Top 5 Most Common Routed Optical Networking Myths
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Top 5 Myths of Routed Optical Networking
Routed optical networking, the revolutionary convergence of IP routing and optical transport, promises to simplify network architectures and boost efficiency. But with any transformative technology comes a cloud of misconceptions. Let's cut through the fog and debunk the top five myths surrounding routed optical networking.
The Rise of Routed Optics:
The integration of coherent DWDM optics directly into routers, driven by the maturity of pluggable form factors like 400G ZR/ZR+, is reshaping how networks are built. This shift offers significant advantages in terms of cost, complexity, and scalability. However, the industry is still navigating the nuances, leading to some common myths.
Myth 1: "DWDM is Dead. Long Live the Router!"
The Reality: While routed optics reduce the need for dedicated transponders, DWDM remains crucial for maximizing fiber capacity. It's the foundation for efficiently transporting multiple wavelengths over long distances. Imagine a highway: routers are the cars, but DWDM is the multi-lane road that makes efficient travel possible. Modern DWDM systems are evolving to seamlessly integrate with pluggable optics, offering a hybrid approach. Features such as alien wavelength support are also becoming more common.
Myth 2: "ROADM? That's So Last Decade."
The Reality: ROADMs are far from obsolete. Their ability to dynamically route wavelengths and provide flexible network provisioning is essential for handling complex traffic patterns. Flex-grid ROADMs, in particular, are a cornerstone, enabling finer spectrum allocation and seamless integration with high-speed coherent optics. Furthermore, ROADM systems allow traffic to be delivered directly to the endpoints of a circuit at a purely optical level. This reduces the number of optics in a standard FOADM or hop-by-hop architecture.
Myth 3: "400G ZR/ZR+? 120km and That's It!"
The Reality: The 120km benchmark is a general guideline, not a hard limit. Achievable distances depend heavily on fiber quality, optical loss, and network design. Techniques like optical amplification, channel count reduction, and line rate downrating can extend reach. Newer 400G ZR/ZR+ optics, with improved DSPs and optical power, are pushing these boundaries. Also, modern fiber characterization tools are becoming very important for proper network planning. Additionally, 800ZR and 800ZR+ optics are emerging and further increasing these distances.
Myth 4: "Mid-Span Amplification? Forget About it with 400G."
The Reality: Mid-span amplification, while complex, is achievable with careful planning and testing. It can be a vital tool for extending reach in challenging deployments. With advancements in EDFA and Raman amplification technologies, and proper modeling, mid-span amplification is becoming more common in routed optical designs.
Myth 5: "800G is Here, 400G is History."
The Reality: 400G and 800G serve distinct purposes. 400G offers cost-effectiveness, longer reach, and seamless integration into existing router platforms. 800G, with its higher capacity and spectral efficiency, is ideal for short-haul, high-bandwidth applications. The choice depends on specific network requirements, budget, and future growth plans. Furthermore, 400G is becoming very important for edge applications, where 800G is not yet needed.
Navigating the Future:
Routed optical networking is a powerful tool for building efficient and scalable networks. By debunking these myths and staying informed about the latest advancements, network operators can make informed decisions. It is also very important to work with solution integrators like WWT that have the capability to test and deploy these modern networks. The future of networking is bright, and routed optics is playing a pivotal role in shaping it.