Missouri’s statewide research and education network, MOREnet, has selected 1Finity, a Fujitsu company, to modernize its optical transport infrastructure using the Ultra Optical System L1000/L2000 platform. The project will introduce an open optical line system designed for 800G and beyond, alongside new edge-to-aggregation transport equipment and centralized network control. Completion is targeted for summer 2027. MOREnet provides connectivity and technology services to more than 700 public-sector organizations across Missouri.

The upgrade follows MOREnet’s request for proposals to expand capacity and adopt an open optical architecture. The deployment combines the L1000/L2000 optical line system with 1Finity T310 and T700 platforms, extending transport from the network edge through aggregation. Virtuora NC will provide centralized network control and management. 1Finity will also perform fiber characterization, site surveys, turn-up and testing services.

The Missouri project follows a 1Finity deployment announced in August for the New Mexico Fiber Network, although the architectures differ. New Mexico combines IP-over-DWDM, open routers, L100/L200/L160 optical line systems and Virtuora control; MOREnet is adopting the newer L1000/L2000 generation alongside dedicated transport platforms. The MOREnet announcement does not specify network mileage, contract value, the number of 800G wavelengths to be activated or an aggregate capacity target.

“Our partnership with 1Finity will help us build a more flexible, scalable optical network that can meet our members’ evolving needs and support the next generation of technology,” said Natasha Angell, Executive Director, MOREnet.

Analysis

The MOREnet contract applies an open optical line system to a statewide research and education backbone with geographically distributed institutions and varied traffic profiles. Separating line-system functions from edge and aggregation transport can facilitate incremental upgrades, although multivendor interoperability depends on the specific deployed interfaces and configurations. An open architecture does not by itself establish that multiple vendors are supplying this particular deployment.

1Finity introduced L1000/L2000 in February 2026 as a modular optical line system designed for C+L-band operation, ROADM scaling and proactive fiber diagnostics. These features are relevant to statewide networks operating over diverse fiber spans. Virtuora NC provides a software control layer for transport management, while the project’s fiber characterization and testing activities will establish the condition and readiness of existing routes.

The distinction between a platform designed for 800G and an activated 800G service is material. MOREnet and 1Finity have not disclosed initial wavelength rates, a measured capacity increase or the final route configuration. The summer 2027 completion target is a future milestone, not evidence that the modernization is already operational.