The High-Availability Business: How a Simpler Network Can Meet the Demands of Business-Critical Applications (pdf)
Emerging applications like VoIP, video, Web services, and data replication are placing unprecedented performance demands on enterprise MANs/WANs. Quick time-to-market for new applications has become critical to success. How can enterprises meet these requirements and still keep networking costs under control?
Emerging applications like VoIP, video, Web services, and data replication are placing unprecedented performance demands on enterprise MANs/WANs. Quick time-to-market for new applications has become critical to success. How can enterprises meet these requirements and still keep networking costs under control?
The Intelligent Path to a Service-Enabling Infrastructure (pdf)
The rise in bandwidth demand represents an era of major change in the ways residential and business services are used, sold, and supported on the network. To truly address the financial and technological imperatives of a network operator’s business, a more customizable and optimized approach to switching is required—one that provides a degree of hardware and software modularity and reconfigurability not found in today’s solutions. This new switching flexibility, made possible with a reconfigurable approach, will allow network operators to achieve a service-enabling switching infrastructure that can help drive top-line revenues, decrease costs, and ultimately differentiate offered services to achieve a sustainable competitive advantage.
The rise in bandwidth demand represents an era of major change in the ways residential and business services are used, sold, and supported on the network. To truly address the financial and technological imperatives of a network operator’s business, a more customizable and optimized approach to switching is required—one that provides a degree of hardware and software modularity and reconfigurability not found in today’s solutions. This new switching flexibility, made possible with a reconfigurable approach, will allow network operators to achieve a service-enabling switching infrastructure that can help drive top-line revenues, decrease costs, and ultimately differentiate offered services to achieve a sustainable competitive advantage.
The Value of OTN for Network Convergence and IP/Ethernet Migration (pdf)
Today, network operaters are forced to converge their networks in order to reduce OPEX and also to eliminate unnecessary additional CAPEX on multiple parallel networks. Ciena's CN 4200 OTN implementation maps all services into a common set of wavelengths—simplifying everything from monitoring and deployment to sparing and capacity management.
Today, network operaters are forced to converge their networks in order to reduce OPEX and also to eliminate unnecessary additional CAPEX on multiple parallel networks. Ciena's CN 4200 OTN implementation maps all services into a common set of wavelengths—simplifying everything from monitoring and deployment to sparing and capacity management.
The Road to 100G Networking (pdf)
Carriers are challenged by bandwidth constraints while attempting to accommodate demands for high-speed services. The aggregation of 10GbE on IP routers, coupled with fiber plant exhaust, necessitates 100 Gb/s ports on DWDM equipment and 100GbE ports for switch-to-switch interconnection. This white paper explains how Ciena leads the development of timely, technically innovative 100 Gb/s solutions that operate over existing 10 Gb/s infrastructures.
Carriers are challenged by bandwidth constraints while attempting to accommodate demands for high-speed services. The aggregation of 10GbE on IP routers, coupled with fiber plant exhaust, necessitates 100 Gb/s ports on DWDM equipment and 100GbE ports for switch-to-switch interconnection. This white paper explains how Ciena leads the development of timely, technically innovative 100 Gb/s solutions that operate over existing 10 Gb/s infrastructures.
Scaling and Adapting to Ongoing Innovation with Ciena's FlexSelect Architecture (pdf)
Gaining the flexibility to grow new services, change architectures on demand, and scale to high speeds requires a forward-looking, cost-effective approach. Ciena’s FlexSelect™ Architecture addresses these needs by helping network equipment continually adapt to the changing landscape with flexibility, manageability, and assured operations without continual forklift upgrades.
Gaining the flexibility to grow new services, change architectures on demand, and scale to high speeds requires a forward-looking, cost-effective approach. Ciena’s FlexSelect™ Architecture addresses these needs by helping network equipment continually adapt to the changing landscape with flexibility, manageability, and assured operations without continual forklift upgrades.
Intelligent Optical Control Plane Architectures (pdf)
Intelligent optical control plane technology offers many capabilities and benefits that can lower costs dramatically, improve network reliability and increase customer satisfaction. The CoreDirector® FS—by virtue of its field-proven hardware and software—is the industry’s most advanced multiservice optical switch, positioning Ciena as the leader in optical control plane technology. This white paper examines optical control plane strategy, interoperability success and networking dividends delivered by CoreDirector FS intelligent networks.
Intelligent optical control plane technology offers many capabilities and benefits that can lower costs dramatically, improve network reliability and increase customer satisfaction. The CoreDirector® FS—by virtue of its field-proven hardware and software—is the industry’s most advanced multiservice optical switch, positioning Ciena as the leader in optical control plane technology. This white paper examines optical control plane strategy, interoperability success and networking dividends delivered by CoreDirector FS intelligent networks.
Preparing for the Inevitable (pdf)
While no one likes to talk about disasters, they happen. And when they do, unprepared businesses and governments fail to function—unless they have a plan in place. This paper outlines key steps and information to consider when building a disaster recovery plan that prepares infrastructure to withstand failures and outages.
While no one likes to talk about disasters, they happen. And when they do, unprepared businesses and governments fail to function—unless they have a plan in place. This paper outlines key steps and information to consider when building a disaster recovery plan that prepares infrastructure to withstand failures and outages.
Provider Backbone Bridging – Traffic Engineering of Carrier Ethernet Services (pdf)
Due to its ubiquity and ease of use, Ethernet, in the form of PBB-TE, is positioned to capitalize on the sizeable opportunity of delivering and transporting Carrier Ethernet services.
Due to its ubiquity and ease of use, Ethernet, in the form of PBB-TE, is positioned to capitalize on the sizeable opportunity of delivering and transporting Carrier Ethernet services.
Survivable Optical Networks with foreword by Ovum RHK (pdf)
Globalization and natural disasters have combined to rejuvenate interest in global communications networks, particularly the undersea networks interconnecting with their terrestrial counterparts. As these networks grow and customer needs evolve, mesh protection of undersea links is emerging as an important trend at the optical network layer as operators look to control costs while improving network resiliency.
Globalization and natural disasters have combined to rejuvenate interest in global communications networks, particularly the undersea networks interconnecting with their terrestrial counterparts. As these networks grow and customer needs evolve, mesh protection of undersea links is emerging as an important trend at the optical network layer as operators look to control costs while improving network resiliency.
Heavy Reading White Paper: Building the Next-Generation Packet-Optical Switching Network (pdf)
The next phase of SONET/SDH to packet network migration is underway, and optical networks must evolve to meet the challenges. To do this, a renewed focus has been placed on optical switching innovations and a tighter coupling of switching and transport through element integration and a unified control plane. Meanwhile, the network must continue to support legacy SONET/SDH traffic. Also, the network and network elements must have a high degree of modularity so operators can add the features and functions they need, when they need them.
The next phase of SONET/SDH to packet network migration is underway, and optical networks must evolve to meet the challenges. To do this, a renewed focus has been placed on optical switching innovations and a tighter coupling of switching and transport through element integration and a unified control plane. Meanwhile, the network must continue to support legacy SONET/SDH traffic. Also, the network and network elements must have a high degree of modularity so operators can add the features and functions they need, when they need them.
Practical TDM Service Migration to a Converged Ethernet Infrastructure (pdf)
Until businesses and enterprises complete the transition from TDM private lines to ubiquitous Ethernet to support point-to-point, dedicated inter-office voice and data connectivity, there remains a strong TDM market segment for service providers worldwide. This white paper looks at how TDMoP provides a standards-based method for emulating TDM services over a converged packet network in a very scalable, reliable, and cost-effective way.
Until businesses and enterprises complete the transition from TDM private lines to ubiquitous Ethernet to support point-to-point, dedicated inter-office voice and data connectivity, there remains a strong TDM market segment for service providers worldwide. This white paper looks at how TDMoP provides a standards-based method for emulating TDM services over a converged packet network in a very scalable, reliable, and cost-effective way.
Storage Extension Network Solutions: Lower-cost, Higher-Performance Networks (pdf)
Robust, secure, resilient, high-capacity storage networks are business imperatives. The right network solutions must provide reliable, timely, and accurate application-layer replication over a network that cost-effectively delivers high-performance connectivity to fit application requirements. This white paper explores techniques to ensure the availability of storage applications over distances while driving costs down by up to 70 percent.
Robust, secure, resilient, high-capacity storage networks are business imperatives. The right network solutions must provide reliable, timely, and accurate application-layer replication over a network that cost-effectively delivers high-performance connectivity to fit application requirements. This white paper explores techniques to ensure the availability of storage applications over distances while driving costs down by up to 70 percent.
Making the Case for Converged Ethernet Transport (pdf)
This white paper examines the market drivers, key benefits, and main applications for converged Ethernet transport, and provides an overview of the CN 4200 FlexSelect Advanced Services Platform Family—including the new G10/G10X Ethernet service modules, which deliver a cost-effective, high-performance, manageable packet optical networking platform.
This white paper examines the market drivers, key benefits, and main applications for converged Ethernet transport, and provides an overview of the CN 4200 FlexSelect Advanced Services Platform Family—including the new G10/G10X Ethernet service modules, which deliver a cost-effective, high-performance, manageable packet optical networking platform.
4G Wireless Backhaul (pdf)
Wireless carriers are scrambling to keep pace with a growing demand for mobile Internet services, and wireless equipment vendors are developing fourth generation (4G) technologies that can provide IP-based, high-speed broadband services for fixed, nomadic, and mobile users.
Wireless carriers are scrambling to keep pace with a growing demand for mobile Internet services, and wireless equipment vendors are developing fourth generation (4G) technologies that can provide IP-based, high-speed broadband services for fixed, nomadic, and mobile users.
Heavy Reading White Paper: Growing MSO Enterprise Services Revenue in an Economic Downturn (pdf)
MSOs can benefit from today's challenging economic conditions by capturing enterprise market share from legacy telecom players by offering cost-effective, competitively priced, rapidly delivered, and reliably operated and maintained Ethernet services that adapt to changing customer demands.
MSOs can benefit from today's challenging economic conditions by capturing enterprise market share from legacy telecom players by offering cost-effective, competitively priced, rapidly delivered, and reliably operated and maintained Ethernet services that adapt to changing customer demands.
ROADMs in Network Architectures (pdf)
ROADM delivers new flexibility to DWDM networks by enabling dynamic, transparent optical wavelength add/drop functioning, and adds considerable agility and robustness to network architectures—vastly improving service velocity and lowering TCO.
ROADM delivers new flexibility to DWDM networks by enabling dynamic, transparent optical wavelength add/drop functioning, and adds considerable agility and robustness to network architectures—vastly improving service velocity and lowering TCO.
Ethernet and MPLS OAM (pdf)
Ciena’s Carrier Ethernet Service Delivery solution enables service providers to operate, administrate, and maintain any mix of Ethernet and MPLS-based L2 VPNs effectively. By leveraging this unique OAM capability, service providers can protect current revenue and maximize revenue growth, while reducing operational costs.
Ciena’s Carrier Ethernet Service Delivery solution enables service providers to operate, administrate, and maintain any mix of Ethernet and MPLS-based L2 VPNs effectively. By leveraging this unique OAM capability, service providers can protect current revenue and maximize revenue growth, while reducing operational costs.
The Foundation for the Evolution of Enterprise Networks: Ciena's Approach to Optical Networking (pdf)
Based on technology building blocks such as OTN, programmability, intelligent optical control plane, and automated management, Ciena’s enterprise solutions offer the lowest cost for present implementation and long-term operation, and provide the scalability and flexibility to serve as adaptable foundations for years to come.
Based on technology building blocks such as OTN, programmability, intelligent optical control plane, and automated management, Ciena’s enterprise solutions offer the lowest cost for present implementation and long-term operation, and provide the scalability and flexibility to serve as adaptable foundations for years to come.
Analysis and Benefits of Carrier Ethernet in Metro Networks (pdf)
Carrier Ethernet, a new variety of Ethernet, is positioned to dominate emerging business and residential networks. This paper examines the characteristics of Carrier Ethernet in the transport and delivery of a wide range of services and applications, and explores the service’s growth potential in the market.
Carrier Ethernet, a new variety of Ethernet, is positioned to dominate emerging business and residential networks. This paper examines the characteristics of Carrier Ethernet in the transport and delivery of a wide range of services and applications, and explores the service’s growth potential in the market.
The Network as a Programmable Service-Delivery Engine (pdf)
Service providers face the increasing need to capitalize on the paradigm shift occurring in the ways consumers and enterprises perceive and use network services and bandwidth. To remain differentiated and valuable to end-users, providers must transition networks to service-driven and highly programmable infrastructures.
Service providers face the increasing need to capitalize on the paradigm shift occurring in the ways consumers and enterprises perceive and use network services and bandwidth. To remain differentiated and valuable to end-users, providers must transition networks to service-driven and highly programmable infrastructures.
National Health Information Network (pdf)
In April 2004, an executive order called for creating the position of National Health Information Technology Coordinator within the Department of Health and Human Services, with a vision of developing a nationwide interoperable health information technology infrastructure. This paper provides thought leadership in hopes of reducing the time until this vitally important national utility becomes a reality.
In April 2004, an executive order called for creating the position of National Health Information Technology Coordinator within the Department of Health and Human Services, with a vision of developing a nationwide interoperable health information technology infrastructure. This paper provides thought leadership in hopes of reducing the time until this vitally important national utility becomes a reality.
Dark Fiber Tutorial (pdf)
Dark fiber is the name given to fiber optic cables which have been laid in the ground but have yet to be used, or “lit”. There are several key characteristics that determine the equipment required to deliver service over the fiber. It is important to understand these characteristics to see how dark fiber can save you money.
Dark fiber is the name given to fiber optic cables which have been laid in the ground but have yet to be used, or “lit”. There are several key characteristics that determine the equipment required to deliver service over the fiber. It is important to understand these characteristics to see how dark fiber can save you money.
Heavy Reading White Paper: The Need for Service-Driven Networks (pdf)
Network operators around the world are considering transforming into "next-generation telcos" to remain competitive in a drastically changing environment. This new environment presents challenges and opportunities for network operators, as well as a great deal of risk. One thing is for certain: Telecom operators that don't adapt their business models to 21st-century communications are sure to fail.
Network operators around the world are considering transforming into "next-generation telcos" to remain competitive in a drastically changing environment. This new environment presents challenges and opportunities for network operators, as well as a great deal of risk. One thing is for certain: Telecom operators that don't adapt their business models to 21st-century communications are sure to fail.
OTN Outperforms SONET/SDH (pdf)
Cable operators’ Hybrid Fiber-Coax (HFC) plants pass within half a mile of some 80 percent of business locations. Therefore, extending the fiber plant to reach mid-sized to large businesses has never been easier or more rewarding. But what is the best way to aggregate, transport and switch the services for these customers?
Cable operators’ Hybrid Fiber-Coax (HFC) plants pass within half a mile of some 80 percent of business locations. Therefore, extending the fiber plant to reach mid-sized to large businesses has never been easier or more rewarding. But what is the best way to aggregate, transport and switch the services for these customers?
The Foundation for Assured Networks: Ciena's FlexSelect Architecture (pdf)
Ciena platforms form the global backbone network for the U.S. Department of Defense and the backbones of seven of the world’s ten largest service providers. These platforms are integral components for achieving the level of security and reliability necessary to sustain critical operations and the real-time delivery of information.
Ciena platforms form the global backbone network for the U.S. Department of Defense and the backbones of seven of the world’s ten largest service providers. These platforms are integral components for achieving the level of security and reliability necessary to sustain critical operations and the real-time delivery of information.
Beyond Carrier Ethernet: Making Ethernet Performance-Grade (pdf)
Ciena is now committed to making Ethernet suitable for use in service provider transport networks. To achieve this end, solutions need to build upon and go beyond Carrier Ethernet requirements. This whitepaper identifies the challenges associated with taking Ethernet to the WAN and proposes a set of solutions required to make Ethernet performance-grade.
Ciena is now committed to making Ethernet suitable for use in service provider transport networks. To achieve this end, solutions need to build upon and go beyond Carrier Ethernet requirements. This whitepaper identifies the challenges associated with taking Ethernet to the WAN and proposes a set of solutions required to make Ethernet performance-grade.
FlexSelect Architecture: Achieving Profitability and Convergence (pdf)
IP and Ethernet packet services are a growing part of the network traffic load, but service providers must continue to support legacy services. Customers cannot be forced to move to packet-based services before they are ready. It makes financial sense for service providers to extend their existing networks to support packet traffic rather than to overlay them with a new network.
IP and Ethernet packet services are a growing part of the network traffic load, but service providers must continue to support legacy services. Customers cannot be forced to move to packet-based services before they are ready. It makes financial sense for service providers to extend their existing networks to support packet traffic rather than to overlay them with a new network.
Heavy Reading White Paper: Helping MSOs Solve the Commercial Puzzle (pdf)
This white paper examines the commercial telecom services market, exploring the possibilities and challenges for cable operators as they seek to expand beyond their traditional base of residential customers, as well as the opportunities for MSOs to capture particular segments of the enterprise market through targeted network architecture improvements, equipment upgrades, and service rollouts.
This white paper examines the commercial telecom services market, exploring the possibilities and challenges for cable operators as they seek to expand beyond their traditional base of residential customers, as well as the opportunities for MSOs to capture particular segments of the enterprise market through targeted network architecture improvements, equipment upgrades, and service rollouts.
Optimizing Networks in Transition with Multiservice Pseudowires (pdf)
This white paper provides an overview of pseudowire technology and examines multiservice pseudowire benefits and deployment scenarios in key applications, such as broadband Triple Play, business data services and 2G/3G wireless backhaul. The paper also discusses technical considerations and requirements when constructing networks to enable pseudowire-based service convergence, such as reliability, Operations, Administration and Maintenance (OAM), scalability, interoperability and multiservice support.
This white paper provides an overview of pseudowire technology and examines multiservice pseudowire benefits and deployment scenarios in key applications, such as broadband Triple Play, business data services and 2G/3G wireless backhaul. The paper also discusses technical considerations and requirements when constructing networks to enable pseudowire-based service convergence, such as reliability, Operations, Administration and Maintenance (OAM), scalability, interoperability and multiservice support.
Yankee Group White Paper: Adaptive Network Architectures are Critical to Government IT Evolution (pdf)
Shifts in the way government agencies operate and communicate are having a seismic impact on IT systems and network architectures across federal agencies. This report identifies the drivers of network transformation and the requirements of next-generation networks, and provides quantifiable guidance to government agencies weighing carrier versus private optical networking options.
Shifts in the way government agencies operate and communicate are having a seismic impact on IT systems and network architectures across federal agencies. This report identifies the drivers of network transformation and the requirements of next-generation networks, and provides quantifiable guidance to government agencies weighing carrier versus private optical networking options.
IDC White Paper: Making the Case for Next-Generation Transport Networks (pdf)
Convergence is a popular buzzword in industry discussions today. New technologies that were not available a few years ago are enabling convergence in new ways. Clearly, convergence of networks and various network elements saves money on equipment for NSPs, and, thus, contributes to cost reductions. However, NSPs must converge their networks with their customers, and the future demands of their network, in mind. And it’s important to note that converged solutions can support legacy services as well as new services and offer a migration path to the all-packet architecture of the future.
Convergence is a popular buzzword in industry discussions today. New technologies that were not available a few years ago are enabling convergence in new ways. Clearly, convergence of networks and various network elements saves money on equipment for NSPs, and, thus, contributes to cost reductions. However, NSPs must converge their networks with their customers, and the future demands of their network, in mind. And it’s important to note that converged solutions can support legacy services as well as new services and offer a migration path to the all-packet architecture of the future.
The High-Availability Agency (pdf)
Emerging applications like VoIP, video, Web services, and data replication are placing unprecedented performance demands on agency networks. Optical networking allows agencies to simplify networks and reduce costs while dramatically increasing performance and availability.
Emerging applications like VoIP, video, Web services, and data replication are placing unprecedented performance demands on agency networks. Optical networking allows agencies to simplify networks and reduce costs while dramatically increasing performance and availability.
CWDM Technology and Applications (pdf)
Service providers are showing a renewed interest in deploying Coarse Wavelength Division Multiplexing (CWDM)-based systems for a variety of applications. This paper highlights the important aspects of CWDM technology, the origin of its cost savings, the emerging standards, and some of the more popular applications causing the resurgence in interest.
Service providers are showing a renewed interest in deploying Coarse Wavelength Division Multiplexing (CWDM)-based systems for a variety of applications. This paper highlights the important aspects of CWDM technology, the origin of its cost savings, the emerging standards, and some of the more popular applications causing the resurgence in interest.
The Business Case for a Simplified Architecture for Ethernet Transport (pdf)
This whitepaper presents a business case comparing the use of Ciena’s FlexSelect Architecture for the aggregation, transport and switching of a range of services versus a router-centric design promoted by other vendors. The advantages are compelling: Deploying Ciena’s FlexSelect Architecture solution results in 22 percent lower CAPEX and 46 percent lower OPEX for a five-year TCO that’s 36 percent less than router-centric solutions.
This whitepaper presents a business case comparing the use of Ciena’s FlexSelect Architecture for the aggregation, transport and switching of a range of services versus a router-centric design promoted by other vendors. The advantages are compelling: Deploying Ciena’s FlexSelect Architecture solution results in 22 percent lower CAPEX and 46 percent lower OPEX for a five-year TCO that’s 36 percent less than router-centric solutions.
OTN: Delivering Assured, Flexible Transport Topology for Enterprise Networks (pdf)
OTN is the ideal standard on which to deploy a large variety of networks and protocols, including legacy TDM connectivity, enterprise LAN and storage protocol traffic, and special video or machine protocols. With OTN, emerging services such as Ethernet and virtually any storage and data center protocol can be transported transparently and simultaneously over a converged network.
OTN is the ideal standard on which to deploy a large variety of networks and protocols, including legacy TDM connectivity, enterprise LAN and storage protocol traffic, and special video or machine protocols. With OTN, emerging services such as Ethernet and virtually any storage and data center protocol can be transported transparently and simultaneously over a converged network.
Cost-Effective, High-Quality, Differentiated Service Bundles Evolve ISPs (pdf)
Traditional ISP roles are changing. As basic Internet access becomes commoditized and margins decrease, ISPs must consider building and controlling their own metro and regional transport network infrastructures to offer higher value-add services. An Ethernet-based approach to these networks enables cost-effective, on-demand bandwidth delivery to meet the needs of the end customer while enhancing overall quality.
Traditional ISP roles are changing. As basic Internet access becomes commoditized and margins decrease, ISPs must consider building and controlling their own metro and regional transport network infrastructures to offer higher value-add services. An Ethernet-based approach to these networks enables cost-effective, on-demand bandwidth delivery to meet the needs of the end customer while enhancing overall quality.
High-Performance Ethernet Solutions for Service Providers (pdf)
To be an economical convergence catalyst in the WAN, Ethernet must be deployed in a way that addresses issues comprehensively and allows for Ethernet-optimized packet transport infrastructures. As the primary transport for all next-generation services, performance-grade and low-cost Ethernet solutions are critical for success. Standards bodies, customers and equipment manufacturers agree that high-performance Ethernet is now a requirement for next-generation networks.
To be an economical convergence catalyst in the WAN, Ethernet must be deployed in a way that addresses issues comprehensively and allows for Ethernet-optimized packet transport infrastructures. As the primary transport for all next-generation services, performance-grade and low-cost Ethernet solutions are critical for success. Standards bodies, customers and equipment manufacturers agree that high-performance Ethernet is now a requirement for next-generation networks.
Intelligent Optical Switching and Dynamic Lightpath Provisioning for Research Networks (pdf)
This paper introduces Ciena’s CoreDirector® Multiservice Switch—an intelligent optical switch—and provides a functional overview of the value provided within next-generation network architecture.
This paper introduces Ciena’s CoreDirector® Multiservice Switch—an intelligent optical switch—and provides a functional overview of the value provided within next-generation network architecture.
NETWORK WORLD White Paper: Corporate Networks in Transition (pdf)
The enterprise WAN is transitioning away from being merely a cost to be minimized, to a business asset that helps even the largest multi-site enterprises leverage agile IT for strategic advantage. To successfully transition the WAN to support business initiatives, IT organizations need to develop a strategic plan that incorporates optical networking.
The enterprise WAN is transitioning away from being merely a cost to be minimized, to a business asset that helps even the largest multi-site enterprises leverage agile IT for strategic advantage. To successfully transition the WAN to support business initiatives, IT organizations need to develop a strategic plan that incorporates optical networking.
NETWORK WORLD White Paper: The Adaptive WAN (pdf)
A Wide Area Network (WAN) brings indisputable business value to organizations of all types. Through use of the WAN, an organization can instantaneously communicate between all of its locations and a wide variety of customers, suppliers and distributors. This special report explores some of the key business and technology trends driving and enabling the evolution of enterprise WANs. This paper also details how enterprise WANs must become adaptive to support these business and technology trends.
A Wide Area Network (WAN) brings indisputable business value to organizations of all types. Through use of the WAN, an organization can instantaneously communicate between all of its locations and a wide variety of customers, suppliers and distributors. This special report explores some of the key business and technology trends driving and enabling the evolution of enterprise WANs. This paper also details how enterprise WANs must become adaptive to support these business and technology trends.
Ovum RHK White Paper: OTN Emerges as a Must Have (pdf)
OTN, the Optical Transport Network, dates back to 1998, but is only now hitting its stride as a requirement for next-generation optical network elements. OTN was one of many promising optical technologies whose rollout was delayed by post-bubble investment declines. As network operators have begun spending again, and as service bandwidths and transport pipes are getting larger, OTN has reemerged as a “must have” technology, but not for the lofty reasons many often cite.
OTN, the Optical Transport Network, dates back to 1998, but is only now hitting its stride as a requirement for next-generation optical network elements. OTN was one of many promising optical technologies whose rollout was delayed by post-bubble investment declines. As network operators have begun spending again, and as service bandwidths and transport pipes are getting larger, OTN has reemerged as a “must have” technology, but not for the lofty reasons many often cite.
Infonetics Research White Paper: ROADM Evolves...Should You Be Paying Attention? (pdf)
ROADM technologies and ROADM-enabled Wavelength Division Multiplexing (WDM) systems have come a long way, and are on the verge of becoming commonplace in the networks of service providers around the world. ROADMs are here to stay as an integral part of WDM networks, since they reduce the costs of networks and open the opportunity for service providers to build a versatile, agile, easily-manageable optical transport layer.
ROADM technologies and ROADM-enabled Wavelength Division Multiplexing (WDM) systems have come a long way, and are on the verge of becoming commonplace in the networks of service providers around the world. ROADMs are here to stay as an integral part of WDM networks, since they reduce the costs of networks and open the opportunity for service providers to build a versatile, agile, easily-manageable optical transport layer.
Adaptive WAN for Finance: No Risk Networks (pdf)
In the digital age, financial firms absolutely require high-performance networks. The most astute financial companies employ carrier-grade networks that handle growing volumes of mission-critical traffic and time-sensitive applications over any distance. These institutions need to meet increasingly stiff networking and storage requirements to ensure business continuity and disaster recovery. Ciena has developed the Adaptive WAN, an architecture that meets financial firms’ performance, reliability, flexibility and transparency needs at the lowest possible cost. Many financial industry giants have turned to Ciena to gain the degree of control and security they need to run a rock-solid network with up to six 9's of availability. Take a closer look to discover all the advantages.
In the digital age, financial firms absolutely require high-performance networks. The most astute financial companies employ carrier-grade networks that handle growing volumes of mission-critical traffic and time-sensitive applications over any distance. These institutions need to meet increasingly stiff networking and storage requirements to ensure business continuity and disaster recovery. Ciena has developed the Adaptive WAN, an architecture that meets financial firms’ performance, reliability, flexibility and transparency needs at the lowest possible cost. Many financial industry giants have turned to Ciena to gain the degree of control and security they need to run a rock-solid network with up to six 9's of availability. Take a closer look to discover all the advantages.
Evolving Enterprise WANs with Ethernet Service Interworking (pdf)
The continued appeal of Frame Relay (FR) and ATM coupled with the growing attractiveness of Ethernet as a network service has resulted in end user demand for heterogeneous WANs that support a mix of these technologies. Network service providers can capitalize on this demand by supporting service interworking across FR, ATM and Ethernet. Ciena’s DN 7000 Series is an extremely cost-effective, feature-rich, and reliable solution to address carrier-grade service interworking requirements. This paper substantiates the business case for service interworking functionality, explains switching equipment requirements for service interworking and provides a "Service Interworking Technical Primer."
The continued appeal of Frame Relay (FR) and ATM coupled with the growing attractiveness of Ethernet as a network service has resulted in end user demand for heterogeneous WANs that support a mix of these technologies. Network service providers can capitalize on this demand by supporting service interworking across FR, ATM and Ethernet. Ciena’s DN 7000 Series is an extremely cost-effective, feature-rich, and reliable solution to address carrier-grade service interworking requirements. This paper substantiates the business case for service interworking functionality, explains switching equipment requirements for service interworking and provides a "Service Interworking Technical Primer."
WAN Optimization for Enterprise Applications (pdf)
Emerging applications are driving new network performance requirements on enterprise and government networks. Trends, like Business Continuance (BC)/Disaster Recovery (DR) compliance requirements, and the emergence of web services and software oriented architectures in multi-location enterprises, are poised to power the demand for bandwidth-intensive solutions. Ciena provides industry leading flexible, intelligent network platforms and expertise to help you address these challenges. This paper illustrates how Ciena can assist you in forming Adaptive WANs to meet your IT challenges.
Emerging applications are driving new network performance requirements on enterprise and government networks. Trends, like Business Continuance (BC)/Disaster Recovery (DR) compliance requirements, and the emergence of web services and software oriented architectures in multi-location enterprises, are poised to power the demand for bandwidth-intensive solutions. Ciena provides industry leading flexible, intelligent network platforms and expertise to help you address these challenges. This paper illustrates how Ciena can assist you in forming Adaptive WANs to meet your IT challenges.
CN 4200: A Business Case Supporting Flexible and Scalable Convergence (pdf)
With the release of the CN 4200, Ciena has introduced a fresh alternative for cable MSOs seeking converged transport solutions based on DWDM to grow bandwidth capacity and lower operational expense. This whitepaper presents a business case comparing the market leader for Traditional Metro DWDM, the market leader for SONET MSTP with integrated ROADM, and the CN 4200 in addressing the needs of a representative cable metro network. This business case clearly demonstrates that in building a future-proof transport network, the CN 4200 offers optimal cost efficiency, unprecedented flexibility, unsurpassed service management and the most efficient use of fiber available in the industry. Also illustrated, is how the CN 4200 solution provides a 49-58% Capital Expense (CAPEX) savings versus the SONET MSTP plus ROADM solution and a 48-53% CAPEX savings versus the Traditional Metro DWDM solution over the course of a three year period (based on list prices).
With the release of the CN 4200, Ciena has introduced a fresh alternative for cable MSOs seeking converged transport solutions based on DWDM to grow bandwidth capacity and lower operational expense. This whitepaper presents a business case comparing the market leader for Traditional Metro DWDM, the market leader for SONET MSTP with integrated ROADM, and the CN 4200 in addressing the needs of a representative cable metro network. This business case clearly demonstrates that in building a future-proof transport network, the CN 4200 offers optimal cost efficiency, unprecedented flexibility, unsurpassed service management and the most efficient use of fiber available in the industry. Also illustrated, is how the CN 4200 solution provides a 49-58% Capital Expense (CAPEX) savings versus the SONET MSTP plus ROADM solution and a 48-53% CAPEX savings versus the Traditional Metro DWDM solution over the course of a three year period (based on list prices).
Adaptive WAN: Enabling Web Services, Networked Remote Storage and Grid Computing (pdf)
Three tremors on the IT landscape (Web Services, Networked Remote Storage and Grid Computing) are triggering an exponential growth in inter-site traffic. Organizations will need to react proactively by moving from multiple dedicated single-application networks to a more flexible, adaptable network architecture—an Adaptive WAN. This paper looks at how Web Services, Networked Remote Storage and Grid Computing are driving the need for Adaptive WANs. The paper explains how Ciena’s Adaptive WAN approach provides enterprises a simpler lower cost means to reliably extend their current and developing mission critical applications between sites, over both copper and optical lines. Various scenarios are examined.
Three tremors on the IT landscape (Web Services, Networked Remote Storage and Grid Computing) are triggering an exponential growth in inter-site traffic. Organizations will need to react proactively by moving from multiple dedicated single-application networks to a more flexible, adaptable network architecture—an Adaptive WAN. This paper looks at how Web Services, Networked Remote Storage and Grid Computing are driving the need for Adaptive WANs. The paper explains how Ciena’s Adaptive WAN approach provides enterprises a simpler lower cost means to reliably extend their current and developing mission critical applications between sites, over both copper and optical lines. Various scenarios are examined.
Carrier-Grade Requirements for Cable Networks (pdf)
For years, cable operators have built multiple networks to satisfy separate customer applications. From video broadcast to Internet access, to Video On Demand (VOD), these separate network infrastructures were built at the lowest up front capital cost and with the minimum reliability to meet individual application requirements. But this approach is no longer acceptable. The migration to digital infrastructure that will support multiple services is almost complete, and competitive pressures from Direct Broadcast Satellite (DBS) providers and telcos, as well as customer demand for higher reliability and better performance, are forcing operators to rethink their metro area networks. The result: operators are at a crossroads.
For years, cable operators have built multiple networks to satisfy separate customer applications. From video broadcast to Internet access, to Video On Demand (VOD), these separate network infrastructures were built at the lowest up front capital cost and with the minimum reliability to meet individual application requirements. But this approach is no longer acceptable. The migration to digital infrastructure that will support multiple services is almost complete, and competitive pressures from Direct Broadcast Satellite (DBS) providers and telcos, as well as customer demand for higher reliability and better performance, are forcing operators to rethink their metro area networks. The result: operators are at a crossroads.
Protection Schemes for Metropolitan Optical Networks (pdf)
This paper outlines two different protection schemes designed for optical networks: Optical Unidirectional Path Switched Rings (O-UPSR), also called Optical Dedicated Protection Rings, and Optical Bidirectional Line Switched Rings (O-BLSR), also called Optical Shared Protection Rings. These two protection schemes have different effects on critical network functionality, such as wavelength utilization and total system capacity, and service providers must make informed decisions about which scheme is best suited to the specific needs of their networks. Outlined in this paper are the different technical operations and requirements of each scheme, as well as their benefits.
This paper outlines two different protection schemes designed for optical networks: Optical Unidirectional Path Switched Rings (O-UPSR), also called Optical Dedicated Protection Rings, and Optical Bidirectional Line Switched Rings (O-BLSR), also called Optical Shared Protection Rings. These two protection schemes have different effects on critical network functionality, such as wavelength utilization and total system capacity, and service providers must make informed decisions about which scheme is best suited to the specific needs of their networks. Outlined in this paper are the different technical operations and requirements of each scheme, as well as their benefits.
Adaptive WANs for Enterprise and Government (pdf)
Web Services, Remote Storage Replication and Grid Computing, individually and collectively, are triggering exponential growth in inter-site traffic. If organizations react to this growth as they have in the past—adding bandwidth incrementally and prioritizing high priority traffic during peak traffic periods—organizations will find their applications increasingly struggling and competing for congested WAN resources. Their investments in IT hardware and software will not realize the expected benefits. Adaptive WANs are critical for multiple site organizations with timesensitive applications. They enable organizations to place their IT assets anywhere—including their storage assets. Ciena’s Adaptive WAN solution is field-proven in the most demanding production networks today—carrying mission-critical traffic with a full variety of bandwidth services.
Web Services, Remote Storage Replication and Grid Computing, individually and collectively, are triggering exponential growth in inter-site traffic. If organizations react to this growth as they have in the past—adding bandwidth incrementally and prioritizing high priority traffic during peak traffic periods—organizations will find their applications increasingly struggling and competing for congested WAN resources. Their investments in IT hardware and software will not realize the expected benefits. Adaptive WANs are critical for multiple site organizations with timesensitive applications. They enable organizations to place their IT assets anywhere—including their storage assets. Ciena’s Adaptive WAN solution is field-proven in the most demanding production networks today—carrying mission-critical traffic with a full variety of bandwidth services.
Web Services: What it Will Mean to Your Wide Area Network (pdf)
Web Services based on Service-Oriented Architecture (SOA) is a software technology that is fundamentally changing applications development. Recent surveys indicate that within a year up to 90% of all enterprises will deploy applications based on web services. Additionally, almost two-thirds of all enterprises will employ Web Services in a significant way. The Web Services revolution is coming. What does this imply for networks?
Web Services based on Service-Oriented Architecture (SOA) is a software technology that is fundamentally changing applications development. Recent surveys indicate that within a year up to 90% of all enterprises will deploy applications based on web services. Additionally, almost two-thirds of all enterprises will employ Web Services in a significant way. The Web Services revolution is coming. What does this imply for networks?
