Redefining Optical Networks with Software Defined Networking Intelligence

Abstract:
Software Defined Networking (SDN) in optical transport networks is gaining more and more attention as traffic growth increases the cost and complexity of network operations. At the same time, evolving market dynamics are forcing operators to adapt to new and more challenging service requirements in order to stay competitive. These requirements, driven by the high-volume and unpredictable traffic characteristics of emerging applications such as data center interconnect, include fast service turn-up and more efficient resource utilization. The present paper explores the role of SDN in optical transport networks, as well as aspects beyond to the SDN framework to fully maximize the value creation of the network.