Networking

About Cisco Routed Optical Networking

Routed Optical Networking is a network architecture that converges optical and IP networking layers to provide scalable, efficient, and reliable connectivity. It uses high-density routers and switches with coherent pluggable optics to converge services over an IP infrastructure connected by simplified DWDM line systems. When it’s combined with multilayer automation and assurance, this approach simplifies converged network operations and improves digital experiences.

Simplified operations and assurance

Multilayer visibility and link assurance makes running routed optical networks easier.

Multilayer visibility. Open data models and standard APIs enable a unified view of IP and optical layers. End-to-end network policies and performance can be provisioned, managed, and assured over IP and optical infrastructure.

Link assurance. An abstraction layer visualizes IP and optical domains, improving link assurance with faster fault isolation, root cause analysis, and mean time to resolution. This helps advanced automation tools to optimize network performance and streamline operations.

Open optical line systems

Flexible and interoperable open optical line systems allow providers to use the best technologies from various manufacturers. Open optical line systems support "alien wavelengths," enabling the transport of wavelengths over multivendor infrastructure. Industry-standard APIs, data models, and optical interfaces ensure interoperability.

Flexible deployment for better capacity

Routed Optical Networking supports both new (greenfield) and existing (brownfield) infrastructures, providing seamless integration with current networks and Reconfigurable Optical Add-Drop Multiplexers. This approach simplifies architectures and boosts capacity, accommodating setups from point-to-point data center interconnect to multi-span, multi-wavelength metro and long-haul networks.

Cisco Routed Optical Networking advantages

Cost savings

Independent modeling by ACG Research indicates that replacing optical networking infrastructure with coherent pluggable optics can reduce total cost of ownership by up to 62% including 58% lower CapEx and 68% lower OpEx.

Assured experiences

Advanced automation capabilities featured in this architecture can optimize performance and minimize manual intervention. Multilayer visibility enhances network resilience and accelerates recovery from failures.

Environmental efficiency

For service providers, enterprises, and governments seeking operational efficiencies, this networking approach can help reduce energy consumption by up to 83% due to a smaller footprint and lower power consumption.

Scalability and flexibility

Scaling to meet growing bandwidth demands is easy with Routed Optical Networking. It supports a wide range of services and applications, such as point-to-point networks connecting data centers over dark fiber, and multi-span and multi-wavelength regional and long-haul networks.

Programmability

Programmable network elements and modern protocol stacks in the architecture allow for more dynamic and responsive network configurations. This programmability supports rapid service deployment and adjustments based on real-time network conditions.

Future ready

Routed Optical Networking is designed to support future technological advancements and evolving network requirements, ensuring long-term viability and investment protection.