The Open Optical & Packet Transport (OOPT) project group is pleased to announce a new Proof of Concept (PoC) activity under the guidance of the MANTRA subgroup. This PoC aims to evaluate the integration and efficiency of IP over DWDM (IPoDWDM) architecture in modern telecom networks. The initiative brings together leading telecommunications companies, including Vodafone, Telefonica, MTN, Orange, Telia Company, NTT Group, and Deutsche Telekom, to explore this technology’s potential benefits.
IPoDWDM concept refers to the integration of the optical dense wavelength division multiplexing (DWDM) coherent technology in small form factor pluggable modules which can be plugged into the IP routers, aiming to enhance network efficiency and bring reductions in CAPEX and OPEX. Recently the MANTRA subgroup has published a first set of use cases and architectural guidelines which will be the technical foundation for the testing activities in this PoC, you can find the work here.
Leading the charge in this project is IPInfusion as the router software provider, with Ufispace providing the router hardware and Ciena and NEC as suppliers of the coherent ZR+ pluggable transceivers solutions. This collaboration underscores the project’s commitment to leveraging open standards and interfaces to foster interoperability and flexibility within telecom infrastructures.
“IP Infusion is excited to be involved in this new Telecom Infra Project Proof of Concept for open standards architectures for telecom,” said Atsushi Ogata, President and CEO of IP Infusion. “For more than 20 years, IP Infusion has been reinventing the role of software in networking. Applications for modern optical networking is a natural fit for advanced IP networking technologies and expertise.”
“The disaggregation of telecom infrastructures is no longer merely a trend, but a proven method to reduce total cost of ownership (TCO) and foster innovation,” declares Vincent Ho, CEO of UfiSpace. “As part of the IPoDWDM PoC initiative, we collaborate with other global technology leaders, demonstrating UfiSpace’s commitment to leveraging open standards and innovative platforms for the modernization of telecom networking within our partner ecosystem.”
“Ciena is committed to supporting our customers in enabling an open multi-vendor ecosystem for converged IP/Optical deployments and offering choice in how our leading coherent technology is consumed,” said Joe Shapiro, Vice President, Product Line Management, Ciena. “The TIP MANTRA testing plays an important role in operationalizing this new paradigm and extending the power, space and cost benefits of convergence to more network applications.”
“It is a great honor for NEC to participate in the TIP MANTRA IPoDWDM proof of concept activity with our Coherent Optical Product. We believe that this PoC will undoubtedly contribute to the evolution of optical connectivity, which will be increasingly needed in the future,” said Akio Goto, Senior Director, Fiber Optic Devices Department, NEC Corporation. “We will continue to enhance our participation in this PoC and other TIP activities to support the expansion of the optical network market.”
“Telecom Infra Project (TIP) offers to the operators the opportunity to promote in the telecom industry open and interoperable solutions in a disaggregated
environment, increasing innovation and competition in the supply chain.” said Manuel López Morillo, Vodafone Distinguished Engineer in IP and SDN and MANTRA subgroup lead. “This POC is an important first step in accelerating the potential of multi-vendor integration of DWDM coherent pluggables into host IP routers in disaggregated network scenarios through the use of open and standard APIs, which could allow for the possibility of an end-to-end SDN management of these new solutions.”
“In order for operators to unlock the full potential of next-generation coherent pluggables in IP routers we need to achieve, at least, the same level of automation as today in multi-vendor environments combining different pluggable, router and OLS vendors. Agreeing on common requirements and use cases among multiple operators will aid the industry. The Proof of Concept carried out in OOPT Mantra shows the path towards standard multi-vendor integration.”, said Oscar González de Dios, OOPT project group co-chair and expert in technology and planning of Transport and IP networks at Telefonica Global CTO.
The PoC will be conducted in two phases: firstly, it will demonstrate the seamless integration of coherent 400G ZR+ (OpenZR+ MSA) transceiver modules into routers through standard open interfaces such as OIF CMIS and C-CMIS. Following this, the focus will shift towards standardizing the open router’s management interface based on NETCONF/OpenConfig for a defined set of use cases.
The implications of this PoC extend far beyond the confines of technical validation. By setting a precedent for seamless integration and standardization, the project puts the focus on the interoperability of the network infrastructure. This project aims to shed light on the current state of the art of the implementation of the current standards and identify any gaps that might exist towards a true interoperable technology.
The MANTRA subgroup invites the global telecom community to follow this journey closely. As the project progresses, stakeholders are encouraged to engage with the TIP community, participate in upcoming events, and contribute to the ongoing dialogue shaping the future of telecom.
For more information on the Telecom Infra Project and the OOPT project group, or to join the community, please visit: https://telecominfraproject.com/.