Nokia Oyj announced on 7 October 2025 in Espoo, Finland, the launch of the world’s first 50‑Gbit/s passive optical network (PON) solution engineered to deliver ultra‑fast, post‑quantum broadband connectivity for enterprise customers. The new system, built on Nokia’s Lightspan MF platform and powered by the Quillion chipset, promises to extend existing 10‑Gbit/s and 25‑Gbit/s deployments to 50 Gbit/s without major network disruptions, while embedding quantum‑safe encryption, redundant architectures and AI‑driven optimisation.
From 10G to 50G: Seamless Evolution on Existing Networks
The Lightspan MF line card is the cornerstone of Nokia’s strategy to future‑proof fibre‑to‑the‑home (FTTH) networks. By packaging GPON, XGS‑PON, 25‑Gbit/s PON and the new 50‑Gbit/s PON into a single, compact module, operators can upgrade capacity while preserving the same optical ports and power budgets. The Quillion chipset, already deployed in Nokia’s 10‑Gbit/s and 25‑Gbit/s PON products, is now extended to support 50 Gbit/s symmetrical traffic, as well as a range of multi‑PON and triple‑PON combinations that can coexist on a single fibre.
Because the card uses the smallest form‑factor optics for all PON technologies, port density is maximised, allowing operators to squeeze more endpoints into the same rack space. Backward compatibility with existing optics means that fibre already buried for residential services can be repurposed to serve high‑capacity enterprise customers, eliminating the need for costly, separate fibre builds. In practice, a network that previously offered 25 Gbit/s to a data centre can now deliver 50 Gbit/s to the same site with a simple line‑card upgrade, keeping capital expenditure low and simplifying field deployment.
Security in the Quantum Age: Quantum‑Safe Encryption and Key Exchange
The new 50‑Gbit/s PON is not only faster; it is also designed with the looming threat of quantum computing in mind. Quantum‑safe encryption, based on post‑quantum cryptographic algorithms, is integrated into the PON’s secure key exchange protocols. This ensures that data travelling across the fibre cannot be harvested today and decrypted later when a quantum computer becomes available.
Nokia’s approach addresses a growing concern among enterprises that sensitive data could be intercepted on the network and stored for future decryption. By embedding quantum‑safe mechanisms at the physical layer, the 50‑Gbit/s PON offers a proactive defence that is both forward‑looking and compliant with emerging regulatory standards for data protection.
“Our 25G/50G meets these needs today and in the post‑quantum future. Our next generation multi‑PON line card gives operators access to a full range of PON flavours (10/25/50G) needed to address specific customer needs or business cases, quickly and securely,” said Geert Heyninck, General Manager, Broadband Networks, Nokia.
The integration of post‑quantum cryptography also simplifies compliance for operators who must meet strict data‑security mandates in sectors such as finance, healthcare and government. Rather than layering additional security appliances, the 50‑Gbit/s PON delivers built‑in protection that scales with traffic volume.
Reliability that Never Sleeps: Six‑Nines Availability and Redundant PON Designs
Enterprise users demand uninterrupted connectivity, especially when cloud‑based services, AI workloads and mission‑critical applications are involved. To meet this need, Nokia’s 50‑Gbit/s PON incorporates fully redundant architectures that guarantee “always‑on” service, even when a fibre cut or other fault occurs. Redundant PON designs mean that traffic can be rerouted instantly to a spare path, keeping downtime to a minimum.
The system also leverages advanced artificial‑intelligence features to optimise network performance in real time. By continuously monitoring traffic patterns, the AI engine can adjust bandwidth allocation, detect anomalies and pre‑emptively reroute data before a fault manifests. This proactive management contributes to the six‑nines availability target (99.9999 % uptime) that Nokia promises for mission‑critical operations.
“Operators require networks that grow with their customer’s needs. A single line card supporting 10, 25, and 50G PON lets them serve everything from home broadband to high‑capacity business services, while keeping the network simple, scalable, and cost‑efficient,” said Roland Montagne, Principal Analyst, IDATE.
The combination of redundancy and AI‑driven optimisation positions Nokia’s 50‑Gbit/s PON as a resilient backbone for enterprises that cannot tolerate service interruptions, whether they are running real‑time analytics or hosting critical data centres.
Enterprise Demands and Market Momentum: Why 50G Matters Now
The push toward higher data rates is driven by the explosive growth of cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and industrial automation. Enterprises increasingly rely on data‑intensive applications that demand gigabit‑class connectivity to deliver low‑latency performance and high throughput. While residential services can be efficiently served by 10‑Gbit/s or 25‑Gbit/s PONs, enterprise workloads require the bandwidth, security and reliability that only a 50‑Gbit/s solution can provide.
Vivek Gaur, Vice President of Engineering at Colt Technology Services, highlighted the practical benefits of Nokia’s deployment:
“With 25G and eventually 50G PON, we can offer enterprises access to the ultra‑fast, reliable connectivity they need for cloud, AI and data‑intensive applications , all delivered seamlessly over our existing fibre network.”
Colt’s trial of the 50‑Gbit/s PON demonstrated the technology’s flexibility and performance, reinforcing the narrative that operators can upgrade without overhauling their fibre infrastructure. The ability to serve both residential and enterprise customers from the same fibre asset is a compelling value proposition, especially as operators look to maximise return on investment while meeting diverse market demands.
“Building on our existing network capabilities, which include 10/25G PON, we were able to successfully trial Nokia’s 50G PON solution, highlighting the flexibility and performance our network can provide,” said Gaur.
The convergence of high bandwidth, quantum‑safe security and unparalleled reliability aligns with the expectations of a market that is rapidly shifting toward 5G‑backed, edge‑centric architectures. Nokia’s 50‑Gbit/s PON offers a clear pathway for operators to keep pace with the next wave of enterprise connectivity without incurring prohibitive capital costs.
Looking Ahead: A New Standard for Enterprise Fibre
Nokia’s 50‑Gbit/s PON marks a significant milestone in the evolution of passive optical networks. By combining next‑generation speed, quantum‑resistant encryption, and AI‑enhanced resilience, the solution sets a new benchmark for enterprise connectivity. Operators who adopt the Lightspan MF platform can transition smoothly from 10‑Gbit/s and 25‑Gbit/s deployments to a 50‑Gbit/s future, preserving capital efficiency while delivering the performance that modern businesses demand.
The technology also signals a broader industry trend: the integration of security and reliability into the core of network hardware, rather than as add‑on layers. As quantum computing moves from theoretical threat to practical reality, solutions that embed post‑quantum cryptography will become essential. Nokia’s approach demonstrates that such security can be delivered without sacrificing speed or cost.
In a landscape where data volumes are exploding and cyber threats are evolving, the 50‑Gbit/s PON offers a robust foundation for the next generation of digital services. By enabling enterprises to tap into ultra‑fast, secure, and always‑on connectivity over existing fibre, Nokia is helping operators not only keep pace with current demand but also anticipate the needs of a post‑quantum world.
