Pioneering the Future of Telecom: Introducing Latest TIP’s IP over DWDM proof-of-concept with the MANTRA Subgroup

by TIP News

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."

“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.”

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/.

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