Nokia said that BT will test its FP5 network processing chip, including its 800G interface. The collaboration is a part of the long-term strategic relationship between the two companies to ensure the UK’s largest network has the capacity, flexibility and lower power consumption to deliver the best customer experience for the future.

FP5 is the new core of Nokia’s IP Services Routing Platform, enabling service providers to meet today’s relentless demands to efficiently expand network capacity, enable new higher-speed IP services, and provide unparalleled protection against escalating cybersecurity threats. Based on four generations of industry-leading network processors, Nokia raises the bar by adding support for high-density 800G routing interfaces, new embedded line rates, stream-based encryption, and 75% lower power consumption to support BT’s scalable The sustainability goal is to run the most energy efficient network in the UK.

BT operates the UK’s largest IP network, with peak speeds in excess of 25Tbps, powered by Nokia’s 77xx series of routers. With this trial, BT becomes the first company in the UK to test an 800G interface on an IP router, helping to ensure the most cost-effective scale and capacity it needs for future UK customer traffic.

Neil McRae, Managing Director and Chief Architect at BT, said: “With FP5, Nokia continues to innovate to ensure IP networks have the scale, flexibility and functionality to help us manage the growing demands of our residential, mobile and business customers. As network capacity grows, we are eager to try out its capabilities. It is part of our best network strategy to meet the future needs of our customers.”

Rafa de Fermin, VP Network Infrastructure, Nokia said: “This FP5 trial is a collaboration between BT and Nokia. An extension of a strong partnership and collaboration to build a multi-service network operating in the UK now and in the future. Key to the trial is FP5’s ability to support high-density standards-based QSFP-DD 800 ports that is a real differentiator for Nokia.”