ADVA Optical Networking showcases latest transport SDN technology

“We were the first to bring SDN into the optical domain, we were the first to underline the potential this technology could have on a network, how it could usher in a new era of opportunity,” said Christoph Glingener, CTO, ADVA Optical Networking. “This is why we're working with the OIF and ONF. We're using our experience of SDN in the transport layer to further highlight its benefits to network operators. What's key about this global demonstration is the sheer scale of interoperability, the sheer scale of interworking. The industry is working collectively to drive programmability forward and define the right standards that guarantee network performance and ease-of-use. The outcome of this demonstration will reveal how we can gradually transition to a service-centric network that will open new revenue opportunities.”

The global transport SDN demonstration will be the first time that ADVA Optical Networking publically shows its new Network Hypervisor technology. The Network Hypervisor is a critical component in the development of service-centric networks. It enables carriers to develop virtual networks that support multi-tenancy and single customer ownership on a shared underlying physical infrastructure. This level of freedom is a significant departure from current operational models and could impact several key areas: It could reduce operating costs, ensure rapid provision of new services and drive a quicker return on investments. These are all goals that carriers have been hoping to achieve for many years. The OIF and ONF interoperability demonstration will clearly highlight what's possible here.

“The migration to a service-centric network has been a long-held aim of carriers. It presents a genuine opportunity to achieve cost savings and drive new revenue opportunities,” commented Ulrich Kohn, director, Technical Marketing, ADVA Optical Networking. “To be successful here, carriers need firm assurances that this technology can perform, that the vendor community can deliver. That's why the OIF and ONF demonstration is so important. We have carriers and vendors from across the globe working together to achieve interoperability, to assure interworking, to develop a clear roadmap for the future. The results from this testing will clearly highlight where we are and the next steps to achieving the full potential that transport SDN offers.”