This white paper assesses the key pain points operators face in the core and provides an overview of the main architectural options available to them. Specifically, we discuss switched SONET/SDH networks (the PMO), integrated optics on core routers (IP over DWDM), and switched OTN networking.

The unrelenting growth of bandwidth demand is causing a number of dilemmas for network operators-including how best to accommodate the need to provision higher-rate circuits, both for enterprise private-line customers and for operators' own infrastructure for higher-layer services. End-to-end OTN service switching is the most economical way to compete for and handle the growth in high-bandwidth optical services. No other solution allows operators to turn up new services faster and more efficiently while removing the cost of uncertainty in future traffic mix.

…OTN switching complements higher line rates to optimize bandwidth utilization and network efficiency, as well as to insulate the network against uncertain service mix by providing transparent transport of client services * Blade-based, in addition to fabric-based, OTN switching extends OTN switching…

…provisioning with programmable SONET/SDH/OTN/Ethernet * Supports STS-1/VC3 and ODU-0 granular transport containers for efficient service delivery, maximizing bandwidth utilization * Transforms networks to scalable, cost-efficient service delivery systems via OTN/packet switching, enabling IP router offload, minimizing…

…SONET/SDH architectures to next-generation Ethernet/OTN-based networks. Fully interoperable with the global installed base of CoreDirector and CoreDirector CI® switches, CoreDirector FS, along with the new 5400 Family of Reconfigurable Switching Systems [see related announcement: “Ciena Announces…

…Reconfigurable Switching System, and is introducing a 2-slot variant of the 6500 Series for smaller, network edge installations, expanding customers’ solution set options depending on their capability requirements at particular network sites. With more than 20,000 OTN switches deployed, Ciena…

…OTN as likely the only optical transport protocol capable of supporting 100GbE services.   Below is a great video introducing OTN technology.  You may have to dig a little deeper at OFC/NFOEC to hear about OTN, but it?s something you should look for.       Packet-optical switching…

The unrelenting growth of bandwidth demand is causing a number of dilemmas for network operators-including how best to accommodate the need to provision higher-rate circuits, both for enterprise private-line customers and for operators' own infrastructure for higher-layer services. End-to-end OTN service switching is the most economical way to compete for and handle the growth in high-bandwidth optical services. No other solution allows operators to turn up new services faster and more efficiently while removing the cost of uncertainty in future traffic mix.

…and the broadband access nodes. The platform also incorporates hierarchical QoS to guarantee bandwidth per service, per customer and supports both OTN-based Layer 1 multicast among CN 4200 nodes and Layer 2/3 IGMP multicast from each CN 4200 to its subtending access nodes. An integrated 40 wavelength…

…;management ON-Center® Core Switching Manager for     node and network management ON-Center Service Layer Manager for end-to-     end SONET/SDH OneControl NMS for integrated management     with 6500 OTN and Ethernet services management…