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Cyan has recently revealed an update to its Z-series switch platform that aims to be an alternative to complicated routers for service providers using Software Defined Networks (SDNs).

Cyan’s new XC-2800 multi-layer switch fabric for packet-optical transport platforms (P-OTPs) lets metro network providers simplify their infrastructure without the expense of routers. It also allows existing users of the company’s Z-series platforms to implement scalable packet-optical switching within their networks. It supports Cyan’s packet, SONET/SDH, G.709 OTN and DWDM/ROADM (News - Alert) service modules as well  as works with a variety of third-party hardware.

“Routers play an important role in the network, but the majority of services do not require routing and can be offloaded to reduce costs and simplify operations,” Cyan President, Michael Hatfield said in a statement. “Our Z-Series platforms and SDN software are helping more than 100 service providers around the world achieve these goals in a variety of applications.”

"This is exactly the functionality we need to more efficiently scale our networks and operations," Ken Paker, vice president of Engineering and Architecture for TDS Telecommunications said. "We're not putting routers into places we otherwise would have. People talk about replacing routers. We avoid putting more in altogether."

Further, the switch fabric allows network providers to interconnect with networks at a speed of 2.8 Tbps per shelf. It supports a number of applications, including business Ethernet, wireless backhaul, connecting different data centers and wholesale transport and other applications.

The increasing use of networks as backhaul for wireless devices is making the traditional router model look outdated, expensive and complicated in Cyan’s view.

The Cyan Z77 XC-2800 switch fabric and the TSW-10G10 switching module provide non-blocking, high-density switching and aggregation of packets for 10-gigabit Ethernet backhaul networks.