Ciena (NYSE:CIEN) has added the 8180 Coherent Networking Platform and 6500 Reconfigurable Line System to its packet-optical portfolio to help providers support network densification efforts. The new products are intended to support densification initiatives in applications such as data center interconnect (DCI), 4G/5G and Fiber Deep.
Ciena's 8180 and 6500 RLS platforms are designed to combine bandwidth scalability and aggregation with integrated intelligence and programmability to improve the end-user experience.
The 8180 Coherent Networking Platform is a high-density stackable packet aggregation switch that combines the density, openness, and programmability of a data center switch with Ciena's WaveLogic coherent optics. The 8180 is designed to support 400G wavelengths and scale to 6.4 Tbps of packet switching.
The 6500 Reconfigurable Line System is a programmable, open and modular line system designed to support metro and long-haul DCI as well as cable access applications.
The 8180 and 6500 RLS both include common open APIs for software programmability, automated provisioning and streaming telemetry as well as simpler integration with back-office systems. Both products are slated to be generally available in the second half of 2018, and Ciena is spotlighting both at OFC 2018 in San Diego this week.