Coherent routing
Put coherent routing in the driver’s seat. Optimize network performance and service levels across a multi-layer, multi-vendor environment at speeds of 400G, 800G, and 1.6T
Simple, scalable, sustainable converged networking
The challenge
To remain competitive and address unpredictable surges in bandwidth demand, you need to scale quickly and cost-effectively to speed up the delivery of new services.
Our approach
Ciena’s coherent routing brings together the latest in IP and optical innovation, with cutting-edge multi-layer operations, automation, and services.
The benefits
Our solution works with existing infrastructure to dynamically scale and optimize multi-layer, multi-vendor network environments—simplifying architecture, satisfying bandwidth demand, and streamlining performance.
Our coherent routing technology and services
Coherent routers
Explore our lineup of purpose-built coherent routers—from 400G to 800G, featuring the industry’s only 1.6T.
Coherent optics
See how WaveLogic™ coherent optics are deployed across coherent routers to power up to 1.6 Tb/s solutions.
Programmable photonics
These best-in-class open line systems transport any coherent modem technology—from pluggable optics to higher baud signals.
Navigator Network Control Suite
This industry-leading, mature optical management suite now features coordinated multi-layer IP/Optical capabilities.
Ciena Services
Expertise and collaboration ensure your network keeps pace with ever-evolving business needs so you can deliver exceptional customer experiences.
Customer stories
We were able to deploy this groundbreaking technology because of the high quality of our newly upgraded fibre infrastructure and the robust design of our core network to handle the additional traffic.
— Andreas Uys, Chief Technology Officer, MAZIV (DFA’s parent company)
Read press releaseWith Ciena’s coherent routing innovations, we are better able to support our customers’ digital experiences and offer more robust and reliable connectivity.
— Jorge Millones, Chief Operating Officer, MXT Holdings
Read customer storyBy evolving our network with Ciena’s innovative coherent routing approach, we are capitalizing on new opportunities.
— Praveen Chaudhry, Founder, Tejays
Read press releaseThis new network architecture brings together two separate networks for the first time, enabling more efficient, scalable, and resilient data movement.
— Jeanie York, Chief Technology Officer, Virgin Media O2
Read press releaseGPC is committed to providing a customer experience that exceeds the changing needs of our customers … and Ciena’s coherent routing, switching, and optical technology plays a key role in this.
— Tony Thakur, Chief Technology Officer, Great Plains Communications
Read press releaseWe were seeking a ‘core to door’ solution … bringing to life our vision of an ultra-high-bandwidth community. We found that with Ciena.
— Duke Dexter, Clackamas Broadband Exchange (CBX) Program Coordinator, Clackamas County
What’s new withcoherent routing
Blog
5 ways AI is reshaping data center connectivity
As AI infrastructure scales at unprecedented speed, service providers, enterprises, and neoscalers are rethinking how networks are built, connected, and operated. These five routing and switching use cases show how the industry is evolving to meet that challenge.
ReadVideo
AI-Ready Approaches to Data Center Connectivity
Watch Ciena’s Rafael Francis highlight real-world data center connectivity use cases made possible by Coherent Routing innovations.
WatchVideo
Real-World Progress and Emerging Use Cases in IP/Optical Convergence
Watch Ciena’s Jan Straznicky share progress in Coherent Routing adoption and real-world use cases, from access to long-haul, along with advances in multi-layer operations.
WatchBlog
What’s new in coherent routing: Insights you can’t miss!
Coherent routing has seen a significant evolution over the years, particularly with the advent of the 800G ecosystem. Ciena’s Ivana Lemos reflects on key industry shifts, recent announcements, and insights from a Heavy Reading global survey.
ReadCoherent Routing Comes of Age: Discussing Heavy Reading’s New Survey Results
Is coherent routing's time now? Find out as Heavy Reading analyst Sterling Perrin and Ciena’s Sr. Director of Product Line Management, Rafael Francis, and VP of Product Line Management, Tim Pearson, break down the results of a 2025 survey of communications service providers (CSPs).
Related demos
DEMO
OFC 2026
Ciena’s 8192 Coherent Router demonstrate 800ZR, 800G OpenROADM PCS, 400ZR, 400G OpenZR+, and 100ZR interop.
DEMO
ECOC 2025
Ciena’s 8192 Coherent Router demonstrate 800ZR, 800G OpenROADM PCS, 400ZR, 400G OpenZR+, and 100ZR interop.
DEMO
Introducing 8192: Ciena’s First 800GbE Coherent Router
Join Marc Doucette as he introduces Ciena's first 800GbE coherent router and highlights the role of the 8192 in the OIF 2025 multi-vendor interoperability demonstration.