
- Resilience options: Diverse fibers, protected/unprotected paths, ROADM-based reroutes.
Consider fiber route diversity, optical distances/amplification, and how wavelengths integrate with your Layer 2/3 design. Our take? Wavelengths turn raw distance into near-line-rate throughput—ideal when speed and consistency are non-negotiable.
Evaluating DCI or low-latency backbones? Explore our Wavelength Guide for reference designs, diversity patterns, and how to pair optical circuits with your Layer 2/3 stack for resilience without added complexity.
