Huawei & African Utilities Launch fgOTN for Power Networks
Huawei, in collaboration with leading African utilities, has released a white paper detailing how fine-grain Optical Transmission Network (fgOTN) technology can transform power communication infrastructure across the continent.
Presented at the Africa Energy Forum in Johannesburg, the publication offers a comprehensive guide for utilities seeking to modernise and future-proof their networks.
Addressing the end of legacy systems
Across the African continent, electric power providers are undergoing digital transformation. However, legacy communication technologies such as Synchronous Digital Hierarchy (SDH) are reaching the end of their viable operational life.
These systems, while historically reliable, lack the adaptability and capacity to support emerging services driven by AI, automation and increasing data demands.
The fgOTN White Paper acknowledges these challenges and provides a practical roadmap for utilities seeking to replace outdated systems.
It outlines how deploying next-generation Optical Transport Network (OTN) technology, specifically fine-granularity OTN, can facilitate a secure, efficient and intelligent power communication framework.
What is fgOTN?
Fine-granularity OTN (fgOTN) is a small-granularity, hard-pipe system based on the OTN standard.
It enables secure and isolated data transmission using rigid, hard-pipe channels, ensuring high service reliability and stability. For African utilities managing mission-critical infrastructure, the level of guaranteed transmission integrity is critical.
The technology offers significant advantages over traditional methods, providing higher bandwidth efficiency and improved adaptability to future service expansions.
As utilities increasingly incorporate AI-driven monitoring and grid control systems, fgOTN offers a robust foundation for meeting real-time operational demands.
- Fully automated network management
- Intelligent and digitalised infrastructure
- Centralised and unattended operational capabilities
- Seamless integration with enterprise-level digital workflows
- Support for market-based energy transactions
Such capabilities will not only support grid stability but also empower utility companies to manage complex energy distribution systems in real time, thereby enhancing efficiency and service reliability.
Technical leadership and industry engagement
Huawei has positioned itself as a driving force behind the development and deployment of fgOTN technology in the power sector.
“fgOTN is a new ITU-T-defined technology that inherits the safety and stability of SDH and adds the scalability and intelligence of OTN.
"It’s tailor-made for the power industry. In April, CIGRE established the D2.65 working group to explore its application in the energy sector.
"With this white paper, we aim to empower African utilities to embrace fgOTN as a core enabler of smart grid communications.”
The white paper aligns with international standardisation efforts. The recent establishment of the CIGRE D2.65 working group demonstrates growing global interest in fgOTN’s potential to transform how utilities manage energy networks.
A turning point for African power networks
For telecommunications professionals operating in or serving the energy sector, the release of the fgOTN White Paper marks an important moment.
It offers a scalable, standards-based approach to powering modern communication, addressing long-standing issues of interoperability, performance and resilience.
By adopting fgOTN, African utilities can leapfrog traditional constraints and build network architectures capable of supporting the continent’s growing energy demands.
For telecom providers and systems integrators, fgOTN represents both a new technical opportunity and a platform for long-term collaboration with energy partners seeking future-proofed solutions.
