Arelion completes multi-vendor, multi-layer field trial

Tier 1 provider, Arelion (formerly Telia Carrier) has announced that it has successfully completed its first multi-vendor, multi-layer field trial using Acacia Bright 400ZR+ modules and Cisco routers. 

On a live fibre route with existing ROADM infrastructure between Hamburg and Copenhagen, Arelion successfully leveraged Acacia Bright 400ZR+ QSFP-DD coherent modules with greater than +1 dBm transmit power between Cisco 8000 and NCS 5700 router platforms. The trial demonstrated the seamless integration of routed optical networking with DWDM transponders carrying wavelength services.

Acacia’s Bright 400ZR+ pluggable coherent optical modules can plug into Cisco routers, enabling Arelion’s further adoption of the simpler and more scalable architecture of Routed Optical Networking, combining innovations in silicon, optics and routing systems. This architecture simplifies the network layer stack, and helps to meet increasing bandwidth demands of Arelion’s customers whilst also aiding the reduction of capital and operational expenditures. Through this demonstration of 400G coherent connections, Arelion has also demonstrated the interworking on brownfield long-haul applications built with third-party optical line systems. Arelion will continue its organic expansion. 

Dariusz Solowiej, VP Network Technology and Customer Operations at Arelion comments: “Multi-layer architecture has always been challenging to scale and operate due to decades of accumulated complexity. With this latest trial, Arelion demonstrated the possibility to simplify conversion and interoperability, bringing us closer to routed optical networking that evolves cost structures, scalability and efficiency. 400G coherent pluggables will help our customers secure high-performance connectivity at the lowest cost and help us grow our networks in scale as we continue to connect the world.” 

Benny Mikkelsen, Vice President/Chief Technology Officer at Acacia, now part of Cisco adds:P “As the latest entrant in our comprehensive family of 400G pluggables, the Bright 400ZR+ QSFP-DD is designed to expand optical transceiver applications by supporting higher transmit power and performance consistent with legacy coherent optics. The ability of these solutions to meet the varying needs of network operators, while driving economies of scale on a common technology platform, is a key advantage for providers such as Arelion to grow their networks.”

Bill Gartner, Senior Vice President/GM of the Optical Systems & Optics Group at Cisco concludes: “The convergence of IP and optical networks provides a revolutionary reduction in network cost and simplifies management of the network. This will enable Arelion to cost-effectively scale their network as bandwidth demands increase over time, enabling them to maintain their growth and protect their investment over the next 10-15 years.”