Less Opex when IP and Optical Tech marry

BANGALORE: Nokia Siemens Networks and Juniper Networks, Inc., are connecting on a new frequency.

Both the players are combining their respective strengths in Optical and IP networking to create a solution that brings the two complementary technologies closer together. As a press note claims, the integrated IP-Optical solution will provide operators with a highly flexible, reliable and cost efficient way to scale their networks to manage growing volumes of data, voice and multimedia applications.

The implementation of long-haul DWDM optics on router line interface cards will increase network efficiency by reducing the need for redundant transponders, but can present network management challenges because IP and optical networks are traditionally managed separately. To address these concerns, Nokia Siemens Networks and Juniper are creating a solution which manages the entire router–to-optical link as a single entity. Using Juniper’s T Series Core Routers, the router-integrated optical DWDM interfaces will interoperate with Nokia Siemens Networks’ hiT7300 WDM platform and be managed by the company’s carrier grade Transport Network Management System (TNMS).

The scope of co-operation includes the development of cost-optimized 10G, 40G and 100G IP over DWDM solutions with management integration and GMPLS control plane inter-working.

“Juniper brings IP routing expertise while Nokia Siemens Networks brings forth Wavelength Division Multiplexing transport technology including operational management systems for both technologies. To have both worlds under one network management roof means the highest possible quality in terms of simplicity and efficiency,” said Uwe Fischer, Head of DWDM Business Line at Nokia Siemens Networks. “As carriers consolidate their IP and DWDM environments to ensure cost efficient growth, our solution will form the bedrock of the vision that breaks the barriers between optical and electrical layers.”

”As trends such as video, virtualization and cloud computing continue to drive the need for core networking capacity, operators will be looking for ways to scale their networks efficiently and cost-effectively,” said Opher Kahane, senior vice president and general manager, High-End Systems Business Unit, Juniper Networks. “The combination of IP and optical transport technologies increase the efficiency of the network.”

Complemented by Nokia Siemens Networks’ network planning software, TransNet,  the joint solution may improve overall efficiency in the network.  “In addition, the operator will be able to enjoy faster service provisioning times as only one DWDM interface will need to be installed and configured, and would also have improved reliability through early link failure detection, enhanced troubleshooting and overall simplicity.”