ZTE advances all-optical network deployment with intelligent ODN solutions

• Hans Neff, Senior Director of ZTE CTO Group, shared ZTE's solutions and expertise in leveraging AI to enable intelligent ODN, enhance all-optical network deployment efficiency, and reduce deployment and O&M costs
• He also outlined how ZTE integrates AI across the entire ODN lifecycle, detailing its applications and benefits in three key phases: before, during, and after deployment

Amsterdam, Netherlands, 28 March 2025 - ZTE Corporation (0763.HK / 000063.SZ), a global leading provider of integrated information and communication technology solutions, announced today that Hans Neff, Senior Director of ZTE CTO Group, delivered a keynote speech titled "Embracing the AI Era to Accelerate the Development of All-Optical Networks" at the FTTH Conference 2025 in Amsterdam. He shared ZTE's solutions and experience in focusing on AI empowerment to achieve intelligent ODN, improve the deployment efficiency of all-optical networks, and reduce deployment and O&M costs.

At present, the deployment of all-optical networks is continuously accelerated, and the rapidly developing AI is increasingly integrated into broadband IT systems, significantly improving the intelligent level of FTTx deployment, operation, and maintenance. In Europe, the National Broadband Plan (NBP) and the EU policies are actively advocating for an all-optical, gigabit, and digitally intelligent society, and the demand for sustainable, efficient, and future-oriented network infrastructure is growing.

Hans pointed out that operators are facing challenges such as high costs, complex network management, and diverse deployment scenarios. AI and digital intelligence can provide end-to-end support for ODN construction in multiple aspects. Hans described how ZTE leverages AI technology to build intelligent ODNs across the entire process, enhancing efficiency and reducing operational complexity.

He elaborated on the specific applications and advantages of intelligent ODN across three phases: before, during, and after deployment. Before deployment, one-click zero-touch site surveys, AI-based automatic planning and design, and paperless processes replace traditional manual methods, significantly reducing the time and human resources required. During deployment, real-time visualized and cost-effective solutions, along with tailored product combinations—such as pre-connectorized splice-free ODN, plug-and-play deployment, and air-blowing solutions—ensure smooth construction while reducing both time and labor costs.

After deployment and delivery, intelligent real-time ODN network detection, analysis, and risk warnings minimize fault location time, improving monitoring accuracy and troubleshooting efficiency. Additionally, new solutions like passive ID branch detection enable 24/7 real-time optical link monitoring, dynamic perception of link changes, and automatic updates, ensuring 100% accuracy of end-to-end ODN resources. This proactive approach optimizes network performance while streamlining maintenance and resource management.

Hans emphasized that collaboration among multiple parties is key to accelerating the construction of intelligent ODN networks. Suppliers play a vital role in drviving digital and intelligent platforms, developing innovative product portfolios, and delivering localized solutions through strategic partnerships. By leveraging AI and digital intelligence, operators and stakeholders can effectively address challenges such as high costs, complex construction and maintenance, and regional adaptability.

As a global leader in the broadband access field, ZTE is committed to providing comprehensive intelligent ODN solutions and building end-to-end all-optical networks. Moving forward, ZTE will continue collaborating with global partners to harness its advanced network and intelligent capabilities. ZTE aims to help operators build and operate cutting-edge, efficient, and intelligent broadband networks, unlocking new application scenarios and fostering a ubiquitous, green, and efficient era of all-optical networks.