Cisco Optical Network Planner Configuration Guide, Releases 26.x.x

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Multidegree ROADM

Updated: March 9, 2026

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Overview

Describes the functionality of multidegree ROADM. Explains the specific benefits and underlying principles of this essential feature for improving overall system efficiency and operational management.

A multidegree ROADM is a network node configuration that

  • enables a site to connect to two or more fiber spans,

  • allows flexible routing of wavelengths across multiple paths in a mesh network, and

  • supports higher degrees than simpler ROADMs, which typically connect only two directions.

You can design a multidegree ROADM configuration in Cisco ONP using cascaded SMR .

Design a multidegree ROADM site using cascaded SMR

Use this procedure to design a multidegree ROADM site in your network, using cascaded SMR modules.

When designing a multidegree ROADM site using cascaded SMR, be aware of these limitations:

  • The configuration only supports contentionless add/drop demands.

  • Layer-2 SMR is supported only for the SMR-20 card.

Before you begin

Log in to the Cisco ONP web interface.

Procedure

1.

Design a network. For detailed instructions, see the Manually design a network using Cisco ONP task.
2.

Modify these site properties.

  • Set the Structure to Multidegree in the C Band section.

  • Set the Site Type to SMR-20 in the C Band section.

  • Set Degree Mesh Type to Auto or to DEG-5/UPG-4 in the C Band section.

  • Check the Evolved Mesh and Cascaded SMR check boxes in the General section.

  • Set the Mpo16TOMpo8 to MPO16To2MPO8 cable in the General section.
3.

Add a contentionless side to the site. For detailed steps, see the Add contentionless side to a site task.
4.

Modify the number of contentionless side ports for the site as needed. For detailed steps, see the Modify the number of contentionless side ports at a site task.