Networks get optical boost

Industry-leading optical and IP networking technology are integrated in one innovative solution as Nokia Siemens Networks and Juniper Networks Inc. combine development efforts. The solution is designed to manage the router-to-optical link as a single unit, enabling networks to handle the ever-growing volumes of data, voice and multimedia applications. The cooperation includes the development of cost-optimized 10G, 40G and 100G IP over DWDM solutions with management integration and GMPLS control plane interworking.

Uwe Fischer, head of Nokia Siemens' DWDM business line said that the integrated IP and DWDM solution will provide "the highest possible quality in terms of simplicity and efficiency." He described the solutions as "the bedrock of the vision that breaks the barriers between optical and electrical layers."

Opher Kahane, senior VP and general manager of the high-end systems business unit of Juniper Networks pointed out that as "trends such as video, virtualization and cloud computing continue to drive the need for core networking capacity, operators will be looking for ways to scale their networks efficiently and cost-effectively." He added that "The combination of IP and optical transport technologies increase the efficiency of the network, and we are very excited to be working with Nokia Siemens to bring this innovative solution to market."

The implementation of long-haul DWDM optics on router line interface cards would reduce the need for redundant transponders, thus increasing network efficiency. However, this presents network management challenges because IP and optical networks are traditionally managed separately. The solution being jointly-developed by Nokia Siemens and Juniper will manage the entire router-to-optical link as one unit. Router-integrated optical DWDM interfaces from Juniper will interoperate seamlessly with Nokia Siemens' hiT7300 WDM platform and be managed by the company's carrier grade Transport Network Management System. Using Nokia Siemens' network planning software, TransNet, the joint solution will improve overall efficiency in the network. Also, operators will be able to enjoy faster service provisioning times as only one DWDM interface will need to be installed and configured, not to mention improved reliability through early link failure detection, enhanced troubleshooting and overall simplicity.