1620 SOFTNODE Platform
Data Sheet
Overview
The 1620 SOFTNODE is Alcatel Submarine Networks’ high-capacity, gridless DWDM platform, designed to maximize spectral efficiency, reach, and scalability for both submarine and subsea backhaul networks. Supporting up to 1.6 Tb/s per channel and a 20,000 km reach, it is a solution for hyperscale data centers, submarine cable operators, and global telecom providers.
A single, versatile platform for capacity transport, spectrum sharing, subsea cable health monitoring, and control, the 1620 SOFTNODE delivers unparalleled flexibility. With a compact footprint—capable of housing up to 48 transponders in a single 600 mm x 600 mm x 2200 mm rack—the platform provides strong density and efficiency. Its gridless architecture enables stepless tuning, ensuring optimal spectral utilization for transport over subsea cables.
The modular modem hardware—including WAV1, SMAT3, XWAVPCS, and CLIF400G—combined with OMSP (Optical Multiplex Section Protection), ensures capacity, power efficiency and fault tolerance, high availability, and seamless scalability. The platform integrates automated optical loading, self-tuning transponders, and SDN/OpenConfig APIs, simplifying deployment and enabling real-time monitoring and management via the ZIC (Zero Installation Craft) GUI and the SN10 network management system.
Whether for submarine connectivity, long-haul subsea backhaul networks, or datacenter scaling across oceans, the 1620 SOFTNODE sets a standard in high-performance, future-proof optical transmission.
Key Innovations:
- Gridless architecture for maximum spectral efficiency.
- Modular design with transponders WAV1, IOSUB8, CLIF400G, gridless WSS-based multiplexers, subsea optimised amplifiers and subsea control cards.
- Automated optical loading and self-tuning transponders.
- SDN and OpenConfig integration for AI-friendly automation.
Key Features and Benefits
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Gridless DWDM | Maximizes spectral efficiency for submarine and terrestrial networks. |
| 1.6 Tb/s per Channel | Highest capacity per wavelength for long-haul and subsea applications. |
| up to 20,000 km Reach | Unmatched performance for transoceanic cable systems. |
| Secured by Design | Includes measures, and compliance with global cybersecurity practices to protect critical infrastructure networks. |
| Modular Architecture | Backward-compatible with legacy networks—supports seamless integration with earlier-generation modems (e.g., SMAT3, XWAVPCS, XWAV1T) as well as legacy client interfaces for scalable, future-proof deployments. |
| ROADM Flexibility | Dynamic wavelength routing with remote reconfiguration. |
| Automated Tuning and Loading | Self-adapting transponders reduce manual intervention and accelerate deployment. |
| SDN and OpenConfig | YANG models, Openconfig/gRPC for integration with AI and upper layers of end-to-end network management stacks. |
| ZIC GUI interface | Fasten field deployment and assessment tasks and reduces operational complexity. |
| Eco-Efficient Design | State-of-the-art hardware components to lower power consumption compared to legacy systems. |
CSHELF: Main Chassis of the 1620 SOFTNODE Platform
Overview
The CSHELF is the unified chassis of the 1620 SOFTNODE platform, designed to host modular line cards, transponders, and service cards for high-capacity DWDM applications. It supports gridless architecture, automated provisioning, and seamless scalability for both submarine and terrestrial networks.
Key Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Modular Design | Supports 6 front slots for line cards and rear slots for service cards (controllers, PSUs, fans). |
| Card Compatibility | Hosts full-size, half-size, third-size, and adapter cards (for XShelf compatibility). |
| Power Supply | Redundant 48V DC or 115/230V AC with 1.1 kW max consumption. |
| Cooling System | Smart temperature-controlled fans with horizontal airflow (front-to-rear). |
| Supported Racks | Compatible with ASN XRACK and 19" 4-Posts EIA racks. |
| Management | ZIC GUI for provisioning, monitoring, and alarms. |
| Security | Hardened software. |
Physical and Environmental Specifications
- Dimensions: 571 mm (D).
- Weight: ~40 kg (fully loaded).
- Operating Temperature: -5°C to 45°C .
- Operating Humidity: 5% to 93%.
Compatibility with XShelf and XRack
The CSHELF can be deployed in an XRack alongside XShelves
The CSHELF can be deployed in standard 19″ 4-Posts EIA racks
Applications
Turnkey integrated single platform Submarine Networks
- 20,000 km reach with 1.6 Tb/s per channel.
- Wet plant management for repeaters and branching units.
- Dark fiber monitoring via Fiber/Wave Portals.
Subsea Backhaul Long-Haul
- 800G–1.6T per wavelength for metro-to-long-haul connectivity.
- ROADM-based mesh networks for dynamic traffic routing.
Data Center Scale across oceans
- High performance transponder 20,000 km reach with 1.6 Tb/s per channel.
- Pluggable transponder for medium distances with high-speed 800Gbps interfaces.
Open Systems Multi-Operator Portals
- Spectrum sharing via Wave/ROADM/SLTE Portals.
- SLTE Portal for third-party SLTE connection to ASN SOFTNODE.
Technical Specifications
Modules and Capacity
| Module | Capacity | Client Ports | Line Ports | Power Consumption | Latency |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IOSUB8 | 3.2 Tb/s | 8x OSFP112 (100GbE/400GbE/800Gbe) | 8x Coherent (C/L-Band) | 180W (typical), 260W (max) | 20–40 µs |
| WAV1 | 1.6 Tb/s | 4x QSFP56-DD (100GbE/400GbE/OTU4) | 1x Coherent (C/L-Band) | 105W (typical), 120W (max) | 20–40 µs |
| SMAT3 | 1.2 Tb/s | 3x QSFP56-DD (100GbE/400GbE/OTU4) | 1x Coherent (C/L-Band) | 105W (typical), 120W (max) | 20–40 µs |
| XWAVPCS | 600 Gb/s | 5x QSFP28 + 1x QSFP-DD (100GbE/400GbE/OTU4) | 1x Coherent (C/L-Band) | 89W (typical), 94W (max) | 18.7–45.2 µs |
| XWAV1T | 800 Gb/s (2x 400G) | 8x QSFP28 (100GbE/OTU4) | 2x Coherent (C/L-Band) | 162W (typical), 167W (max) | 18.7–44.8 µs |
| CLIF400G | 400G (4x100G MUX) | 1x QSFP56-DD | 4x QSFP28 | 63W (typical), 64W (max) | 5 µs |
| C100X4 | 4x 100G | 4x QSFP28 (100GbE/OTU4) | 1x QSFP56DD | 50W (typical) | N/A |
| C10X10Q | 10x 10Gbe | 10x SFP+ (10GbE/STM-64/OTU2) | 1x OTU4 | 35W (typical), 65W (max) | N/A |
Physical Dimensions and Weight
- Rack: 2200 mm (H) x 600 mm (W) x 600 mm (D).
- Shelf: Supports 6 slots (mix of single/double-width modules).
- Weight: ~45 kg (fully loaded).
Power Consumption
- 1.1 kW (maximum).
- Redundant AC/DC power supply (90–305 VAC, -40–72 VDC).
Environmental Specifications
- Operating Temperature: -5°C to 45°C.
- Humidity: Up to 93% (non-condensing).
Security Features
- ACD.
- Hardened software, SSH.
- ACLs.
Management and APIs
- ZIC (Zero Installation Craft): Web-based GUI.
- gRPC.
- OpenConfig/YANG models for SDN integration.
Compliance and Standards
| General Compliance |
|
| EMC | ETSI EN 300 386 ; EN 55032; CISPR 32; ETSI ES 201 468; GR-1089-CORE |
| Safety | IEC/EN 60950-1 ; IEC/EN 60825-1 ; IEC/EN 60825-2 ; IEC 62368-1; ANSI/UL 60950-1 ; ANSI/UL 62368-1 ; GR-1089-CORE |
| Climatic | ETSI EN 300 019-1-3; ETSI EN 300 019-2-3; GR-63-CORE; |
| Thermal Map | IEC/EN 60950-1; IEC 62368-1; ETSI EN 300 119-5 |
| Acoustic Noise | ETSI EN 300 753; GR-63-CORE |
| Dynamic Requirements | ETSI EN 300 019-2-1; ETSI EN 300 019-1-1; ETSI EN 300 019-2-2; ETSI EN 300 019-1-2; ETSI EN 300 019-2-3; EN 300 019-1-3; GR-63-CORE |
| Power Supply Interface | ETSI EN 300 132-1; ETSI EN 300 132-2; GR-1089-CORE |
| Climatic Tests for Storage and Transportation | ETSI EN 300 019-2-1; ETSI EN 300 019-1-1; ETSI EN 300 019-2-2; ETSI EN 300 019-1-2; GR-63-CORE |
| Miscellaneous | GR-63-CORE, GR-1089-CORE |
| RoHS | RoHS 2011/65/EU + 2015/863/EU; EN 63000 |
