Connecting Three Data Centers Using MU Series Data Transmission Platforms and Optical Switches
28.08.2025
187 Data centers (DCs) have become the backbone of modern business, ensuring continuous operations and the speed of digital processes. For companies with distributed infrastructure, it is not enough to simply link multiple DCs; it is essential to create a unified, reliable environment where data is always available and business processes run smoothly. This case study demonstrates a real-world solution for a leading cloud services provider. Using DWDM.ME equipment, we implemented a reliable, high-speed, and secure network based on the MU platform and optical switch cards. This solution increased performance while reducing operational costs, highlighting the advantages of our products for both engineering and management teams.
Customer Challenge
Our client, a major cloud service provider, needed to connect three geographically distributed data centers into a single network. Key requirements included:
High bandwidth: at least 200 Gbps per channel to transmit large volumes of data, including virtual machines, databases, and backups.
Reliability and fault tolerance: the system must automatically switch to backup lines in case of fiber cuts or other incidents, as well as during maintenance operations.
Scalability: the network should allow future expansion without major infrastructure investments.
Effective network management and monitoring: centralized monitoring and equipment configuration to minimize downtime.
Cost efficiency: reduced power consumption and operational costs through compact, energy-efficient equipment.
The distance between DCs ranged from 25 to 100 km, requiring DWDM technology for multiplexing multiple signals over a single fiber. The client previously used legacy systems that could not handle growing traffic, causing delays and data loss. Management sought a solution compatible with existing infrastructure while meeting modern ITU-T standards.
Proposed Solution
DWDM.ME’s engineering team proposed a modular MU platform architecture combining flexibility, high port density, and built-in protection mechanisms. The solution implemented a ring topology with optical switches for line redundancy, connecting all three DCs in a unified network with bidirectional east-west data transmission.
Key Solution Elements:
DWDM Multiplexing: Coherent modules enabled transmission up to 200 km without intermediate amplifiers, optimizing fiber usage.
Optical Line Protection (OLP): automatic switch to backup channels within <50 ms in case of failure.
Centralized management and monitoring: MS-GEN management cards installed in each MU platform provided SNMP, CLI, and web interfaces for real-time monitoring of optical power, BER, and latency.
The project was executed in three stages: infrastructure audit, equipment installation, and testing. Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) decreased by 30% compared to alternatives, thanks to the compact 2U chassis and low energy consumption.
Equipment Used
The following DWDM.ME equipment was selected for the DC project:
MU-180-ACDC (2U, 19″, 8 slots, 2x AC/DC power supplies): 3 units (1 per DC). Supports hot-swappable service cards and redundant 1+1 AC/DC power to minimize downtime.
MS-GEN (management card, 2x RJ45 Gigabit Ethernet, 1x RJ45 console): 3 units. Provides remote monitoring and management via SNMP, CLI, or web interface.
LC-OLP-1:1 (2-channel optical line protection): 3 units. Detects failures automatically (fiber breaks) and switches traffic to backup paths, ensuring 99.999% availability.
LC-MP200-II-200G (2x QSFP28 to CFP2-DCO): 6 units (2 per DC). Multiplexer service card for one 200G CFP2 DCO DWDM module and 2x QSFP28 client ports, supporting distances up to 200 km with dispersion compensation.
200G CFP2 Coherent Optical Modules (DCO): 6 units (2 per DC). Optimized for high-speed transmission with PM-16QAM modulation.
QSFP28 100G-SR4 100m MPO transceivers: 12 units (4 per DC). Compact multimode modules supporting 100G speeds.
All equipment meets ITU-T G.709 and IEEE standards, ensuring interoperability with other vendors’ devices. DWDM.ME engineers configured optical parameters for optimal performance.
Project Implementation
The project was completed in 4 weeks. Each DC received an MU-180-ACDC platform with management card and OLP modules. LC-MP200-II-200G multiplexer service cards (with 200G CFP2 coherent modules and QSFP28 100G-SR4 transceivers) were installed in slots to create two independent 200 Gbps channels between DCs, forming a ring.
Implementation Steps:
- Infrastructure preparation: Fiber audit identified the need for amplification in one segment. EDFA amplifiers were considered, but coherent module technology eliminated the need.
- Installation and configuration: Equipment mounted in standard 19″ racks. QoS and monitoring configured via MS-GEN console ports. OLP modules installed for automatic failover.
- Testing: Links tested under 400 Gbps load (200 Gbps per channel). OLP failover time was 20 ms, packet loss <0.001%. Integration with client SDN controllers was seamless.
DC engineers noted the simplicity of management: the web interface visualizes the network topology and predicts potential failures.
Solution Benefits
Testing showed several advantages over competing systems:
High reliability: OLP and redundant power ensured near-zero downtime.
Scalability: MU chassis allows adding service cards to reach 1.6 Tbps without replacing the chassis.
Cost efficiency: 40% lower power consumption and compact footprint saved space.
Technical flexibility: Supports multiple speeds (100G/200G).
For engineers, this meant less maintenance time; for management, predictable expenses and ROI of ~18 months.
Results and Conclusion
After deployment, the client reported 150% performance improvement: latency dropped to 1 ms and bandwidth tripled. The system handled peak traffic without incidents, confirming the effectiveness of DWDM.ME equipment in real-world conditions.
If you have a similar challenge or special request, our experts can prepare a personalized case tailored to your needs.
