Ciena has enhanced its 6500 Packet-Optical Platform with new E-Suite packet modules that integrate packet switching and traffic management alongside OTN transport.
The new E-Suite for 6500 includes both blade-based packet switching modules for small footprint applications and fabric-based packet switching modules for high-bandwidth mesh connectivity. The modules support Ciena’s service aware packet operating system (SAOS), which is already available across the company’s packet networking portfolio and deployed on more than 300,000 platforms worldwide.
Ciena said its new purpose-built packet capabilities combine with the 6500’s coherent WaveLogic 3 optics for scale up to 400G. Ciena’s OneControl Unified Management System provides end-to-end point-and-click service provisioning.
“The industry has been talking about converged packet optical for years, but unfortunately for operators past attempts have been more like duct tape than true convergence. By tightly integrating our widely deployed SAOS packet operating system with our industry-leading 6500, we are equipping operators to quickly turn up and deliver customized Ethernet services without compromise. With a purpose-built network infrastructure that is based on a combination of our packet and optical transport capabilities, operators now have a simpler, more cost-effective and more flexible approach to packet service delivery than an all-IP solution,” said Francois Locoh-Donou, senior vice president, global products group, Ciena.
