T8: Volga

Volga is a multi-service platform for creating high-speed DWDM networks, supports speeds up to 100 Gbps.

2025: Compatibility with Infotecs Quantum Key Distribution System

The companies "T8" and "InfoTeCS" have completed technological tests on the use of quantum key distribution systems (KRK) on the equipment DWDM "Volga" manufactured by T8. Work was carried out in March 2025 in the T8 laboratory.

During the tests, the possibility of joint operation of the RCC system and the DWDM system was proved. As a result, quantum keys were created at a distance of 50 km while simultaneously transmitting data over 20 classical 200G channels. A demonstration of the system performance at a distance of 35 km was carried out at the full load of the 40-channel DWDM network. Technical solutions have been found to reduce noise in the quantum channel due to collaboration with DWDM equipment, which allows minimizing the impact of a quantum system on traditional communication systems.

The tests demonstrate a high level of technological maturity of Russian developments in the field of quantum and telecommunication equipment. The successful interaction of the systems of two domestic manufacturers is an important step towards the creation of a completely import-independent communication infrastructure.

The results achieved open up prospects for the development of quantum technologies in Russia and the creation of domestic solutions for building secure communication channels. This is especially important in the face of growing interest in quantum technologies and the need to ensure information security at the state level.

The joint work of T8 and InfoTeCS shows the ability of Russian companies to create world-class high-tech solutions, which brings them closer to complete technological independence in critical areas of telecommunications and information security.

2016

Volga and Brocade are compatible

On November 10, 2016, T8 and Brocade Russia announced 100 Gb/s compatibility testing of the Volga DWDM platform aggregating transponder and Brocade FOS 7.4.x products.

Based on the test results, it was concluded that the product compatibility and the MS-100E-T10 block of the T8 company was included in the list of compatible equipment Brocade Fabric OS 7.x Compatibility Matrix.

Comprehensive testing was carried out according to Brocade Self-Certification methods for protocols 8 GFC and 10 GFC in R_RDY and VC_RDY modes.

The MS-100E-T10 transponder is designed to transmit 10 client signals (10GE, STM-64, OTU2, 8/10 GFC) over 10 Gb/s in one 100 Gb/s channel.

Entering the Brocade list is another and very significant step in the development of our platform. This confirms that our equipment meets all modern international requirements. Certification opens up new possibilities for the use of our equipment on storage networks, in large data centers. And this is not a reason to stop. In our future plans - to pass certification for all equipment of the Volga platform. Mikhail Sleptsov, Deputy General Director of T8 LLC

Volga modernized

On June 7, 2016, it became known about the modernization of the multi-service platform for organizing high-speed Volga DWDM networks: support for speeds up to 400 Gbps per slot. The chassis of the Volga platform can be used telecommunication in 19/21 'racks. Volga is optimized for high-speed 100G and 400G transponders.

Volga, (2015)

• 4 chassis types: 10U for 13 slots, 6U for 7 slots, 3U for 3 slots and 1U systems
• Transponders and mucosponders with linear speeds from 2.5 to 400 Gbps.
• Optical amplifiers: EDFA, RAMAN and hybrid EDFA + RAMAN.
• ROADM: WSS 1×1, 1×2, 1×4, 1×9.
• 2 650. 850. 1200 and 1600 W power supply.
• The depth of the chassis is 300 mm.

The Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation has assigned the DWDM platform the status of equipment of Russian origin. The Volga DWDM platform has passed a state examination and is included in the register of innovative products recommended for procurement under 94-FZ and 223-FZ.

The system is characterized by powerful transport capabilities: up to 96 DWDM channels on 100 Gbps or up to 48 channels on 400 Gbps.

It became possible to transmit data at speeds of 400, 100, 40, 10, 2.5 Gbps or less, upgrade without stopping traffic. High signal quality, Soft-FEC and variance compensation on transponders allows channels to be introduced on existing lines created earlier to organize low-speed channels. Due to the high quality of 100G DWDM transponders, transmission over ultra-long distances becomes available: more than 4 thousand km without the use of dispersion compensators in the amplifier and regeneration stage; up to 500 km point-to-point using remote pumping (ROPA). The latest 400 Gbps equipment is designed to organize the transport infrastructure of data centers and urban networks. Thanks to efficient SD-FEC, channels can be transmitted up to 500 km.

The Volga platform is made according to the modular principle, standard modules are installed in 4 types of chassis: the chassis 10U supports up to 13 units, the 6U chassis is designed for 7 units, 3U for 3 units. In the compact 1U version, it is possible to execute any units from the line of receiving and transmitting equipment of the Volga platform, including 400 Gb/s equipment.

Flexibility and redundancy: 1 + 1 and add/drop, ROADM

• ROADM - flexible link output for network upgrade and redundancy
• 1 + 1 protection at 2.5, 10G - 2 line interfaces.
• Aggregators 10x10G, 4x10G, 4×2,5G, 8x1GE
• BS units - optical redundancy of expensive interfaces 40 and 100G/400G.

The platform blocks support OTN x-connect with a matrix capacity of up to 40 and 100 Gb/s. The next generation of equipment will support a cross-connect matrix with a capacity of up to 1 Tb/s. Volga organizes up to 96 channels in the C-band, with the possibility of additional expansion into the L-band with an increase in capacity to 27 Tbit/s. All Volga equipment fully supports OTN technology. The components of the system - optical transponders, amplifiers, aggregators, control or power units - can be replaced in hot mode, without turning off the equipment and losing traffic. Optical switching units allow the creation of 1 + 1 protected networks.

Features of the Volga platform:

• High capacity
• Up to 96 DWDM channels up to 100 Gbps per channel or 400 Gbps up to 48 channels. Expansion to 270 channels (C + L band). Sending SDH, OTN, and Ethernet client streams:
• 400 Gbps: 100GE
• 100 Gbps: 100GE
• 40 Gb/s: STM-256, OTU3, Ethernet 40G
• 10 Gbps: 10GbE, STM-64, OTU2, 4/8/10GFC
• ≤2,5 Gbps: GbE, STM-1/4/16, OTU1

OTN Technology Support

Transponders and full OTN support aggregator muxresponders for OTN OTU1/2/3/4 traffic. Matrix capacity OTN 40 or 100Gbit/s. The next generation of equipment will support an OTN matrix up to 1Tb/s. Support for proactive FEC error correction, including Super-FEC, Soft-FEC, and SD-FEC.

Implementing Complex Topologies

With the use of WSS ROADM 1X2, 1X4, 1X9, various types of aggregators and protection units, the platform is suitable for creating complex topologies of a 1 + 1 network, ring protection and mesh structure. High-speed optical and electronic switches allow switching to a redundant channel in less than 50 ms, even on 100G channels.

Wide range of optical amplifiers

• Low noise erbium amplifiers (EDFA), RAMAN amplifiers with power up to 33 dBm, remote pumped amplifiers (ROPA), hybrid EDFA + RAMAN amplifiers.
• Fractal Network Control System
• Provides complete control and management of network elements, regardless of its scale and complexity. The Fractal graphical shell and the built-in Web interface provide convenient remote operation and configuration of the Volga platform elements.

Size and power consumption

Dual power supplies of two types: DC 36-72 V or AC 220 V. Power consumption is not more than 1200 W on the chassis. Chassis and all-in-one units 1/3/6/10U and 300 mm deep for mounting in a 19/21 'rack.

2015

Volga passed the test in 100G mode

On July 23, 2015, T8 announced the results of testing Volga equipment without regeneration in the real line.

Line test Moscow-Novosibirsk 4250 km long passed without signal regeneration. 100G channels were transmitted in two ways - through Samara and through Yekaterinburg - with 1 + 1 redundancy. The length of the two arms is 4250 and 3400 km, respectively.

The 100G channels are organized within the framework of the existing multi-channel DWDM system built on foreign equipment. When operating in this configuration, more stringent requirements are imposed on new transponders than on "native" equipment. In particular, it is necessary to adjust the power level of new 100G channels to the power level of existing channels.

Volga 100G equipment proved to be in a complex configuration, providing a significant signal-to-noise ratio (OSNR) margin. On the shoulder through Samara, the OSNR margin was 7 dB, on the shoulder through Yekaterinburg - 8.5 dB. This is more than twice the required operating margin.

The indicators were achieved through the use of Russian 100G DWDM equipment Volga, developed and produced by T8. The value of the required OSNR for the new 100G Volga equipment is only 11 dB.

"We not only successfully transferred 100G channels in the DWDM system of a foreign manufacturer, but also achieved an ultra-large transmission range for commercial networks in a cascade of amplifiers without signal regeneration - 4250 km, - said Mikhail Sleptsov, deputy director of T8 for project implementation. "Thus, we have once again proved that domestic DWDM networks can be successfully developed using Russian equipment."

Volga, 2015

The cost of Volga equipment is noticeably lower than its foreign counterparts. At the customer's request, the transmission of high-speed DWDM channels using Volga transponders can be provided within the framework of working DWDM equipment from other manufacturers.

"Import substitution in the field of telecommunications equipment is especially important for Russia due to a possible rise in prices caused by a change in the exchange rate and restrictions on the supply of imported systems due to the imposed sanctions," said Vladimir Treshchikov, General Director of T8. "In addition, the transition to Russian equipment reduces the risks of unauthorized impact on network operation and significantly increases the level of information security