#USA #Albany #Cisco #Internet2 #Coherent Optics

Breaking New Ground in Long-Haul Networking

On March 27, 2025, Internet2 and Cisco achieved a remarkable milestone in the field of coherent optics technology. This innovative partnership successfully tested a 400 Gbps optical link that spans an impressive distance of over 3,000 kilometers on the Internet2 national research and education network.

The field trial, which linked Albany, New York to Indianapolis, Indiana, stands out because it operates without the need for modular transponders or any signal regeneration, establishing a new standard for direct long-haul routing in optical networking.

Pioneering Technology in Action

By utilizing Cisco's cutting-edge coherent optics technology, tailored for ultra-long haul applications, the trial demonstrated the potential of coherent pluggable modules to boost efficiency and flexibility in high-performance networks. This technology is a game changer not only for long-haul connectivity but also for point-to-point requirements, as it simplifies network structures and reduces overall equipment and power consumption.

Before this collaboration, achieving such extensive distances with traditional methods meant relying on module-based transponders that only reached speeds of 100 Gbps. Chris Wilkinson, the Senior Director of Network Infrastructure and Operations at Internet2, noted how, just a short while ago, the possibility of covering 3,000 kilometers was limited by older technologies. Now, with Cisco’s advancements, Internet2 is capable of delivering 400 Gbps over long distances, effectively enabling more versatile bandwidth allocation to meet the evolving needs across research and educational sectors.

Trial Insights and Technical Details

This groundbreaking test utilized the latest QSFP-DD-based 400 Gbps Ultra Long Haul coherent optics, developed by Cisco. Operating on less than 24 watts of power, these optics integrate seamlessly with existing 400G platforms, ensuring that legacy infrastructures can be upgraded to accommodate higher capacities without extensive overhauls. The trial’s infrastructure incorporated Cisco’s 8201 routers, emblazoned with Cisco Silicon One technology, backed by third-party line systems, and primarily employed SMF-28 Ultra fiber.

This architecture adeptly compensates for signal loss while maintaining a straightforward yet robust design known as an EDFA-amplified structure, thus enhancing performance further.

Bill Gartner, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Optical Systems and Optics at Cisco, expressed enthusiasm about the trial results, emphasizing the redefining performance and efficiency capabilities of Cisco's next-generation optical systems across vast distances. The live operational setting of the field trial provides compelling evidence of the technology's real-world applicability and performance reliability.

Future Directions for Internet2

With the deployment of coherent pluggable optics commencing in 2023, Internet2's strategic commitment to refining its network capacity, efficiency, and scalability is clearly illustrated through this trial. Presently, 24 of its 400 Gbps backbone links utilize Cisco's coherent optics, marking over 20% integration of this advanced technology across its network.

The future of Internet2 continues to focus on sustainable infrastructure while accommodating rising demand for high-speed connectivity. The ambition of sustaining efficiency improvements further complicates this objective yet remains a priority. The interoperability of this multi-vendor platform facilitates seamless integration and consistent performance throughout the research and education network ecosystem.

As Internet2 anticipates the next phase of its network evolution, it aims to optimize routing capabilities, enhance network transparency, and bolster automation while supporting the varied needs of national and global research. This collaborative venture lays a robust foundation for future-ready optical and packet infrastructures, propelling the evolution of networking in the research and education domains.

About Internet2

Founded by the nation’s leading higher education institutions in 1996, Internet2® is a longstanding nonprofit, member-driven technology community. It caters to 337 U.S. universities, 58 government entities, and numerous regional and state education networks. By offering a diverse technology solution portfolio, Internet2 bolsters the educational, research, and community service missions of its members. For more insights and updates, visit Internet2's official site.