The convergence of IP and optical technologies is making service provider networks more efficient and sustainable to support bandwidth and resource-intensive applications like AI, 4K/8K video, and virtual reality apps. This convergence dramatically simplifies middle and last mile network architectures, reduces CapEx and OpEx, and makes it easier and faster to introduce new services.
Middle and last mile revamp
Supporting workloads like AI and residential broadband with massive bandwidth and quality of service (QoS) requirements is leading to fundamental changes in service provider infrastructure. Cisco recently announced Cisco Agile Services Networking, a simplified, AI-ready network architecture that equips service providers to monetize the delivery of assured, adaptable services and resilient network experiences.
The convergence of IP routing and optical solutions in the last mile and middle mile are part of this effort to create a seamless, simplified, cost-effective, end-to-end network architecture that integrates various technologies for optimal performance.
Pluggable DWDM transponders
Cisco Routed Optical Networking has been deployed by more than 300 Cisco customers, replacing standalone dense wavelength-division multiplexing (DWDM) transponders with coherent pluggable optics deployed in IP ports for metro and data center interconnect (DCI) applications. Converging Layer 2 and Layer 3 technologies into one platform instead of three, Cisco Routed Optical Networking delivers a more cost-effective, high-speed connection between nodes, which is critical for scaling connectivity for distributed AI models and supporting inference workflows.
Additionally, AI-powered automation enables predictive analytics and resource optimization, ensuring that network performance remains efficient under heavy workload demands. This design is ideal for supporting applications such as AI, broadband connectivity, and large-scale machine learning pipelines.
Converged access with Cisco Routed Passive Optical Networking
The introduction of Cisco Routed Passive Optical Networking (PON) enables service providers to replace dedicated optical line terminal (OLT) chassis with small form factor optical transceivers deployed in access routers (Figure 1), utilizing 10-gigabit symmetrical PON (XGS-PON) and Layer 3 routing. XGS-PON is a fiber optic technology that delivers high-speed internet with symmetrical speeds of up to 10 gigabits per second (Gbps). Cisco Routed PON replaces traditional Layer 2 access and supercharges it with highly capable, fast, Layer 3 routing technology.
As shown in Figure 1, Cisco Routed Optical Networking and Routed PON, part of the Agile Services Networking architecture, bring localized processing and other services closer to the edge. This architecture is further enhanced by AI-powered automation and assurance, which ensures optimal traffic management, fault detection, and dynamic resource allocation.
For AI workloads, this architecture is particularly advantageous because of its distributed capabilities at both the metro and core levels. It allows for simple, intelligent, and resilient connectivity between data centers as well. AI data centers in the metro area can handle latency-sensitive tasks by processing data locally before forwarding it to core resources for more computationally intensive operations.
With this solution, broadband providers can strengthen the resilience of their infrastructure and deliver fast, high-quality over-the-top services. The Cisco Routed Optical Networking and Routed PON solutions support powerful features like segment routing, sub-50ms fast reroute protection in any topology, streamlined multiprotocol label switching (MPLS), and cutting-edge automation for delivering a resilient, converged, software-defined access network.
This convergence of multiple services over a single, unified Layer 3 network infrastructure lets providers deliver a variety of services—including residential, business, and wireless—over the same network. It greatly simplifies network management, reduces the complexity of maintaining multiple networks, and allows for more efficient use of resources.
Savings and sustainability
By converging multiple services onto a single network, providers can achieve significant cost savings. The reduced need for separate infrastructures for different services lowers CapEx. The simplified network management and maintenance can lead to lower OpEx. Additionally, the efficiency and scalability of Routed PON means that providers can expand their services more cost-effectively.
Without the need for separate OLT chassis for Routed PON, power consumption, space, and cooling are all reduced—a dramatic boost to sustainability goals.
According to Cisco estimates, Cisco Routed Optical Networking can reduce network CapEx, energy consumption, infrastructure footprint, and labor costs for a combined TCO savings for metro networks of 56% over five years. This includes savings of 50% for CapEx, 67% for OpEx, and 78% for energy consumption.
Driving industry change
Cisco Routed Optical Networking and Routed PON are converged offerings that greatly simplify network management, add new features and broadband speed, reduce costs, and support sustainability initiatives. The theme of “less is more” is appropriate here, and it is set to drive the networking industry toward a more resilient and efficient future just as the emergence of AI and other apps drastically increase demands on the network.
In today’s hyperconnected world, rolling out and managing profitable, high-performance networks for access and transport will require innovative architectural approaches. IP and optical convergence is a great example. It delivers the features service providers need to simplify operations, increase flexibility, reduce costs, and deliver differentiated services.
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