Arelion completed a live network field trial on its route from Chicago to Denver using Cisco 400G Ultra Long Haul (ULH) QSFP-DD Coherent pluggable optical modules and Cisco 8000 series routers powered by Cisco Silicon One.
This trial demonstrated IP transmission at a spectrum of 112.5 gigahertz over 2,253 kilometers, with healthy margins. It claims that it provides longer transmission distances and higher cost savings than currently deployed transponders.
Cisco's 400G ULH pluggable enables Arelion to reduce CAPEX by 35 percent and OPEX costs by 84% when expanding its network, providing a wider reach with high capacities that support customers' AI/ML and cloud applications.
One key element of Cisco’s 400G ULH QSFP-DD pluggable coherent optical modules is that they can optimize network architecture by consolidating excessive hardware, with greater than +1 dBm transmit power. As a result, providers like Arelion can cut the number of interfaces to maintain and mitigate financial barriers to network expansion.
Following this field trial, Arelion said it will “substantially improve” its Routed Optical Networking reach through additional deployments of Cisco 400G ULH pluggables, enabling it to better support wholesale and enterprise customers' connectivity needs across North America. This technology will allow Arelion to introduce Routed Optical Networking to long-haul networks in previously challenging geographies.
"Testing equipment in laboratory settings is one thing, but this field trial reflects our drive to test and integrate innovative optical technologies through practical applications in real-world environments," said Dariusz Solowiej, VP of Networks and Operations for Arelion.
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Sean Buckley
Sean is responsible for establishing and executing the editorial strategies of Lightwave and Broadband Technology Report across their websites, email newsletters, events, and other information products.