Ciena, a global leader in high-speed connectivity, has announced its acquisition of Nubis Communications, a New Jersey-based innovator in ultra-compact, low-power interconnects. This strategic move strengthens Ciena’s portfolio to address the surging demand for scalable, high-performance solutions inside data centers, driven by the rapid growth of AI workloads.
Ciena acquires Nubis Communications to enhance data center connectivity.
Nubis’ solutions support AI workloads with high-density, low-power interconnects.
Co-Packaged Optics (CPO) enables up to 6.4 Tb/s full-duplex bandwidth.
Active Copper Cables (ACC) support high-speed data transfer up to 4 meters.
Acquisition adds 50+ skilled engineers to Ciena’s R&D team.
Deal valued at $270 million, expected to close in Q4 2025.
Ciena’s acquisition of Nubis Communications bolsters its ability to meet the growing demands of AI-driven data centers. Nubis’ portfolio, including Co-Packaged Optics (CPO) and Active Copper Cables (ACC), complements Ciena’s high-speed interconnects, enabling greater scale-up and scale-out capacity. These technologies optimize data transfer for AI systems, ensuring low-latency and high-density performance critical for modern data center operations.
Nubis’ Co-Packaged Optics (CPO) and Near Packaged Optics (NPO) deliver ultra-fast data transfer using light-based modules, supporting up to 6.4 Tb/s full-duplex bandwidth. These compact, low-power solutions, combined with Ciena’s high-speed SerDes, enable differentiated connectivity for AI accelerators within and between racks. This integration enhances scalability and efficiency, addressing the needs of data-intensive AI applications.
Nubis’ Active Copper Cables (ACC) provide high-speed data transmission at 200 Gb/s per lane over distances up to 4 meters. This low-power, low-latency solution outperforms traditional copper or DSP-based alternatives, enabling seamless connectivity across racks. By incorporating ACC, Ciena strengthens its ability to support AI accelerators, ensuring robust and reliable data center performance.
The acquisition brings over 50 skilled engineers from Nubis, enhancing Ciena’s R&D capabilities. “The acquisition of Nubis represents a significant step forward in Ciena’s strategy to address the rapidly growing demand for scalable, high-performance connectivity inside the data center, driven by the explosive growth of AI-related traffic,” said David Rothenstein, Chief Strategy Officer at Ciena. This addition aligns with Ciena’s focus on innovation and competitive advantage in AI-era connectivity.
Ciena’s acquisition of Nubis, valued at $270 million, is set to close in Q4 2025, pending customary conditions. “The Nubis team is thrilled to join Ciena and enhance its industry-leading portfolio with our breakthrough interconnect technologies,” said Dan Harding, CEO of Nubis. This strategic move positions Ciena to deliver cutting-edge solutions, driving efficiency and profitability for data center operators navigating the AI-driven market.
Ciena is the global leader in high-speed connectivity. We build the world’s most adaptive networks to support exponential growth in bandwidth demand. By harnessing the power of our networking systems, components, automation software, and services, Ciena revolutionizes data transmission and network management. With unparalleled expertise and innovation, we empower our customers, partners, and communities to thrive in the AI era.