What are managed optical fiber networks (MOFNs)?

AI and cloud technologies are driving an unprecedented surge in bandwidth demand. At the same time, stricter security requirements and regulatory pressures are fueling the “repatriation” trend, moving data back from public, multi-tenant environments to private networks. These forces are putting enormous strain on network infrastructure. Enterprises, cloud service providers and hyperscalers need secure, high-capacity, low-latency connectivity that scales rapidly. However, building and managing such networks in-house can be costly and complex, requiring skilled personnel. Traditional capacity services, which run on shared infrastructure, often lack flexibility and limit operational control. This is where the managed optical fiber network (MOFN) model comes into play.

MOFN refers to a high-capacity fiber infrastructure based on DWDM technology dedicated to one customer that’s fully built, operated and maintained by a third-party provider, such as a telecom service provider. Unlike traditional capacity services, MOFN delivers a dedicated end-to-end optical network exclusively for a single organization without the need for specialized personnel. It also eliminates the complexities of regulatory bureaucracy, which can be particularly challenging when entering new, unfamiliar markets. With MOFN, organizations can focus resources on their core business while enjoying the advantages of secure and scalable connectivity. Service models vary, but typically the provider supplies the fiber and optical equipment, and manages operations through a dedicated network operations center (NOC).

Long before the term MOFN was coined, Adtran – through its merger with ADVA Optical Networking – was already pioneering private optical networking. For over three decades, we’ve delivered advanced optical solutions that enable secure, high-speed connectivity. Today, MOFN adoption is accelerating for three key reasons: surging data traffic from AI and cloud applications; a shift from cloud-based to private networks to meet stricter security and compliance requirements; and a shortage of internal engineering resources as enterprises prioritize cybersecurity and AI strategy. MOFNs solve these challenges by offering dedicated, fully managed fiber networks that deliver performance, security, and scalability – enabling service providers to deploy services quickly and efficiently. With proven expertise, tailored innovation and a strong track record, Adtran is the ideal partner to make MOFNs reality.