Network specialist Ciena is introducing its programmable 8700 Packetwave Platform, a multi-terabit switching solution that will transform how metro and inter-data center networks are designed, deployed, and operated. The product leverages high performance coherent optics combined with programmable Ethernet and power/space efficiencies.
It addresses the growing need to efficiently aggregate and switch large quantities of packet traffic while guaranteeing stringent Service Level Agreements (SLAs), and revolutionizes the capital and operational economics of 10GbE and 100GbE services in metro Ethernet networks.
The 8700 helps network operators rapidly deliver high-capacity services, efficiently aggregate users, and provide express connections to data centers.
The platform seamlessly integrates 100GbE and 10GbE packet aggregation and switching, taking advantage of the performance and efficiency of modern merchant silicon. The product supports the industry’s drive toward software-defined and virtualized networks and carries the attributes of Ciena’s OP architecture into metropolitan, regional, and inter-datacenter WAN networks.
It enables network operators with the ability to capitalize on the advantages of programmable, virtualized networking platforms while offering unmatched quantity and quality of bandwidth
Francois Locoh-Donou, Senior Vice President of the Global Products Group at Ciena said in a statement, “Our 8700 Packetwave Platform builds on our established leadership in packet networking, leveraging the convergence of carrier-grade packet switching and aggregation along with coherent optical networking and programmability to help transform metro networks into ‘on-demand’ platforms that can provide greater customization of communication services and applications.”
Ciena 8700 integrates Ethernet and MPLS-TP switching with Ciena’s WaveLogic Photonics into a single, scalable platform that enables simpler, more cost-effective networks without stranding switch capacity.
The 8700 supports high-capacity 10GbE to 100GbE Ethernet aggregation, packet applications including MPLS-TP, G.8032 Ethernet rings, and IEEE (News - Alert) 802.1ad (QinQ), 40GbE/100GbE service, automated virtual cross-connect.
Ciena’s 8700 Packetwave Platform will be generally available in the summer of 2014.
Ciena’s packet networking portfolio relies on more than 250 network operators to deliver the programmable and responsive bandwidth that their customers demand.
Edited by Rory J. Thompson
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