Ciena Corporation has released CoreDirector FS Multiservice Optical Switch, an enhancement of its core optical switch that delivers new hardware and software features to support the transition from SONET/SDH architectures to next-generation Ethernet/OTN-based networks.

 

These new capabilities address key applications that include differentiated bandwidth wholesaling, resilient submarine cable landing networks, digital video and content distribution, and MEF-compliant ELINE services.

 

The CoreDirector FS is fully interoperable with the global installed base of CoreDirector and CoreDirector CI switches and is deployed in both terrestrial and submarine networks at major operators like AT&T, BT, Cable & Wireless, Sprint, Tata Communications and Verizon (News - Alert) Business.

 

Originally designed to automate the core of SONET/SDH networks through intelligent software-based automation and control plane managed resiliency, CoreDirector FS retains these capabilities while consolidating SONET/SDH, OTN and Ethernet functionality in a single, high-capacity multiservice optical switch. This provides customers reduced operational costs and a flexible option to help migrate their network architectures from SONET/SDH to Ethernet and OTN. This in turn alleviates the strain of increased bandwidth demand from high-speed optical private line and packet services.

 

CoreDirector FS also adds new hardware modules and software features to the platform including transparent service delivery with OTN switching, scalability up to 1000 nodes in a single control plane domain, full C-band tunable, pluggable ULH DWDM interfaces, new FlexSelect Line Modules with programmable ports and tighter integration with the CN 4200 FlexSelect Advanced Services Platform.

 

According to Mike Aquino, senior vice president of global field operations at Ciena, network operators use the switching and restoration features of CoreDirector to create reliable and differentiated services for their end customers. This underlines Ciena’s focus on continual, large-scale investment in enhancing the platform as a means to help its customer’s transition their networks to Ethernet and OTN.