Ciena introduced its new WaveRouter platform architecture for unifying IP, optical, and compute functionality in a single platform for the converged metro network.
Ciena says WaveRouter is built on an open purpose-built router equipped with intelligent operating system software with performance data streaming, integrated with coherent pluggables, and augmented with optimized photonic line systems, for flexibility and programmability. The company cites the following features and benefits:
- Ultra-high metro capacity and multi-layer (IP/Optical) awareness and coordination
- Commercial temperature (0°C to +40°C) for space- constrained locations
- Separate modular redundant controller, route processor, and fabric 6–192 Tb/s+
- IP routing, BGP-LU, SR-MPLS, Carrier Ethernet, and SRv6 ready
- MACsec and IPsec ready
- SDN next-generation management, including support for protocols such as NETCONF/YANG, gNMI/gRPC, and GRPC dial-in/dial-out telemetry
- Single IP address for management
- Ciena’s MCP multi-layer support for end-to-end network management control and planning
- Hot-swappable redundant AC or DC power
“Service providers are looking to simplify their networks through convergence to gain a competitive edge in a cloud-driven, always-connected world. Until now, they’ve had to compromise when it came to capacity, operational ease, and sustainability. WaveRouter takes an innovative approach, combining the best in IP, coherent optics, and flexible photonics driven by multi-layer operations for real performance and energy advantages,” said Scott McFeely, Senior Vice President, Global Products and Services, Ciena.
WaveRouter will be generally available in the third quarter of 2023.