Huawei reports shipping 2 Tbps-capable coherent DWDM muxponders
Huawei says it began shipping next-generation coherent Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing (WDM) (DWDM) modules in the first quarter of 2026, featuring an embedded Data Stewardship Program (DSP) DSP and 2.0 Tbps-capable coherent wavelengths for Super C-band and Super L-band transport.
Module and system details
The report states Huawei started shipping its next-generation high-performance coherent DSP in Q1 2026 as an embedded assembly in a muxponder with two 2.0 Tbps coherent wavelength ports.
It says the muxponder client ports support a mix of 100 Gbps, 400 Gbps, and 800 Gbps, and the modules are housed in Huawei Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing (DWDM) systems including the OSN 9800 K12 and K36.
Transmission performance framing
The note describes how coherent technology is often identified by the highest wavelength speed, while coherent line cards can adjust symbol rate and modulation for different speeds and performance.
It references a chart showing unregenerated signal distance at different wavelength speeds, focusing on 2.0 Tbps for technology characterization and 800 Gbps for unregenerated span needs when upgrading networks to 800 Gbps.
Comparison with generally available industry coherent muxponders
The author compares Huawei’s coherent muxponders with high-performance coherent muxponders generally available as of 1Q 2026, stating it is a high-level comparison rather than a deep technical assessment.
The report says Huawei DSP uses a larger semiconductor process node than the industry’s 3-nanometer approach, which it describes as a disadvantage at the Application-Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) level, while noting Huawei demonstrated 2.0 Tbps at 80 km in a live demonstration.
Power and integration claims
It states Huawei’s newest muxponder power consumption is lower at 0.1 Watts/Gbps versus an industry average of 0.125 Watts/Gbps.
The report attributes the power difference to in-house development of components within a coherent optical module, including a tunable laser, receiver, TIA, driver, modulator, and DSP, plus photonic packaging and manufacturing processes.
It also says Huawei uses an advanced InP-based modulator with a distributed electrode designed to achieve 30% lower parasitic capacitance, and that Huawei manufactures major line system components such as pump lasers and WSS modules.
Deployment status and trials
The note says the 2 Tbps technology is ready, with the first wave of deployments underway, and that Huawei highlighted six successful trials of 2 Tbps-capable muxponders across Europe, Asia Pacific, the Middle East, and Latin America during MWC 2026.
It further states that the first commercial deployment with a major European Tier-1 communications service provider is in progress.
This Analyst Signals brief reflects a neutral, fact-based summary of the original research note.