The open optical network approach
Adaptability, cost efficiency and innovation are crucial in today's dynamic telecommunications industry. Traditionally, network operators relied on single-vendor solutions for infrastructure, creating networks that, while functional, tend to be inflexible, expensive and slow to adapt. Open optical networks are changing the game, offering a flexible, multi-vendor approach that allows operators to build scalable and cost-effective infrastructure.
Open optical networks are based on interoperability, enabling components from various suppliers to work together in a single infrastructure. Unlike traditional models that restrict operators to a single vendor, open networks ‘unlock’ each layer of the infrastructure. This approach allows operators to choose components from different vendors, relying on industry standards for compatibility and integration.
A major feature of open optical networks is the separation of hardware from software, meaning operators are no longer locked into a single vendor for both their physical infrastructure and control systems. This separation increases adaptability, allowing operators to upgrade and expand their networks without being restricted by a particular vendor’s offerings.
Cost savings and competitive edge
One of the biggest draws of open optical networks is the potential for cost savings. By purchasing hardware and software independently, operators can avoid vendor lock-in and find the best deals on each component, reducing both capital and operational expenditures.
Apart from cost savings, a major advantage of open optical networks is the ability to adopt new technologies much faster. In a traditional, vendor-locked approach, operators often have to wait up to a year for new solutions to be integrated into proprietary systems. Open optical networks eliminate this delay, enabling quicker adoption of cutting-edge innovations. In fact, the cost savings from faster technology adoption can often surpass those gained from sourcing components at better prices, further driving down the cost per bit for operators.
Open optical networks also drive market competition, leading to better prices and more innovative solutions. With multiple vendors offering interoperable components, operators can opt for the latest technology from a broader array of providers, helping them stay competitive and responsive to changing needs. And because open optical networks support vendor-neutral components, the cost savings go beyond initial setup costs; they extend across the entire network lifecycle, from expansion to maintenance.
Enhanced network control
Another major advantage of open optical networks is their integration with software-defined networking (SDN), which provides centralised control and automation at the optical layer. Traditionally, network adjustments had to be performed manually—a time-consuming process that increased operational costs. With SDN, however, operators can monitor, control, and optimise network performance remotely, enabling quick adjustments as needed.
For example, SDN-enabled automation allows operators to reroute traffic through underused paths or adjust network parameters to manage peak demand seamlessly. This capability is increasingly valuable as demand for data continues to rise due to applications like 5G, edge computing and IoT, which all require reliable, high-capacity networks. By automating these adjustments, open optical networks position operators to keep up with rapid technological change.
Challenges on the path to open networks
While the benefits of open optical networks are substantial, certain challenges remain. Implementing a multi-vendor network requires careful integration to ensure that all components work together seamlessly, which can increase both the time and cost of deployment. For example, an operator looking to connect a transponder from one vendor with a Reconfigurable Optical Add/Drop Multiplexer (ROADM) from another must ensure both components meet the same operational standards, such as OpenROADM.
Another challenge is security. Integrating equipment from different vendors may seem to mean supporting different security protocols, potentially leading to inconsistencies that increase vulnerability to attacks.
Meanwhile, building open optical networks helps operators integrate different types of services into single links/optical paths, some may be encrypted, others do not have full interoperability at the optical layer level. Even if the chosen provider does not support encryption, the operator is free to install another provider's encryption device.
The future of open optical networks
Looking forward, open optical networks have the potential to turn today’s challenges into future strengths. As interoperability standards like OpenROADM and OpenZR+ continue to evolve, they will simplify the integration of multi-vendor components, addressing compatibility issues and reducing both deployment time and resources. These standards are set to enhance data rates, error correction and overall adaptability, making open optical networks even more effective.
Salumanus, a leader in optical technology, provides advanced solutions in open network technology, offering tailored services to help operators design, implement, and support flexible, multi-vendor systems. With capabilities to support high-bandwidth solutions up to 8400G, Salumanus ensures that open optical networks remain robust and ready to meet future demands.
As open networks mature, we can expect increased collaboration between operators, creating a more cohesive, multi-supplier ecosystem. This collaborative environment will drive down costs, streamline integration and foster ongoing innovation, establishing open optical networks as the foundation of future telecommunications. With unmatched adaptability, they are ideally suited to support next-generation technologies that demand unprecedented speed and flexibility.
To find out more about open networking solutions, contact us.