Choosing the Right Optical Transport for the AI Era

Artificial intelligence (AI) is driving rapid growth in Data Center Interconnect (DCI) bandwidth requirements, creating new challenges for network cost and scalability. This paper compares Lumen Wavelength Solutions, Dark Fiber, and Managed Optical Fiber Network (MOFN) using TCO models across long-haul and regional AI DCI deployments. The analysis shows that Wavelength Solutions provide the lowest TCO at lower bandwidth levels, while MOFN and Dark Fiber become more cost-effective at multi-terabit scales. The results provide a practical framework for selecting the optimal optical transport strategy based on bandwidth, distance, operational capabilities, and growth requirements.