With the 8700, Ciena aimed to combine technologies from data center networks and metro networks into a programmable multi-terabit packet-over-coherent DWDM platform. It integrates 100GbE and 10GbE packet aggregation and switching and leverages modern merchant silicon as well as Ciena's 100G WaveLogic coherent optics and photonic technologies.
According to Ciena, the 8700 Packetwave delivers twice the density of other platforms and requires half the power and space. As far as programmability, the 8700 uses Ciena's Service Aware Operating system for SLA management; OneControl for unified network management; and Zero-Touch Provisioning to bring dynamic Ethernet service capabilities across metro networks. To support software-defined networking and virtualized on-demand networks, the 8700 takes advantage of Ciena's V-WAN on-demand software and Agility SDN controller. The company says this enables the platform to operate in an open, multivendor network environment.
Click here to return to the 2015 Lightwave Innovation Awards page