Network software automation, reminiscent of the software-defined networking (SDN) era a decade ago, is gaining renewed momentum in the optical networking industry. While SDN promised simpler, more efficient, and flexible networks with cost savings and improved service levels, its adoption in optical networking has been slower than anticipated. However, recent developments, particularly the rise of open optical networking, are acting as catalysts for widespread network automation.
Open optical networking enables communication service providers (CSPs) to utilize equipment from multiple vendors, fostering innovation and improving network economics. Supply chain vulnerabilities highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic underscored the importance of vendor diversity. The availability of 400G ZR/ZR+/XR coherent optical pluggables further drives this trend, allowing direct deployment in routers and bypassing traditional transponders, reducing network costs in IP over DWDM (IPoDWDM) architectures.
Managing these multi-vendor open optical networks necessitates a shift in approach. Vendor-agnostic software automation solutions, building upon SDN principles, are emerging as the answer to operational complexities. These solutions, termed optical domain controllers, manage network elements consistently across vendors, employing common data models and standardized interfaces. They control transponders, pluggables, and optical line systems, abstracting vendor-specific details and offering unified control via northbound APIs for back-office systems and automation applications.
Optical domain controllers facilitate faster bandwidth delivery and more flexible services for CSPs. They also address the need for simplified network operations and help navigate the challenges of an aging workforce in the industry. Key functionalities include automated network discovery, service visualization, performance monitoring, and fault isolation across multi-vendor environments. These controllers also enable automated service creation, including complex Layer 0 provisioning, and support real-time service allocation based on network resource status. Path computation and performance validation capabilities further enhance service reliability through traffic redirection and recovery mechanisms.
Integration with back-office systems allows for workflow automation and business process optimization. Moreover, optical domain controllers empower advanced applications leveraging network data analytics and machine learning. By analyzing telemetry data, CSPs can gain actionable insights to dynamically optimize network capacity, performance, and resilience, ultimately expanding service offerings and meeting growing customer demands.
The current generation of software automation solutions for open optical networks realizes the long-held promises of SDN. They simplify operations, enable CSPs to leverage hardware flexibility and programmability fully, embrace network diversity, and accelerate innovation. These solutions support a wide range of applications, from streamlining network operations to integrating with business processes, and utilizing data-driven insights to enhance network performance, optimize investments, and create new value for CSPs.
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