From standard formulation to large-scale implementation
Recently, the Guangxi Electronics Society officially published the "High-speed Ethernet All-optical Network System Construction Specification" (T/GXIE 009-2025). The release of this standard not only marks an important step forward in the local standardization of Ethernet all-optical networks, but also triggers our deep thinking about traditional network architecture: Can this leap from "copper" to "optical" really solve the network dilemma in digital transformation?
▲High-speed Ethernet all-optical network system architecture diagram (Source: "High-speed Ethernet all-optical network system construction specification" (T/GXIE 009-2025))
Network architecture revolution: Evolution from traditional three-layer to all-optical network
The traditional three-layer network architecture (access layer, aggregation layer, core layer) is a classic network design model. It adopts the method of centrally deploying core switches in the computer room, placing aggregation switches in the building computer room, and generally deploying access switches on each floor, and then directly connecting to the terminal information points in each room through copper cables. It is widely used in campus networks of various industries. However, with the expansion of network scale, the application of high-traffic business and the development of emerging technologies, the traditional network architecture has gradually exposed many drawbacks.
a. Network performance bottleneck. The copper cables used in the traditional three-layer network architecture are limited by bandwidth and transmission distance. Multi-layer forwarding increases network latency, making it difficult to meet the high-bandwidth, low-latency business requirements of AI, 5G, financial transactions, etc.
b. Complex management and maintenance. Active equipment is dispersed in the corridor cabinets, with cumbersome configuration and high maintenance costs. Troubleshooting requires checking switches and lines one by one, which is time-consuming and labor-intensive. In a humid environment, crystal heads are easily oxidized, causing frequent circuit failures, further reducing network stability.
c. Slow service launch. The launch of new services is often accompanied by an increase in network information points. Traditional architectures require the laying of a large number of network cables and even the expansion of bridges, which prolongs the deployment cycle of new services and increases hardware costs and management complexity.
Faced with the "large traffic, low latency, and high reliability" requirements of digital transformation, traditional networks are no longer able to meet them. All-optical networks are gradually replacing traditional copper networks and becoming an ideal choice to support the digital transformation of the industry. The general trend is "optical advances and copper retreats."
At present, all-optical networks are mainly divided into two technical paths: Ethernet optical and PON. PON adopts a tree topology structure and is suitable for broadband access scenarios, but due to optical splitting, there is a bandwidth sharing problem. At the same time, PON is networked together with Ethernet, which requires the operation and maintenance of two networks, which is difficult to operate. Ethernet optical is based on the Ethernet protocol and supports one fiber and multiple channels with exclusive bandwidth. It has higher flexibility and scalability, and is especially suitable for industry applications with high bandwidth, latency and reliability requirements.
It is worth mentioning that the promotion of national policies has also provided strong support for the development of Ethernet all-optical networks, such as the "Dual Gigabit" strategy and the "Computing Network Integration Development Action Plan", which help standardization construction, improve network speed, and promote cross-border collaborative innovation, laying the foundation for the large-scale implementation of Ethernet all-optical networks.
Ruijie's minimalist optical evolution theory: from architectural revolution to all-optical empowerment of thousands of industries
The pioneer of Ethernet all-optical network-Ruijie Network
In 2021, Ruijie Network proposed the "Ethernet All-Optical Network" architecture and launched the industry's first all-optical solution based on Ethernet-the minimalist Ethernet all-optical solution 1.0. Through the indoor deployment of optical fiber and SDN technology, efficient and simple operation and maintenance are achieved, marking its official entry into the Ethernet all-optical field.
In 2022, Ruijie Network released the minimalist Ethernet all-optical solution 2.X, innovatively introducing color optical wavelength division technology into the campus network, combining it with the Ethernet all-optical architecture to realize a two-layer networking structure, replacing the original building active aggregation with passive transparent aggregation, and achieving complete passive aggregation nodes and zero maintenance between weak current.
With the launch of the all-optical solution 3.0, Ruijie Network deeply integrates color optical wavelength division technology with switches, integrates wavelength division combiners into core equipment, and launches frame/box-type color optical switches that support hyper-aggregation ports to improve network stability and management efficiency.
In 2024, Minimalist Optical 3.0 will be upgraded to Minimalist Ethernet All-Optical Solution 3.X, supporting three architectures: optical modification, optical hybrid, and color optical, to achieve 10G indoor and long-distance deployment, and simpler operation and maintenance.
Ruijie Ethernet All-Optical Solution Implemented in Guangxi
Ruijie Network has not only achieved a new breakthrough in technical architecture, but also accumulated rich industry experience in application practice. Before and after the release of the "High-speed Ethernet All-Optical Network System Construction Specification" (T/GXIE 009-2025), in Guangxi, Ruijie's Minimalist Optical Solution has been implemented in multiple industries such as education, medical care, and offices, providing users with an efficient, stable, simple operation and maintenance and highly forward-looking all-optical network.
At Beihai Second People's Hospital, traditional copper cable networks can hardly support mobile diagnosis, IoT equipment, PACS imaging and other services, and there are problems such as complex terminal management, high network expansion costs, and insufficient wireless diagnosis and treatment efficiency. By introducing the Ruijie Mini Optical Solution, the hospital has achieved intelligent management, increased network configuration efficiency by 70%, reduced failure rate by 50%, and significantly reduced maintenance costs. Optical fiber has reserved space for 4K/8K imaging and VR surgical teaching, increased PACS image transmission speed by 30%, and increased patient satisfaction by 10%.
At Guangxi Sports College, the dormitory network faces problems such as poor signal coverage, easy oxidation of PoE copper cables, difficult maintenance in weak current rooms, and large co-frequency interference, which affect students' network experience and safety. Ruijie's color light solution uses color light technology and centralized power supply hosts to help the school achieve significant improvements in network performance, ensuring that each room has exclusive bandwidth and smooth network operation. Passive and maintenance-free operation reduces the burden on maintenance personnel, and the centralized power supply host extends the service life of optical APs and ensures power safety.
Liubei No. 15 Middle School faces multiple challenges in network construction and maintenance, such as insufficient network bandwidth, network congestion during peak hours, high cabling costs, and complex network security management, which seriously affect teaching and office efficiency. By adopting the Jabil Education Minimalist Ethernet Color Light Solution, not only did it solve the problem of network jamming during peak hours, but it also achieved flexible expansion and intelligent operation and maintenance. At the same time, it protected the Internet environment through security strategies, greatly improved teaching and management efficiency, and met the network needs of subsequent student expansion.
Conclusion
In the new era of data explosion and business diversification, Ethernet all-optical networks are evolving towards higher bandwidth, lower latency, global intelligence and low-carbon energy conservation. As a pioneer in Ethernet all-optical networks, Ruijie Networks has always insisted on being customer-centric and continuously innovating to promote the development of Ethernet all-optical networks. It is revealed that Ruijie Networks' minimalist Ethernet all-optical solution 4.0 will be released soon, which will bring higher performance and smarter experience. Please stay tuned.