Routed Optical Networking is a new network paradigm that merges IP and private line services onto a single layer, allowing all switching to occur at Layer 3. This approach simplifies network operations and enhances efficiency, enabling service providers to better manage their resources and respond to increasing bandwidth demands driven by cloud, IoT, and 5G.

The adoption of Routed Optical Networking can be characterized by three main phases: 1) Integrating 400G DCO transponders to achieve cost savings and lifecycle management; 2) Integrating OTN services to converge all services onto a single IP SDN transport network, eliminating the need for a dedicated OTN layer; and 3) Digitalizing ROADMs to create a fully converged architecture that optimizes both CapEx and OpEx.

Crosswork Automation enhances network management by providing a unified view of IP and optical networks through components like the Hierarchical Controller and Optical Network Controller. This solution streamlines operations, reduces operational expenses, and allows for faster service rollouts, ultimately leading to improved efficiency and reduced total cost of ownership.