Wave2Wave Solution, a technology developer in physical-layer automation, recently added two large robotic fiber switches to its ROME product family—ROME MAX and ROME MAX-T. Both switches offer large fiber port counts in a full rack configuration within a standard 19-inch footprint. “This drives both efficiency and simplicity for data center operators and allows them to roll out Layer-0 automation using a plug-and-play approach,” the company said when introducing the new crossconnects.
“With IoT, 5G, edge computing and the software-defined transformation of networks, fiber connectivity has become the nervous system of every data center and telco infrastructure,” Wave2Wave continued. “Automation of fiber management is critical for the network to scale, evolve and become future-proof.”
The ROME MAX series of products offer factory-integrated or field-installed options to give the customer flexibility to maximize their space use. ROME MAX is a 7-foot-tall rack, while ROME MAX-T extends to 8 feet to provide the highest fiber count. Wave2Wave explained that this product series “removes the complexity of installing and managing a CLOS design by building it into the solution.”
David Wang, founder and chief executive officer of Wave2Wave, observed, “Robots are here, robots are in data centers, and ROME will be a key evolutionary solution in today’s transforming network. Data center operators are constantly seeking new ways to differentiate themselves from the competition, whether that’s by providing more timely service offerings, improving the accuracy of data center record-keeping, or finding other innovative ways to help their customers grow. The latest additions to our ROME portfolio address these needs by speeding up and simplifying the way Layer-0 services are rolled out.”
As with its entire portfolio, the ROME MAX series provides standard APIs for network management software integration, allowing customers the ability to virtualize physical networks on a global scale. Layer-0 powered by software control extends automation to the physical network, Wave2Wave noted.
In an interview with cablinginstall.com, Wave2Wave’s Wang explained that over the past 10 years, the networking industry has evolved significantly. “In some ways, the cabling is lagging behind,” he said. “The layers of the network are fast becoming automated and software-defined. The physical layer was not. For example, when dark fiber has to be connected, everything has to be recabled and reconnected. At Wave2Wave, we bring a freshness to the table. We’re a new player and we can intrigue the industry to start moving—to start catching up with the rest of the network.”
He added that the automated nature of Wave2Wave’s ROME technology mitigates multiple challenges in the layer-zero cable-management realm. “Every connection is software-based, and is automatically recorded,” he said. “Also, in the case of a very large project where you have to move 7,000 fibers, with ROME the robots accomplish the move within a few hours.”
When the network’s physical layer becomes dynamic, the upper layers can be simplified, Wang emphasized. “This reduces cost, but also important is that this simplicity helps to increase security.”
Watch the video below for an overview of automated optical crossconnect technology.