Rostelecom Tests Russian-Made DWDM Equipment from VPG LaserONE
A new domestically developed DWDM platform, tested by Rostelecom, demonstrates that Russian optical transport technologies are ready to replace imported systems and support large-scale backbone modernization
Import Substitution Gains Momentum
Russian telecom operators are rapidly expanding trials of locally produced network equipment as the industry accelerates efforts to eliminate reliance on foreign suppliers. Most recently, Rostelecom announced successful testing of DWDM hardware developed by VPG LaserONE.
Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing (DWDM) enables the transmission of multiple optical signals with different wavelengths through a single fiber, massively increasing network throughput. The technology is widely used across global backbone and regional networks.
A New Horizon for Russian Optical Transport
The new DWDM platform, named Horizon, is produced by VPG LaserONE. Testing was performed by specialists at RTK-Service, Rostelecom’s advanced engineering laboratory responsible for evaluating technologies prior to commercial deployment.
Horizon is designed for regional and ultra-long-haul backbone fiber networks. It can operate at distances of more than 500 kilometers without intermediate amplification nodes, enabling highly reliable communication systems with ring or hybrid topologies.
All Systems Perform as Expected
RTK-Service engineers conducted a full technical assessment and tested real operational scenarios. Evaluations included channel provisioning at 100 Gbps and 200 Gbps, as well as the performance of Pulse, the platform’s management system, on a lab setup simulating operator backbone routes.
Special attention was given to optical components and erbium-doped amplifiers, produced domestically at VPG LaserONE’s facility. For Rostelecom, confirming compliance with stringent corporate reliability standards and verifying seamless integration with existing infrastructure were critical requirements.
Based on the results, experts from Rostelecom and VPG LaserONE jointly outlined key development directions and priorities for further improvement of the Horizon platform.
“As a manufacturer, the key advantage of the Horizon system is its high degree of technological sovereignty. The main optical components—including the optical amplifier—as well as software and the management system are developed and produced in Russia,” explained Rufat Kriman, head of telecom sales at VPG LaserONE.
Growing Competition in the Domestic Market
Russia already has several DWDM vendors. For example, T8 supplies its own DWDM transponders, EDFAs, ROADMs, and other optical products. Telecom operators began actively deploying domestic equipment in 2024, and momentum grew even further in 2025.
Government support continues to play a significant role, with industry-specific exhibitions and forums helping manufacturers build new partnerships and supply chains.
The successful testing of the Horizon platform is a landmark for the telecom industry. It demonstrates that Russian vendors are capable of delivering robust backbone-level solutions that meet strict operator requirements. This paves the way for deeper localization of new network builds and reduces exposure to international sanctions.
In the long term, Russia could become an exporter of optical-transport technologies—particularly to markets facing similar external constraints.
