Getting the most of IP over DWDM networking

Future-proof your network

One of the advantages of IP over DWDM is the use of open standards allowing 400ZR to coexist with 100G traffic. This allows you to pick and choose best-of-breed and future-proof network elements. The advantage of this is that you avoid starting from scratch if you want to combine equipment from multiple vendors, or if you need to upgrade capacity in the future.

Using an open line system with IP over DWDM also helps you future-proof your network, providing easy upgrade paths to 400G, 800G and beyond. In fact, upgrading most DWDM links to 400G is as easy as simply swapping transceivers when you have a truly open line system.

Streamline and optimize your network

Running IPoDWDM with pluggable optics like coherent 100G allows you to streamline your network architecture. Plug your transceivers directly into your routers and switches to save rack space and make your network more efficient.

You can still always add in a compact transponder or muxponder at the right time and place depending on your needs. For instance, the latest transponder and muxponder technology can also help you get more out of IP over DWDM. One way is by aggregating 4 x 100G into 400G utilizing muxponders with standardized 400ZR transceivers to maximize fiber utilization.

This aggregation is an example of running 400G-enabled optics in low-cost 100G mode. Performance and cost efficiency are thus maximized with the power of 400ZR technology.

Deploy faster and easier with plug-and-play solutions

A true plug-and-play solution accelerates deployment times for IP over DWDM, as you’ll be able to deploy individual network elements and turn up the network faster with minimal manual configuration required. This way, your solution will work from day one.

Flexibly leverage IPoDWDM without unnecessary fees

When calculating the cost of investing in an upgrade to IP over DWDM at 100G or 400G, it is wise to consider not only the upfront amount but also the total cost of ownership (TCO). Some optical networking vendors still charge all kinds of fees to expand, extend or modify your DWDM links over time.

An open line system that is truly open offers advanced interoperability with other network elements for running IP over DWDM. These open line systems also allow you to easily add new DWDM wavelengths without any licensing costs. This gives you more flexibility to increase and adapt your IPoDWDM capacity going forward, without any vendor lock-in or extra fees.

Keep your IPoDWDM links running smoothly

To ensure maximum uptime for your IP over DWDM links, it’s helpful if you have reliable solutions that don’t break easily, direct access to expert support, and easily accessible troubleshooting data. An optical networking vendor who lets you speak directly with an expert 24/7 can help you solve your problems – no being asked if you’ve restarted the gear first before you even get to someone with the right competence.

Running state-of-the-art network management software also gives you easy access to data points in your network in one consolidated view. This enables you to quickly and easily get to the bottom of potential errors in your IPoDWDM links.

The smartest way to run IPoDWDM is with Smartoptics

We’ve been championing open and simple ways of leveraging IP over DWDM even before IP over DWDM was a thing. For over ten years, we’ve been offering embedded transceivers, which are now at the heart of IPoDWDM for high-speed Ethernet protocols. We have optics, open line systems, and transponders & muxponders compliant with 400ZR to help you make the most of IP over DWDM – with maximum flexibility and cost efficiency.

Learn more about our open optical networking solutions