News: Optoelectronics
17 December 2020
Telia using Acacia’s OpenZR+ coherent modules plugged directly into Cisco routers
Telia Carrier of Stockholm, Sweden (said to be the world’s number-one Internet backbone) says that, to simplify its networks, it is preparing to converge its IP and optical networking layers. Using 400G coherent modules from Acacia Communications Inc of Maynard, MA, USA plugged directly into Cisco routers, this architecture will enable Telia Carrier to address increasing bandwidth demand while significantly reducing both capital and operational expenditures.
Historically, scaling and operating a multi-layer architecture has always been a challenge. Due to innovations spanning silicon, optics and routing systems, complex layers can finally converge into a simpler and more scalable architecture (routed optical networking).
In preparation for this new solution, Telia Carrier has already deployed open line systems and terminal equipment that can support new 400G pluggable technology. As an early adopter of this architecture, it is one of the first network operators to perform full end-to-end validation of the solution. Leveraging Acacia’s 400G QSFP-DD coherent modules with OIF 400ZR and OpenZR+ operating modes, the solution can support data rates from 100G to 400G, depending on the desired reach. The modules also support client n x 100GbE multiplexing functionality as well as 400GE transport.
“Conventional architectures and technologies built on decades of accumulated complexity and yesterday's truths fall short in helping us keep up with customer demands for more consistent bandwidth and a high-quality experience,” says Telia Carrier’s CEO Staffan Göjeryd. “Starting in the metro, standardized coherent pluggable modules are the next natural step in evolving cost structures, efficiency and scaling capabilities. This follows our global deployments of open optical line-systems and bandwidth-optimized switch-router silicon already powering thousands of 400GE-capable ports in the network,” he adds.
“Pluggable 400G coherent optical transceiver modules are important to enable service providers such as Telia Carrier to migrate to a more converged network architecture capable of enabling OpEx and CapEx savings, as well as a pay-as-you-grow business model,” says Fenghai Liu, Acacia’s VP of product line management. “Coherent pluggables, like Acacia’s 400G coherent module, have been designed to provide a scalable and cost-effective way to meet increasing bandwidth demands,” he adds.
“Adding support for pluggable 400G optics directly into mass-scale routing platforms allows operators to converge historically complex infrastructure into a simple, single-layered architecture,” comments says Kevin Wollenweber, VP/general manager Mass-scale Infrastructure Routing & Automation at Cisco. “The benefits – easier to maintain, faster to adapt, and cheaper to operate – are so compelling that we expect communication service providers to aggressively transition existing metro and long-haul networks to a Routed Optical Networking solution. This architecture can cost-effectively handle the projected traffic growth for the coming years while preparing to support the next transition to 800G or beyond.”
