Converged optical routing architecture

To meet the insatiable demand for bandwidth, service providers and cloud providers are converging their IP and optical networks onto IP-over-DWDM architectures such as HPE Networking converged optical routing architecture. This solution from HPE Networking renders separate DWDM transponders obsolete, reducing network complexity and TCO for operators.

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HPE Networking Coherent Optics

At the foundation of the converged optical routing architecture lies HPE Networking Coherent Optics, supported in HPE Networking ultra-high-capacity, 400G and 800G-capable routers and switches. These technological innovations combine with HPE Networking Routing Director software to allow service providers, cloud operators, enterprises, and government agencies to easily deploy IP over DWDM in diverse metro, regional, and core use cases. A converged optical routing architecture also drives improvements in power efficiency, streamlines operations, and enhances interoperability for substantial cost savings.

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Extensible architecture

HPE Networking is spearheading standards, championing interoperability, and fostering innovation in IP-optical convergence with the extensible converged optical routing architecture. This architecture empowers network operators to accelerate their adoption of IP over DWDM in metro, regional, and core networks, including greenfield and brownfield deployments.

HPE Networking featured in multivendor demos at OFC'26
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Sustainable systems

HPE Networking cutting-edge, power-efficient lineup of 100G, 400G, and 800G-capable routing and switching platforms allows customers to scale up and scale out their networks, extend network longevity, and avoid forklift upgrades. HPE Networking estimates that its converged optical routing architecture and coherent technologies deliver 54% greater power efficiency than traditional transport systems.

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Intelligent automation

An indispensable element of a converged optical routing architecture, HPE Networking Routing Director redefines network operations. It ensures service delivery while elevating network efficiency and performance using multilayer visibility, achieved by integrating standard management APIs and domain-agnostic interfaces.

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Lower TCO

IP over DWDM revolutionizes legacy optical transport systems by eliminating the need for optical transponders and slashing TCO by an estimated 40% or more. But that's just the beginning. With HPE's extensible converged optical routing architecture, sustainable systems, and intelligent automation, network operators can unlock more TCO savings while achieving unparalleled network performance.

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Products in this solution

HPE Networking Qualified Optics

HPE Networking Qualified Optics offers a complete portfolio of standards-compliant optics including client and coherent optical transceivers, application-specific optics, and optical and electrical cables. HPE Networking Qualified Optics deliver industry-leading performance and operational simplicity for deployments across WAN, data center, and enterprise networks.

HPE Networking Routing Director

AI-native, intent-based WAN automation platform for the full network and service lifecycle with AI assistant and agentic AI support. Streamlines and simplifies planning, design, orchestration, assurance and optimization for large-scale networks.

HPE Juniper Networking ACX Routers

High-performance routers serve metro access, aggregation, and data center use cases. They are energy-efficient, MEF 3.0 compliant and support 5G high-precision timing and synchronization.

HPE Juniper Networking MX Routers

With a robust portfolio of SDN-enabled routers, the MX Series provides industry-leading system capacity, density, security, and performance with unparalleled longevity.

HPE Juniper Network PTX Routers

Meet the performance, reliability, and low-latency demands of AI workloads, today and in the future. Experience secure, high-performance, ultra high-density routing that can scale across, scale out, and scale up as your needs evolve.

HPE Juniper Networking QFX Switches

Meet the performance, scale, and flexibility demands of AI and traditional data centers with a comprehensive portfolio of switches.

Converged optical routing architecture FAQs

What is a converged optical routing architecture?

HPE Networking converged optical routing architecture is an extensible, sustainable, automated solution for IP-optical convergence, also referred to as IP-over-DWDM solutions, that leverage next generation coherent optics and has changed how transport networks are architected. HPE Networking’s comprehensive solution consists of HPE Networking Coherent Optics, a rich portfolio of routers and switches supporting high speed (400G, 800G and beyond) client and coherent optics, and HPE Networking Routing Director software, which together streamline and automate service provider and cloud operator networks across metro, regional, and core segments. This architecture enables operators to slash TCO while improving overall network performance and customer service levels.

What are the primary benefits of a converged optical routing architecture?

Its biggest benefit is that it empowers operators to efficiently transform their optical transport systems to IP-over-DWDM and eliminate cumbersome and costly chassis-based DWDM transponders from their optical networks. The extensible converged optical routing architecture is built on best-in-class, power-efficient HPE Networking coherent optics and advanced platform designs for sustainability. Combined with intelligent HPE Networking Routing Director software, this architecture streamlines operations, enhances interoperability, and unlocks substantial TCO savings.

What use cases does a converged optical routing architecture support?

This architecture offers service providers, cloud operators, enterprises, and government agencies a wide array of IP-over-DWDM options for both greenfield and brownfield deployments. With its extensible architecture, it allows operators to expand their metro, regional, and core networks beyond the limits of previous DWDM technology generations.