Arelion completed a long-haul field trial using Cisco 800G ZR+ coherent pluggable optical modules in Cisco 8000 series routers powered by Cisco Silicon One. The trial achieved 800 Gbps IP transmission over 1,069 kilometers between Stockholm, Sweden, and Hamburg, Germany, demonstrating cost savings and energy efficiency for high-capacity networks.
Cisco’s OpenROADM-compliant 800G ZR+ modules provide +1 dBm transmit power, reducing capital expenditure (CAPEX) by 66% and operational expenditure (OPEX) by 95% compared to existing solutions. These coherent pluggables consolidate hardware, simplify architecture, and enhance energy efficiency, enabling Arelion to lower network complexity while maximizing bandwidth. The trial highlights how Routed Optical Networking can improve cost efficiency and scalability, supporting AI/ML applications and high-bandwidth cloud services.
- 800G IP transmission over 1,069 km – Extends high-speed connectivity between major European hubs.
- Energy-efficient design – Reduces power consumption and simplifies network architecture.
- Expanded global connectivity services – Supports IP Transit, Wavelengths, DIA, Cloud Connect, Global 40G Ethernet VC, and DDoS Mitigation.
“This network field trial reinforces our long-term investment in Routed Optical Networking to improve the cost efficiency and scalability of our #1 ranked global internet backbone,” said Dariusz Solowiej, VP of Networks and Operations, Arelion.
