Abstract
Today, telecommunication operators are facing an epochal challenge due to the need of higher reconfigurability, flexibility, and dynamicity for their networks. In the latest years, this necessity has been addressed by the introduction of Software-Defined Networking (SDN), mainly in the fields of data centers and core networks. The present work introduces a unified metro-access optical network architecture based on some features inspired by SDN models. The essential aim is to enable bandwidth shared among different passive optical networks (PONs) in order to achieve higher adaptability to increasingly migratory and volatile traffic patterns. Even if the present work is mainly focused on the architecture, several hints for specific implementation of the network nodes are detailed as well in order to demonstrate its feasibility. Several numerical simulations have been performed to assess the performance of the proposed solution both about physical effects and about quality of service. Bit error ratio degradation due to physical impairments has been evaluated and traffic congestion has been estimated in terms of burst loss probability and average throughput.
Highlights
The introduction of the Software-Defined Networking (SDN) paradigm is revolutionizing the scenario of telecommunication networks, mostly for core networks and data center networks [1]
Some of these proposals are focused on higher-layer reconfigurability: firstly Parol and Pawlowski in 2013 [3] and Amokrane et al in 2014 [4] proposed the introduction of the Open Networking Foundation SDN paradigm in the access segment, called software-defined edge network [4]; Yang et al have proposed a software-defined access optical network architecture based on OpenFlow-enabled passive optical network in order to ensure remote unified control and serviceaware flow scheduling [5]
Other recent proposals provide physical layer reconfigurability: software-defined coherent transponders which digitally process the burst transmissions according to the distance of a user from the central office have been proposed by Vacondio et al [6]; the use of flexible grids in an access network based on OpenFlow protocol has been proposed by Cvjectic et al [7]; intra-passive optical networks (PONs) flow transmission with an optical software-defined reroute by using a quasipassive reconfigurable node have been proposed by Yin et al [8]
Summary
The introduction of the SDN paradigm is revolutionizing the scenario of telecommunication networks, mostly for core networks and data center networks [1]. A few proposals inspired by the SDN model have been advanced to increase flexibility and programmability at the edge of the network, i.e., in the metro and in the access segments Most of these solutions have been reviewed in a recent paper [2], even if they are not fully compliant to the Open Networking Foundation standards and definitions. In order to ensure reconfigurability at the physical layer, two major SDN features have been adopted: the decoupling between the control plane and the data plane; traffic management through a centralized controller, fully aware of the entire network traffic For this reason the network proposed has been defined SDN-like even if no reference to SDN protocol is presented. More than one technological approach is presented as possible solution to implement the most important subsystems constituting the network nodes, on the base of recent advances in optics and photonics
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
