Optimization

Dynamically Optimize Optical and IP Resources

Highlights

Analyzes traffic routing over the network and identifies IP links that can reduce network load
Verifies that the Optical layer can support these new links
Sets up new IP links in a way that conforms to operator practices
For existing IP links, analyzes whether their optical path can be rerouted differently to increase network resiliency
Enables rerouting of optical links in a hitless manner from an IP/MPLS perspective
Identifies which optical connections can be reassigned different wavelengths to improve the use of optical spectrum, and implements this change in a coordinated fashion with the IP/MPLS layer to minimize traffic impact

Benefits

Optimal operation of the network as a whole
Reduced common risks, allowing for more diversity at the IP/MPLS layer
Longer lifespan of the Optical layer by placing more connections into the same fiber pair
Freeing up expensive optical resources, such as regenerators

Sedona’s Automatic Optimization App adds, replaces, and removes links to match network dynamics and changing needs. It eases congestion and maximize the value of the operator’s existing equipment.

Today’s IP/MPLS and Optical layers operate as isolated silos. This often leads to design choices that seem optimal from the perspective of a single layer, but are clearly suboptimal when considering both. For example, from a purely optical perspective, it may seem optimal to route an optical connection that supports an IP link along the shortest optical path. However, this path might share common physical resources with other optical connections supporting other IP links. As a result, a failure of a single resource (such as a fiber cut) could severely impact traffic in the IP/MPLS layer. The app analyzes both layers to find the optimal working point for the network as a whole and configures both layers to reach this optimal point.

It is easier to optimize the network when a change can be made without a traffic hit (for example, affecting the routing of MPLS tunnels by configuring routers to be aware of the optical risks associated with each IP link). However, even for changes that impact traffic (like rerouting an optical connection to reduce the common risk), The Automatic Optimization App carefully moves traffic away from to-be-impacted resources before it implements the change, making the overall process hitless and under strict policy control.