Internet2 and Cisco have successfully demonstrated a breakthrough in coherent optics technology, achieving a 400 Gbps link over 3,000 km on the Internet2 national research and education (R&E) network. This milestone, reached through a field trial between Albany, New York, and Indianapolis, Indiana, required no modular transponders or signal regeneration, setting a new benchmark for router-to-router direct long-haul networking.

Advancing Coherent Optics on the Internet2 Network

Internet2 has been deploying coherent pluggable optics since 2023 to enhance its network’s capacity, efficiency, and scalability. These advancements have improved metro network capacity, strengthened regional interconnections, and expanded medium-haul capabilities. Currently, 24 of Internet2’s 400 Gbps backbone links leverage Cisco’s coherent optics, with more deployments planned each quarter. This latest field trial marks another major step forward.

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“Not long ago, reaching 3,000 km distances required traditional transponders and was limited to 100 Gbps links,” said Chris Wilkinson, senior director of network infrastructure and operations at Internet2. “Through our collaboration with Cisco, we have now demonstrated 400 Gbps over the same distance using coherent optics, significantly enhancing our ability to deliver high-capacity bandwidth to support the research and education community.”

Field Trial Highlights and Industry Impact

The field trial utilized Cisco’s new QSFP-DD-based 400 Gbps Ultra Long Haul coherent optic, which consumes less than 24 watts of power and integrates directly into existing 400G QSFP-DD-based platforms. The trial was conducted on Internet2’s operational network, incorporating Cisco 8201 routers powered by Cisco Silicon One alongside a third-party line system. The infrastructure is primarily based on SMF-28 Ultra fiber, utilizing an optimized EDFA-amplified architecture for signal compensation.

“This successful trial with Internet2 represents a turning point in long-haul networking,” said Bill Gartner, senior vice president and general manager, Optical Systems and Optics at Cisco. ” Cisco’s 400G ULH coherent optics take network capacity and flexibility to the next level, delivering outstanding performance and efficiency even over long distances.”

Because the trial occurred on a live network, the results offer strong real-world validation, demonstrating the immediate benefits of these advancements.

The Future of the Internet2 Network

As Internet2 continues evolving its infrastructure, the focus remains on sustainability, efficiency, and adaptability. The latest network version has already reduced colocation space and cut power consumption by 68%. With demand for 100 and 400 Gbps connectivity increasing, maintaining these efficiency gains remains a top priority.

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Interoperability remains a key factor, ensuring seamless integration across a multi-vendor ecosystem that supports research, scholarship, and education. Looking ahead, Internet2 plans to enhance routing optimization, network transparency, and automation, further strengthening the foundation for high-capacity optical and packet-based infrastructure.

FAQs

1. What makes this field trial significant?

This field trial demonstrates a 400 Gbps connection over 3,000 km without transponders or regeneration, proving the real-world viability of coherent optics for long-haul networking.

2. How does Cisco’s 400G ULH coherent optic improve efficiency?

Cisco’s QSFP-DD-based 400G ULH optic consumes less than 24 watts of power and integrates directly into existing 400G platforms, reducing energy consumption and equipment needs.

3. How will this technology impact research and education networks?

By enhancing network capacity and flexibility, this advancement supports high-bandwidth research applications, seamless global collaborations, and future innovations in networking.

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