RETN Completes Pan-Eurasian Deployment of 400GbE Coherent Pluggable Optics

RETN, the leading independent global network services provider, has completed the full-scale deployment of 400GbE coherent pluggable optics across its entire Pan-Eurasian IP network, marking one of the most extensive and eco-conscious IP-over-DWDM (IPoDWDM) deployments in production today.

This network-wide rollout places RETN at the forefront of energy-efficient, high-performance networking and reinforces its commitment to sustainable infrastructure growth. Unlike limited-scope trials, RETN’s deployment spans backbone links ranging from 300 to 950 kilometres and involves hundreds of 400G pluggables—all fully operational, stable, and live in production.

With analysts projecting over 700,000 coherent pluggable ports deployed globally by 2027, RETN’s implementation of 400G technology aligns with this shift. But what sets it apart is its early large-scale deployment for high-performance networking while setting new benchmarks for sustainability:

 

  • 40% power savings
  • 55% lower carbon footprint
  • 15% reduction in space requirements

 

RETN’s network currently delivers over 75 Tbit of connectivity to its partners and customers. The deployment of 400G pluggables will enable RETN to exceed 100 Tbit in the near future.

Tony O’Sullivan, CEO of RETN, stated:

“As demand for high-speed, reliable connectivity continues to grow, RETN remains dedicated to delivering next-generation infrastructure that empowers enterprises, hyperscalers, and carriers worldwide. Our widespread rollout of 400G services, powered by Juniper’s latest routing platforms, positions us at the forefront of ultra-high-capacity, sustainable networking. We’re also actively evaluating 800G technology to ensure our network remains future-ready.”

RETN leverages Juniper’s advanced equipment to create a standardised, homogeneous infrastructure that simplifies operations and accelerates deployments. This collaboration reduces complexity, ensures consistent performance, and enables RETN to expand its Eurasian footprint with a scalable, repeatable model.

 

RETN Unveils Initiative to Drive Global IPv6 Adoption; Tackling Key Internet Challenges

In a significant stride towards the future of internet connectivity, RETN, a leading international network services provider announces an ambitious 12-month initiative to bolster the transition to IPv6, the next-generation internet protocol. This initiative comes at a critical time as the internet community faces the need for a more scalable, secure, and efficient networking infrastructure.

RETN’s initiative, aimed at encouraging IPv6 adoption, offers an unparalleled incentive: for every IP Transit service purchased, RETN will match the customer’s committed data rate with an equivalent IPv6 traffic capacity at no additional cost until March 31st 2025. This effort is designed to mitigate the financial and operational barriers associated with IPv6 transition, thereby accelerating global adoption rates.

The Urgent Need for IPv6 Rapid Adoption
The internet is facing a critical juncture with the depletion of IPv4 addresses, making the transition to IPv6 beneficial, essential for the continued growth and sustainability of online services and long overdue, the protocol having been ratified by the IETF in 1995. IPv6 addresses the limitations of its predecessor by providing a vastly expanded address space, enhanced security features, and improved efficiency in routing and network auto-configuration. These advancements are crucial for supporting the burgeoning number of devices connecting to the internet, the expansion of IoT (Internet of Things), and the development of new, innovative online services.

Addressing IPv6 Adoption Challenges
Economic and innovation drivers are significant motivators for IPv6 adoption, with national infrastructures that embrace IPv6 poised to better support economic opportunities and innovation in critical areas such as IoT and smart infrastructure. However, the transition requires concerted efforts to expand the base of IPv6 users and address the perceived lack of immediate need due to temporary workarounds like Network Address Translation (NAT).

RETN reports a 40% IPv6 adoption rate among its customer base, closely aligning with Google’s observation of 41.72% among its users as of February 19th, 2024, according to Google’s IPv6 adoption statistics (https://www.google.com/intl/en/ipv6/statistics.html#tab=ipv6-adoption).

Strategic Approaches to IPv6 Adoption
Adopting IPv6 involves strategic considerations, including addressing private and public interoperability with IPv6 networks. Organisations are driven by various factors, including regulatory mandates and the need to cater to IPv6-only clients, particularly in the mobile and IoT sectors. RETN is poised to support these strategic needs by facilitating IPv6 adoption through its innovative matching initiative.

Despite the clear advantages of IPv6, such as enhanced efficiency, security, and performance, the transition to date has been slower than anticipated. RETN’s initiative aims to alleviate these concerns by providing a cost-effective pathway to IPv6 adoption.

Joining Hands for the Good of the Internet

RETN recognises the importance of IPv6 in ensuring the internet remains unrestricted, accessible, and capable of supporting future technological innovations. By offering IPv6 transit free of charge alongside IPv4 purchases, RETN is not only easing the transition for customers but also contributing to the global effort to adopt IPv6. This initiative reflects RETN’s dedication to providing cutting-edge solutions and our commitment to the long-term success and resilience of the internet.
Tony O’Sullivan, CEO of RETN.

RETN Unleashes 400G Across Europe

RETN, a leading international network services provider, announces the completion of its Pan-European upgrade, now offering 400 Gbps wavelengths across its extensive fibre network.

Through a long-standing cooperation with Infinera, RETN has installed cutting-edge technology and massively upgraded network capacity across all European routes. A high-performance optical transport solution, including the ICE6 optical engine, GX G42 compact modular platform, and FlexILS open optical line system from Infinera, are now deployed to meet the hyperscale bandwidth needs of customers, with lower power consumption, reduced cost and maximum spectral efficiency.
Tony O’Sullivan, CEO of RETN, expressed his confidence in the transformative impact of 400G technology, stating, “The Connectivity market has reached a tipping point with single wavelength 400G. With the latest generation Layer 1 capacity services, we are empowering businesses with high-availability 100% diverse fibre routes and industry leading services provision times.”

Nick Walden, Senior Vice President of Infinera commented: “Infinera is delighted to partner with RETN and provide industry-leading optical networking solutions purpose-built to address growing capacity demands and deliver an enhanced customer experience. With our ICE6-powered GX platform and FlexILS line system, RETN is equipped with an agile, high-performance and scalable transport infrastructure optimised for the evolving needs of its customers.”
Additionally, RETN upgrades its IP/MPLS network to 400G technology running on Juniper’s latest-generation equipment in proactive approach to satisfy global growing demand for IP traffic.

In one of its first deployments of 400G, RETN has successfully interconnected the Budapest Internet Exchange’s (BIX) Point of Presence in Vienna with its core infrastructure in Budapest. This supports the surging demand for cross-border data exchange from BIX’s 90 members. RETN seamlessly upgraded the Budapest (T-Systems/Dataplex Invitech DC10) – Vienna DigitalRealty (Interxion) wavelength from 100Gbps to 400Gbps in just a few weeks, ensuring a smooth service handover during a hot-cut. The enhanced infrastructure now enables BIX to scale its network and future-proof its operations.

Attila Miszori, Member of the Board, BIX, “BIX values RETN’s ability to deliver 400Gbps wavelength service with short delivery time and our required hot-cut service handover. We appreciate RETN’s professional, proactive, and quality-oriented approach. In an ever-evolving industry, it’s essential to partner with service providers like RETN who understand the market and deliver innovative solutions.”