| Product Assessment: | Ciena - CoreDirector |
| Report Date: | December 04, 2008 Expected Update: June 2009 |
| Analyst: | Marcheck, Jason |
| Market: | Optical Infrastructure |
| Class: | Optical Switching Compare |
Standard View
Summary
Buying Criteria
Current Perspective
The Ciena CoreDirector is competitive in the optical switching market. The platform’s strengths include its comprehensive protection mechanisms, GMPLS/ASON control plane, and GbE port density. However, the CoreDirector lacks graceful scalability between 160 Gbps and 640 Gbps and provides lagging port density for SONET/SDH interfaces.
In general, the Ciena CoreDirector offers most of what carriers expect from an optical switch. The system provides a 640 Gbps TDM switch fabric with a wide range of optical TDM and Ethernet interfaces. The platform supports a comprehensive selection of features intended to enhance the system reliability including M:N switch redundancy, a selection of network protection schemes, and extensive performance monitoring capabilities. Going beyond the basics, the CoreDirector offers a 20 Gbps Layer 2 Ethernet switch positioning the product to support a wider range of deployment scenarios on a single platform. What’s more, the CoreDirector is one of the few optical switches to support OTN- both in terms of cross connect functionality and OTU2 interface support. While OTN is still gaining momentum, Ciena’s embrace of OTN positions the company as a mindshare leader with respect to this mechanism for handling converging traffic types. Finally, complementing the CoreDirector, Ciena offers the CoreDirector CI, a 160 Gbps optical switch providing a more competitive solution for Tier 2 and Tier 3 central offices and essentially increasing the size of Ciena’s addressable market.
Although Ciena’s CoreDirector is a mature and field-proven optical switching platform, the CoreDirector is limited in its scalability. First, there is a large gap between the CoreDirector CI, which supports 160 Gbps, and the CoreDirector at 640 Gbps, which reduces its attractiveness for deployment outside of large metro offices and the core network. This forces some carriers to buy more capacity than they need up front. In addition, given its large footprint, the CoreDirector lags the market in terms of SONET/SDH port density. Low port density results in the need to deploy more equipment, with a resulting higher price tag, to carry the same amount of traffic as more dense products. Also significant is the fact that the CoreDirector uses Ciena’s proprietary Optical Signaling and Routing Protocol for path selection, rather than supporting the standards-based Open Shortest Path First (OSPF) protocol. Use of proprietary—rather than standard—protocols restricts the CoreDirector’s ability to interoperate with other equipment and increases carrier training requirements, which drives up the platform’s total cost of ownership.
In general, the Ciena CoreDirector offers most of what carriers expect from an optical switch. The system provides a 640 Gbps TDM switch fabric with a wide range of optical TDM and Ethernet interfaces. The platform supports a comprehensive selection of features intended to enhance the system reliability including M:N switch redundancy, a selection of network protection schemes, and extensive performance monitoring capabilities. Going beyond the basics, the CoreDirector offers a 20 Gbps Layer 2 Ethernet switch positioning the product to support a wider range of deployment scenarios on a single platform. What’s more, the CoreDirector is one of the few optical switches to support OTN- both in terms of cross connect functionality and OTU2 interface support. While OTN is still gaining momentum, Ciena’s embrace of OTN positions the company as a mindshare leader with respect to this mechanism for handling converging traffic types. Finally, complementing the CoreDirector, Ciena offers the CoreDirector CI, a 160 Gbps optical switch providing a more competitive solution for Tier 2 and Tier 3 central offices and essentially increasing the size of Ciena’s addressable market.
Although Ciena’s CoreDirector is a mature and field-proven optical switching platform, the CoreDirector is limited in its scalability. First, there is a large gap between the CoreDirector CI, which supports 160 Gbps, and the CoreDirector at 640 Gbps, which reduces its attractiveness for deployment outside of large metro offices and the core network. This forces some carriers to buy more capacity than they need up front. In addition, given its large footprint, the CoreDirector lags the market in terms of SONET/SDH port density. Low port density results in the need to deploy more equipment, with a resulting higher price tag, to carry the same amount of traffic as more dense products. Also significant is the fact that the CoreDirector uses Ciena’s proprietary Optical Signaling and Routing Protocol for path selection, rather than supporting the standards-based Open Shortest Path First (OSPF) protocol. Use of proprietary—rather than standard—protocols restricts the CoreDirector’s ability to interoperate with other equipment and increases carrier training requirements, which drives up the platform’s total cost of ownership.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths• Ciena’s ESLM (Ethernet Services Line Module) card provides 20 Gbps of Layer 2 Ethernet switching to the CoreDirector. As Ethernet service adoption ramps up, this functionality positions the CoreDirector to efficiently support metro service aggregation and switching. In addition, support for Ethernet switching helps to reduce the number of network elements and enhances a carrier’s ability to provision multiple services on a common platform.
• The CoreDirector packs up to 20 GbE ports per card resulting in very strong GbE port density of 1,819 ports/square meter. As a result, the CoreDirector positions carriers to take advantage of their CapEx investment to support the exploding demand for GbE services.
• The CoreDirector offers M:N switch fabric redundancy, which differentiates Ciena’s solution from competitive offerings with 1:1 switch fabric redundancy. M:N redundancy provides a higher degree of reliability, as it enables the CoreDirector’s switch matrix to tolerate multiple failures before traffic is degraded. In addition, the CoreDirector supports 1:1 redundancy for all other common equipment. Redundancy improves network availability and enables network elements to maintain service levels during failure scenarios. Service continuity, in turn is an important factor in customer satisfaction.
• Support for both O-UNI and E-NNI interfaces and a GMPLS/ASON standards-based control plane gives carriers added flexibility and control over restoration techniques and helps to enable the move toward automated end-to-end service activation and dynamic meshed or hybrid ring/mesh networks. These features help carriers maintain efficient utilization of transport network resources and can lower OpEx by eliminating the need for manual provisioning.
• Ciena recently enhanced the CoreDirector’s OTN capabilities. Specifically, the CoreDirector now supports OTU2 interfaces as well as ODU1/ODU2 cross connects and ODU1/ODU2 ring termination. While OTN is still gaining momentum, Ciena’s embrace of OTN positions the company as a mindshare leader with respect to this mechanism for handling converging traffic types.
• Ciena has a strong installed base, giving it the advantage of incumbency in many carrier networks. Incumbency often leads to follow-on sales opportunities as current customers scale to meet traffic demands. In addition, the experience gained from deployment in various operators’ networks, provides Ciena an inside track to gleaning information about emerging trends and opportunities.
• The CoreDirector packs up to 20 GbE ports per card resulting in very strong GbE port density of 1,819 ports/square meter. As a result, the CoreDirector positions carriers to take advantage of their CapEx investment to support the exploding demand for GbE services.
• The CoreDirector offers M:N switch fabric redundancy, which differentiates Ciena’s solution from competitive offerings with 1:1 switch fabric redundancy. M:N redundancy provides a higher degree of reliability, as it enables the CoreDirector’s switch matrix to tolerate multiple failures before traffic is degraded. In addition, the CoreDirector supports 1:1 redundancy for all other common equipment. Redundancy improves network availability and enables network elements to maintain service levels during failure scenarios. Service continuity, in turn is an important factor in customer satisfaction.
• Support for both O-UNI and E-NNI interfaces and a GMPLS/ASON standards-based control plane gives carriers added flexibility and control over restoration techniques and helps to enable the move toward automated end-to-end service activation and dynamic meshed or hybrid ring/mesh networks. These features help carriers maintain efficient utilization of transport network resources and can lower OpEx by eliminating the need for manual provisioning.
• Ciena recently enhanced the CoreDirector’s OTN capabilities. Specifically, the CoreDirector now supports OTU2 interfaces as well as ODU1/ODU2 cross connects and ODU1/ODU2 ring termination. While OTN is still gaining momentum, Ciena’s embrace of OTN positions the company as a mindshare leader with respect to this mechanism for handling converging traffic types.
• Ciena has a strong installed base, giving it the advantage of incumbency in many carrier networks. Incumbency often leads to follow-on sales opportunities as current customers scale to meet traffic demands. In addition, the experience gained from deployment in various operators’ networks, provides Ciena an inside track to gleaning information about emerging trends and opportunities.
Weaknesses• The CoreDirector is limited in its scalability. First, there is a large gap between the CoreDirector CI, which supports 160 Gbps, and the CoreDirector at 640 Gbps, which reduces its attractiveness for deployment outside of large metro offices and the core network. This forces some carriers to buy more capacity than they need up front. Furthermore, the CoreDirector currently lacks scalability beyond 640 Gbps as a single system, which increases sparing and siting costs for carriers.
• Across the board, the CoreDirector offers relatively low port densities for SONET/SDH signals. Low port density results in the need to deploy more equipment to carry the same amount of traffic as more dense products. The additional equipment comes with a price tag in terms of capital, footprint, and on-going operational expenses.
• The CoreDirector consumes a maximum of 6500 W per system. This lags the power requirements of the market leaders by a considerable margin. Power hungry equipment equates directly to higher than average OpEx – which can negatively influence the buying decisions of any network operator. In addition to increasing OpEx, high power consumption but also runs counter to operators’ burgeoning interest in building environmentally responsible networks.
• Ciena’s proprietary Optical Signaling and Routing Protocol (OSRP) utilizes a constraint-based algorithm for path selection, while competitors such as Cisco and Sycamore use the standards-based Open Shortest Path First (OSPF) protocol. Reliance on a proprietary protocol not only restricts the CoreDirector’s ability to interoperate with other equipment, but also can require specialized training for technicians to operate the equipment. This combination reduces network design flexibility for carriers and raises the total cost of ownership (TCO) of the CoreDirector platform.
• Ciena’s CoreDirector has a relatively large footprint of 0.35 square meters- about twice as large as some competing platforms. A large footprint limits a carrier’s siting options in crowded COs and results in higher siting costs. While not the most critical factor in a buying decision, a switch’s footprint has very practical implications during deployment.
• Across the board, the CoreDirector offers relatively low port densities for SONET/SDH signals. Low port density results in the need to deploy more equipment to carry the same amount of traffic as more dense products. The additional equipment comes with a price tag in terms of capital, footprint, and on-going operational expenses.
• The CoreDirector consumes a maximum of 6500 W per system. This lags the power requirements of the market leaders by a considerable margin. Power hungry equipment equates directly to higher than average OpEx – which can negatively influence the buying decisions of any network operator. In addition to increasing OpEx, high power consumption but also runs counter to operators’ burgeoning interest in building environmentally responsible networks.
• Ciena’s proprietary Optical Signaling and Routing Protocol (OSRP) utilizes a constraint-based algorithm for path selection, while competitors such as Cisco and Sycamore use the standards-based Open Shortest Path First (OSPF) protocol. Reliance on a proprietary protocol not only restricts the CoreDirector’s ability to interoperate with other equipment, but also can require specialized training for technicians to operate the equipment. This combination reduces network design flexibility for carriers and raises the total cost of ownership (TCO) of the CoreDirector platform.
• Ciena’s CoreDirector has a relatively large footprint of 0.35 square meters- about twice as large as some competing platforms. A large footprint limits a carrier’s siting options in crowded COs and results in higher siting costs. While not the most critical factor in a buying decision, a switch’s footprint has very practical implications during deployment.
Point and Counterpoint
Point• Ericsson will point out that the CoreDirector has a space-inefficient footprint. The CoreDirector consumes more than 2 times the usable floor space and is over 250 mm deeper than Ericsson’s OMS 3255. Inefficient space utilization increases siting costs for carriers and restricts their flexibility for mounting systems back-to-back or against a wall.
Counterpoint• Ciena can respond that the CoreDirector’s footprint has not detracted from the market success of the product. Customer wins include large Tier 1 carriers, like AT&T and BT, as well as smaller carriers, including Internet2 and Interoute. While footprint plays a role in product selection process it is by no means the major determining factor. Rather features such as high reliability, comprehensive management and operations tools, and flexible network architecture are higher priority attributes of an optical switch.
Point• Fujitsu can argue that the FLASHWAVE 4500 is a more nimble platform that addresses a wider variety of network applications than the CoreDirector. Specifically, the FW 4500’s ability to scale from an MSPP to a full MSSP using existing equipment. This flexibility gives carriers the option of deploying a system that is appropriate for network needs today but the confidence the system will grow to support increasing demands.
Counterpoint• Ciena can argue that scalability is not the only measurement of flexibility. In particular, Ciena’s FlexiPort line module delivers OTN support for integration with not only its CoreStream and CN 4200 platforms, but also with third-party systems. The CoreDirector’s support for both O-UNI and E-NNI interfaces and a GMPLS/ASON standards-based control plane helps to enable a carrier’s move toward automated end-to-end service activation in multi-vendor networks.
Point• Alcatel-Lucent can tout that its 1678 MCC supports stronger scalability than the CoreDirector. By supporting entry points at 160 Gbps, 320 Gbps, and 640 Gbps, the 1678 MCC provides its customers with a degree of budget-optimizing deployment flexibility that Ciena’s customers do not enjoy. By not providing a cost-competitive entry point at 320 Gbps, the CoreDirector forces some carriers to buy more capacity than they need up front.
Counterpoint• Ciena can respond that the CoreDirector portfolio fills the needs of both low-capacity and high-capacity optical core networks. The CoreDirector CI offers a marketable 160 Gbps entry point for the needs of smaller offices, while the CoreDirector provides the greater scalability to 640 Gbps, which will increasingly be required in metro networks due to the bandwidth demands driven by an increase in triple play deployments.
Buying/Selecting Criteria
Physical Specs and Operations
Switch Fabric
Port Capacities
Interfaces
Features
Operating System
Network Management
Environmental
Miscellaneous
• Footprint: Ciena’s CoreDirector has a relatively large footprint of 0.35 square meters- about twice as large as some competing platforms. A large footprint limits a carrier’s siting options in crowded COs and results in higher siting costs. While not the most critical factor in a buying decision, a switch’s footprint has very practical implications during deployment.
• Power Consumption: The CoreDirector consumes a maximum of 6500 W per system. This lags the power requirements of the market leaders by a considerable margin. Power hungry equipment equates directly to higher than average OpEx – which can negatively impact the buying decisions of any network operator. In addition to increasing OpEx, high power consumption but also runs counter to operators’ burgeoning interest in building environmentally responsible networks.
• System Architecture: The CoreDirector is 640 Gbps OEO switching system consuming one rack with 32 interface slots. Carriers can mix and match the interface cards to meet evolving network demands. Ciena’s CoreDirector family includes the CoreDirector CI, a 160 Gbps system consuming half a rack. This smaller size is more appealing for deployment in Tier 2/Tier 3 networks and smaller regional offices in Tier 1 carrier networks, where capacity requirements are significantly lower than 640 Gbps.
• Network Management: Ciena’s ON-Center Core Switching Manager manages the CoreDirector. This management platform provides full FCAPS support, intelligent control plane support, and TMF-814 interface for integration with third-party NMS. A common management platform simplifies monitoring, trouble shooting and operational complexity as optical networks expand.
• OSS/BSS Interfaces: Ciena’s CoreDirector supports CORBA IDL, TL-1 and TMF-814 interfaces. Support for a broad range of northbound interfaces simplifies network management by allowing the product to communicate with a variety of management systems. As a result, carriers can readily integrate the system into existing monitoring schemes thereby reducing OpEx.
Port Density
• Power Consumption: The CoreDirector consumes a maximum of 6500 W per system. This lags the power requirements of the market leaders by a considerable margin. Power hungry equipment equates directly to higher than average OpEx – which can negatively impact the buying decisions of any network operator. In addition to increasing OpEx, high power consumption but also runs counter to operators’ burgeoning interest in building environmentally responsible networks.
• System Architecture: The CoreDirector is 640 Gbps OEO switching system consuming one rack with 32 interface slots. Carriers can mix and match the interface cards to meet evolving network demands. Ciena’s CoreDirector family includes the CoreDirector CI, a 160 Gbps system consuming half a rack. This smaller size is more appealing for deployment in Tier 2/Tier 3 networks and smaller regional offices in Tier 1 carrier networks, where capacity requirements are significantly lower than 640 Gbps.
• Network Management: Ciena’s ON-Center Core Switching Manager manages the CoreDirector. This management platform provides full FCAPS support, intelligent control plane support, and TMF-814 interface for integration with third-party NMS. A common management platform simplifies monitoring, trouble shooting and operational complexity as optical networks expand.
• OSS/BSS Interfaces: Ciena’s CoreDirector supports CORBA IDL, TL-1 and TMF-814 interfaces. Support for a broad range of northbound interfaces simplifies network management by allowing the product to communicate with a variety of management systems. As a result, carriers can readily integrate the system into existing monitoring schemes thereby reducing OpEx.
• Electrical Port Density: The CoreDirector supports up to 512 STM-1e interfaces per system for a very high density of 1455 ports/square meter. The ability to support a large number of STM-1e ports in a compact footprint positions Ciena’s customers to support significant number of legacy services. However, given the infrequent use of STM-1e interfaces (relative to SONET/SDH and GbE signals), the value of this level of density is rather limited.
• Ethernet Port Density: The CoreDirector packs up to 20 GbE ports per card resulting in very strong GbE port density of 1819 ports/square meter. As a result, the CoreDirector positions carriers to take advantage of their CapEx investment to support the exploding demand for GbE services. However, at just 91 ports/square meter, the CoreDirector lags the market for 10GbE density. This adversely impacts the system’s ability to handle a significant amount of 10GbE traffic within its footprint.
• STM/OC-N Port Density: Across the board, the CoreDirector offers relatively low port densities for SONET/SDH signals. Low port density results in the need to deploy more equipment to carry the same amount of traffic as more dense products. The additional equipment comes with a price tag in terms of capital, footprint, and on-going operational expenses.
Service Functionality
• Ethernet Port Density: The CoreDirector packs up to 20 GbE ports per card resulting in very strong GbE port density of 1819 ports/square meter. As a result, the CoreDirector positions carriers to take advantage of their CapEx investment to support the exploding demand for GbE services. However, at just 91 ports/square meter, the CoreDirector lags the market for 10GbE density. This adversely impacts the system’s ability to handle a significant amount of 10GbE traffic within its footprint.
• STM/OC-N Port Density: Across the board, the CoreDirector offers relatively low port densities for SONET/SDH signals. Low port density results in the need to deploy more equipment to carry the same amount of traffic as more dense products. The additional equipment comes with a price tag in terms of capital, footprint, and on-going operational expenses.
• Electrical Interface Support: While Ciena’s CoreDirector supports STM-1e interfaces, the platform does not support other electrical interfaces., Consequently, Ciena’s customers need to rely on DCS and other subtending equipment to groom and mux electrical signals into an interface supported by the CoreDirector. This adds cost, complexity and increased opportunity for failures to Ciena’s optical switching solution versus competing products that support a range of electrical interfaces.
• Protocol Support: The CoreDirector supports a full range of SONET/SDH interfaces, from OC-3/STM-1 to OC-192/STM-64. In addition, the platform supports GbE and 10GbE. This helps carriers match circuit capacities to traffic demands so they are not forced to over-build networks in anticipation of increased traffic. However, the product does not support 40G today. To be sure, 40G is not widely deployed, but interest is growing. CoreDirector customers are not positioned to address this need when it arises.
• Protocol Support: Ciena recently enhanced the CoreDirector’s OTN capabilities. Specifically, the CoreDirector now supports OTU2 interfaces and ODU1/ODU2 ring termination. While OTN is still gaining momentum, Ciena’s embrace of OTN positions the company as a mindshare leader with respect to this mechanism for handling converging traffic types.
• Grooming Capabilities: While the CoreDirector offers OEO grooming at the STS-1/VC-3 level, it does not support VT-level grooming options offered by some competitors. Support for both DS1-level cross-connect and STS capabilities eliminates the need for ports that transport DS1 traffic between the optical switch and a DCS. Without this functionality, the CoreDirector is unable to offer the same level of inventory reduction and simplified engineering offered by some competing products.
• DWDM Support: The CoreDirector supports up to 64 10G DWDM wavelengths per system. DWDM support simplifies the interconnection of an optical switch with the transport network by eliminating the need for a stand-alone mux/demux adjacent to the switch. This integration decreases footprint, simplifies the network, and eliminates potential points of failure all resulting in OpEx savings.
• Tunable Optics: Ciena cites support for tunable optics on the CoreDirector however, specific implementation details are not provided. Robust tunable optics allow an optical switch to accept a variety of wavelengths by using one part. Consequently, operators don’t have to carry a war chest full of different SFP/XFPs to account for all the incoming signals, which simplifies sparing and decreases OpEx.
Switching Capabilities
• Protocol Support: The CoreDirector supports a full range of SONET/SDH interfaces, from OC-3/STM-1 to OC-192/STM-64. In addition, the platform supports GbE and 10GbE. This helps carriers match circuit capacities to traffic demands so they are not forced to over-build networks in anticipation of increased traffic. However, the product does not support 40G today. To be sure, 40G is not widely deployed, but interest is growing. CoreDirector customers are not positioned to address this need when it arises.
• Protocol Support: Ciena recently enhanced the CoreDirector’s OTN capabilities. Specifically, the CoreDirector now supports OTU2 interfaces and ODU1/ODU2 ring termination. While OTN is still gaining momentum, Ciena’s embrace of OTN positions the company as a mindshare leader with respect to this mechanism for handling converging traffic types.
• Grooming Capabilities: While the CoreDirector offers OEO grooming at the STS-1/VC-3 level, it does not support VT-level grooming options offered by some competitors. Support for both DS1-level cross-connect and STS capabilities eliminates the need for ports that transport DS1 traffic between the optical switch and a DCS. Without this functionality, the CoreDirector is unable to offer the same level of inventory reduction and simplified engineering offered by some competing products.
• DWDM Support: The CoreDirector supports up to 64 10G DWDM wavelengths per system. DWDM support simplifies the interconnection of an optical switch with the transport network by eliminating the need for a stand-alone mux/demux adjacent to the switch. This integration decreases footprint, simplifies the network, and eliminates potential points of failure all resulting in OpEx savings.
• Tunable Optics: Ciena cites support for tunable optics on the CoreDirector however, specific implementation details are not provided. Robust tunable optics allow an optical switch to accept a variety of wavelengths by using one part. Consequently, operators don’t have to carry a war chest full of different SFP/XFPs to account for all the incoming signals, which simplifies sparing and decreases OpEx.
• Switch Capacity: Ciena’s CoreDirector supports 640 Gbps of switching capacity within a standard rack. The system provides adequate total capacity to support the needs of medium to large offices in metro and core networks. While 640 Gbps may meet the switching needs of most carriers today, with traffic loads increasing in core networks due to increasing triple play deployments and high bandwidth applications, the CoreDirector may be limited in its ability to support future applications.
• Switch Capacity: Smaller carriers may find the CoreDirector switch too large for their applications. For these situations, Ciena offers the smaller 160 Gbps, CoreDirector CI. While this platform expands Ciena’s addressable market, it is still larger than the 80 Gbps entry-level switches offered by competing vendors such as Sycamore’s SN 9000 and Ericsson’s OMS 3255.
• Scalability: The CoreDirector lacks a cost-competitive solution in the 320 Gbps range, which limits its addressable applications in metro core and regional COs where 640 Gbps capacity is not required. By forcing carriers to make the jump from the 160 Gbps CoreDirector CI to the 640 Gbps CoreDirector, Ciena opens itself up to criticism that its core switching solution does not scale elegantly – and thereby robs its customers of the ability to optimize capital expenditures according to core network switching capacity.
• Scalability: Currently, in order to support switch capacities greater than 640 Gbps, multiple CoreDirector systems are required. In this implementation, each CoreDirector is managed as a separate network element. Lack of high-end scalability as a single system increases network and operational complexity, a problem for carriers focused on OpEx reduction.
• TDM Switch Fabric: Ciena’s CoreDirector has a non-blocking switch matrix that supports 12,288 STS-1 equivalents on a common architecture. The switch fabric is sufficient to support a majority of carrier applications. However, Ciena does not offer the ability to start small and then grow the switch fabric incrementally within in the same chassis. As a result, carriers are forced into a one size fits all solution unless they are willing to forfeit future scalability and deploy the CoreDirector CI.
• Ethernet Switch Fabric: Ciena’s ESLM (Ethernet Services Line Module) card provides 20 Gbps of Layer 2 Ethernet switching to the CoreDirector. As Ethernet service adoption ramps up, this functionality positions the CoreDirector to efficiently support metro service aggregation and switching. In addition, support for Ethernet switching helps to reduce the number of network elements and enhances a carrier’s ability to provision multiple services on a common platform.
System Resiliency
• Switch Capacity: Smaller carriers may find the CoreDirector switch too large for their applications. For these situations, Ciena offers the smaller 160 Gbps, CoreDirector CI. While this platform expands Ciena’s addressable market, it is still larger than the 80 Gbps entry-level switches offered by competing vendors such as Sycamore’s SN 9000 and Ericsson’s OMS 3255.
• Scalability: The CoreDirector lacks a cost-competitive solution in the 320 Gbps range, which limits its addressable applications in metro core and regional COs where 640 Gbps capacity is not required. By forcing carriers to make the jump from the 160 Gbps CoreDirector CI to the 640 Gbps CoreDirector, Ciena opens itself up to criticism that its core switching solution does not scale elegantly – and thereby robs its customers of the ability to optimize capital expenditures according to core network switching capacity.
• Scalability: Currently, in order to support switch capacities greater than 640 Gbps, multiple CoreDirector systems are required. In this implementation, each CoreDirector is managed as a separate network element. Lack of high-end scalability as a single system increases network and operational complexity, a problem for carriers focused on OpEx reduction.
• TDM Switch Fabric: Ciena’s CoreDirector has a non-blocking switch matrix that supports 12,288 STS-1 equivalents on a common architecture. The switch fabric is sufficient to support a majority of carrier applications. However, Ciena does not offer the ability to start small and then grow the switch fabric incrementally within in the same chassis. As a result, carriers are forced into a one size fits all solution unless they are willing to forfeit future scalability and deploy the CoreDirector CI.
• Ethernet Switch Fabric: Ciena’s ESLM (Ethernet Services Line Module) card provides 20 Gbps of Layer 2 Ethernet switching to the CoreDirector. As Ethernet service adoption ramps up, this functionality positions the CoreDirector to efficiently support metro service aggregation and switching. In addition, support for Ethernet switching helps to reduce the number of network elements and enhances a carrier’s ability to provision multiple services on a common platform.
• Network Protection: Ciena offers standards-based 4F BLSR/MS-SPRing in addition to its 2F BLSR/MS-SPRing and UPSR capabilities, as well as proprietary mesh protection and virtual line switched ring (VLSR) protection. Support for multiple protection schemes helps carriers to improve efficiency and reliability and to hand off traffic to long haul mesh networks.
• Port Protection: The CoreDirector’s software-definable port protection flexibly supports 1+1, 1:N, and 0+1 (unprotected) options. A variety of protection options provides carriers with the flexibility to design their network balancing cost and reliability.
• Performance Monitoring: Ciena cites full SONET & SDH monitoring capability configured on a per-port basis including Service Level Management with granular threshold alarms. In addition, the CoreDirector offers a full set of GbE performance parameters. By offering a variety mechanisms and customizable thresholds, the CoreDirector enables enhanced service monitoring and provides necessary data for maintaining strict service level agreements for a range of services.
• Redundancy: The CoreDirector offers M:N switch fabric redundancy, which differentiates Ciena’s solution from competitive offerings with 1:1 switch fabric redundancy. M:N redundancy provides a higher degree of reliability, as it enables the CoreDirector’s switch matrix to tolerate multiple failures before traffic is degraded. In addition, the CoreDirector supports 1:1 redundancy for all other common equipment. Redundancy improves network availability and enables network elements to maintain service levels during failure scenarios. Service continuity, in turn is an important factor in customer satisfaction.
• Control Plane: The CoreDirector supports both O-UNI and E-NNI interfaces and a GMPLS/ASON standards-based control plane. These features give carriers flexibility and control over restoration techniques and can help carriers migrate to automated end-to-end service activation and dynamic meshed or hybrid ring/mesh networks. These features help carriers maintain efficient utilization of transport network resources and can lower OpEx by eliminating the need for manual provisioning.
Metrics
Physical
• Port Protection: The CoreDirector’s software-definable port protection flexibly supports 1+1, 1:N, and 0+1 (unprotected) options. A variety of protection options provides carriers with the flexibility to design their network balancing cost and reliability.
• Performance Monitoring: Ciena cites full SONET & SDH monitoring capability configured on a per-port basis including Service Level Management with granular threshold alarms. In addition, the CoreDirector offers a full set of GbE performance parameters. By offering a variety mechanisms and customizable thresholds, the CoreDirector enables enhanced service monitoring and provides necessary data for maintaining strict service level agreements for a range of services.
• Redundancy: The CoreDirector offers M:N switch fabric redundancy, which differentiates Ciena’s solution from competitive offerings with 1:1 switch fabric redundancy. M:N redundancy provides a higher degree of reliability, as it enables the CoreDirector’s switch matrix to tolerate multiple failures before traffic is degraded. In addition, the CoreDirector supports 1:1 redundancy for all other common equipment. Redundancy improves network availability and enables network elements to maintain service levels during failure scenarios. Service continuity, in turn is an important factor in customer satisfaction.
• Control Plane: The CoreDirector supports both O-UNI and E-NNI interfaces and a GMPLS/ASON standards-based control plane. These features give carriers flexibility and control over restoration techniques and can help carriers migrate to automated end-to-end service activation and dynamic meshed or hybrid ring/mesh networks. These features help carriers maintain efficient utilization of transport network resources and can lower OpEx by eliminating the need for manual provisioning.
Description
OEO grooming at STS-1/VC-3 level
Offers OC-192/STM-64/OTU2, OC-48/STM-16, OC-12/STM-4, OC-3/STM-1, GbE, 10GbE, and STM-1e interfaces
Routing & signaling intelligence
SONET/SDH gateway, services gateway with OTN switching and ring termination
Offers OC-192/STM-64/OTU2, OC-48/STM-16, OC-12/STM-4, OC-3/STM-1, GbE, 10GbE, and STM-1e interfaces
Routing & signaling intelligence
SONET/SDH gateway, services gateway with OTN switching and ring termination
Switches/Rack
One
Bays/System
640 Gbps system takes up one rack
Dimensions
2134mm x 660mm x 533mm (84' x 26' x 21')
Power
6500 W
Switching Capacity
640 Gbps non-blocking (12,288 STS-1 equivalents)
Per-bay Non-blocking Switching Capacity
640 Gbps/bay
Maximum System Scalability
640 Gbps
Switch Fabric Redundancy
Electrical
Switch Fabric Type
Electrical
Maximum OC-3/STM-1 Ports
512 OC-3/STM-1 ports per bay
Maximum OC-12/STM-4 Ports
512 OC-12/STM-4 ports/switch (512 OC-12/STM-4 ports/bay)
Maximum OC-48/STM-16 Ports
256 OC-48/STM-16 ports/switch (256 OC-48/STM-16 ports/bay)
Maximum OC-192/STM-64 Ports
64 OC-192/STM-64/OTU2 ports/switch (64 OC-192/STM-64/OTU2 ports/bay)
Maximum OC-768/STM-256 Ports
Not applicable
Maximum DS1 Interfaces
Not applicable
Maximum DS3/EC1 Interfaces
Not applicable
Maximum 10/100BaseT Ports
Not applicable
Maximum GbE Ports
640
Maximum Other Interfaces
Not specified
No. OC-3/STM-1 Ports/Card
16 ports/card
No. OC-12/STM-4 Ports/Card
16 ports/card
No. OC-48/STM-16 Ports/Card
8 ports/card
No. OC-192/STM-64 Ports/Card
2 ports/card
No. OC-768/STM-256 Ports/Card
Not applicable
No. 1 GigE Ports/Card
20 ports/card
No. 10 GigE Ports/Card
1 port/card
No. DS3 Ports/Card
Not applicable
Other Interfaces
STM-1E (16 ports/card)
No. DS1/E1 Ports/Card
Not applicable
10/100BaseT Ports/Card
Not applicable
DWDM Capabilities
64 10G DWDM wavlengths. 80 km client DWDM and ULH line side DWDM.
Architecture
PDU, fans, single backplane with two interface shelves and one switch shelf
Integrated Optics
Port Protection
Software-definable (1+1, 1:N, O:N)
Network Level Protection
Linear 1+1 APS, Linear 1:N APS, ASON-based FastMesh connection-level protection, TLSR, Virtual Line Switched Ring (VLSR) protection, and standards based 2F/4F BLSR/MS-SPRing. UPSR/SNCP and MSP for 1+1 and 1:N & hybrid configurations, Customer selectable restoration paths enable 50ms MESH restoration
Mix/Match Port Cards on Same Shelf
Yes
Clocking
T-1 & E-1 BITS, line timing with SSM, hold-over, and mixed mode timing
Grooming
STS-1/VC-3/OPVC-1; automatic link grooming and dynamic service path re-groom
Multiplexing
Yes, from STS-1/VC-3/OPVC-1 to STS-192c/AU-4-64c/ODU2.
Provisioning
Fully automated provisioning capability via intelligent control plane & NMS
Performance Monitoring
Full SONET & SDH monitoring capability configured on a per-port basis in software, path-level SNC diagnostics; includes Service Level Management with granular threshold alarms; full set of GbE performance parameters
Redundancy
1:1 redundancy for all common equipment (Control Module, Switch Module, Timing Module, Power Module) and 12:3 redundancy for Switch Module.
Concatenation
VCAT/LCAS and Standard ITU Ethernet over SONET GFP mapping. SONET/SDH Standard concatenation and Ciena's Flexible Arbritray Concatenation
Drop and Continue
For SONET/SDH multicast
Ring Support
BLSR/MS-SPRing, UPSR/SNCP, TLSR
Test Access
Test access port
Packet Intelligence
Layer 2, VLAN, Dual Homing, Diverse Routing
VSR Optics
Short Reach (SR) supported
UNI Support
E-NNI 1.0
Operating System Features
Optical routing & signaling, advanced routing scalability features, optical COS, mesh path protection, software configurable SONET/SDH protection, software configurable SONET or SDH OAM, DCC management routing, SONET/SDH gateway, automated link grooming, and transparent service multiplexing
Routing
Full node & link state topology discovery with constraints based path computation
Signaling
Services
Offers six optical classes of service based on level of link protection offered to service path; each service can additionally be configured as path (mesh), restorable or not
Topologies
Ring, mesh, linear, hybrid
Provisioning
Automated
Craft Terminal
Yes - via TL-1, CORBA, or CLI
Design Tools/Modeling Tools/Planning Tools
ON-Center Modeling and Planning Suite; CoreDirector Designer with live network import capability for offline network capacity planning, network optimization, design validation, auto node configuration complete with auto generated reports, and open APIs for interface with third-party software; user-definable protection of optical interfaces
EMS
Ciena ON-Center Core Switching Manager provides full FCAPS support, management of intelligent control plane, and TMF-814 interface for integration with third-party NMS.
FCAPS
Full FCAPS capability
NOS
On Center and Service Layer Management (SLM)
OSMINE
Not Applicable
OSS Support
TL-1, CORBA IDL interface (TMF-814)
Control Planes
Distributed optical routing & signaling software on the NE
Environmental/Safety Certfications
All carrier class safety, environmental, EMC, and immunity certifications, including NEBS, UL, CE Mark, FCC, EN, etc.
Customers
AT&T, BT, Sprint-Nextel, TELMEX, Cable & Wireless, Internet 2, Level 3, Cox Communications, Verizon Business, XO Communications, TATA, Qwest, Internet2, US-DOE, Interoute and CalTech
Miscellaneous
CoreDirector Designer modeling and planning tool. M:N switch fabric protection. Proven 2F-BLSR/MS-SPRing interoperability with third-party ADM vendors. Support for OTN and programmable optical ports allow CoreDirector to act as a versatile optical gateway interconnecting and switching between SONET/SDH, Ethernet and OTN in STS-1/VC3 or STS-3c/VC4 increments