With the rise of AI technologies, the dynamics of network traffic within data centers are evolving. A surge in east-west network traffic is driving unprecedented growth in bandwidth demand for data center interconnects (DCIs). In parallel, telecom service providers face mounting pressure to upgrade their metro networks to accommodate higher speeds and greater bandwidth capacity in point-to-point or multipoint to multipoint scenarios. Amid these shifts, operators are seeking cost-effective, efficient, and straightforward solutions. This is where Internet Protocol over Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing (IP over DWDM or IPoDWDM) come into play – a transformative technology set to redefine network architecture.

Data Source: LightCounting Optical Components Market Forecast Oct 2024 (authorized to use by LightCounting)

What is IP Over DWDM?

IP over DWDM seamlessly integrates IP routers or switches in data centers into Optical Transport Networks (OTN) using pluggable DWDM transceiver modules. This integration eliminates the need for intermediary transponders and grey interfaces between routers and DWDM line systems, paving the way for simplified and streamlined networks. Leveraging advanced pluggable transceivers like 400G ZR/ZR+ or 100G ZR digital coherent optics (DCO), IP over DWDM delivers robust performance across diverse applications.

IP over DWDM Architecture in Point-to-Point Scenario

IP over DWDM Architecture in Multi-Point to Multi-Point Scenario

The IP over DWDM architecture above is perfectly applicable to the 100G ZR DCO should the customer if the customer decides to use it. While IP over DWDM is not a new concept, the advancements in technology with the introduction of 400G ZR/ZR+ and 100G ZR DCO have revitalized its potential, creating new use cases and offering cost-effective options for network operators.

Key Benefits of IP Over DWDM

1. Cost Savings: By removing transponders and additional OTN equipment, IPoDWDM reduces power consumption, footprint, and capital expenditures (CapEx).
2. Scalability: Designed to adapt to growing network demands, IP over DWDM ensures future-proof deployments.
3. Network Optimization: Simplified architectures reduce points of failure, enhancing reliability and operational efficiency.

Unified Solutions: Merging High-Speed Transceivers and Passives

For operators seeking a turnkey solution, IP over DWDM unified solutions offer an optimized combination of high-speed coherent optical transceivers and passive DWDM multiplexer/demultiplexer (mux/demux). These solutions integrate:

• 100G ZR DCO or 400G ZR/ZR+ coherent DWDM tunable transceivers, and
• Corresponding passive DWDM multiplexer/demultiplexer.

This pairing allows operators to build time and cost-efficient IP over DWDM networks for DCIs and metro applications. Supporting distances up to 80 km without external amplification or chromatic dispersion compensation, these solutions are well suited for most DCI and metro network deployments, where distances typically fall under 40 km.

Advantages of IP over DWDM Unified Solutions

1. Cost Efficiency: Eliminate a layer of optical transport equipment, reducing both CapEx and OpEx.
2. Enhanced Bandwidth: Multiply bandwidth capacity without costly new fiber installations, with the use of passive DWDM mux/demux.
3. Flexibility: Choose from DWDM tunable optics ranging from 100G to 400G to meet diverse customer requirements.
4. Proven Reliability: Approved Networks’ Engineering Labs is equipped with over 100+ switches, routers, and server platforms to provide comprehensive interoperability unified solutions.
5. Optimal Use of Existing Infrastructure: Leverage existing fiber assets to add multiple channels without additional electrical power requirements from the passive mux/demux.

Approved Networks’ Unified Solutions for IP over DWDM

The concept and architecture of IP over DWDM can certainly be utilized for data rates lower than the 100G ZR DCO shown in the chart above and used in different use cases in metro areas, campus, wireless and building to building. Approved Networks has helped customers achieve significant success in their diverse networks by implementing 10G ZR DWDM Tunable technology alongside passive mux/demux.

A Closer Look: 400G ZR+ powered IP over DWDM Use Case

To further demonstrate the advantages of IP over DWDM technology, I conducted an in-depth case study using Approved Networks' 400G ZR+ 0dBm and passive DWDM mux/demux. In this study, I compared the costs associated with implementing IP over DWDM versus the traditional OTN approach.

The 400G ZR+ 0dBm enabled IP over DWDM use case demonstrates the potential of unified solutions to revolutionize metro networks and DCIs. Using 400G ZR+ transceivers and passive mux/demux, this configuration achieves:

• Increased Bandwidth: Up to 3.2 Tb/s over 80 km unamplified using just two single-mode fibers.
• Cost Savings: Customers can save up to 75% compared to leading OEM muxponder solutions.
• Simplified Network Configuration: By eliminating the transport layer, operators can streamline operations and reduce complexity.

Conclusion

Approved Networks IP over DWDM unified solutions deliver a future-ready approach to addressing the surging demand for bandwidth in AI-driven data centers and metro networks. With reduced costs, enhanced scalability, and optimized network performance, this technology provides telecom operators and data center managers with the tools they need to thrive in a bandwidth-intensive landscape. As the industry evolves, solutions like these will play a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of network connectivity.

For additional information about the rapid growth of AI, I blogged my reflections about what I learned at the Supercomputing 2024 Conference, particularly reflections on the Acceleration of AI in 2024. Read the full article here.

Contact your Approved Networks representative with any questions or a demo of our IP over DWDM unified solutions. www.approvednetworks.com/contact-us.