The reduction of system margin in open optical line systems (OLSs) requires the capability to predict the quality of transmission (QoT) within them. This quantity is given by the generalized signal-to-noise ratio (GSNR), including both the effects of amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) noise and nonlinear interference accumulation. Among these, estimating the ASE noise is the most challenging task

In this paper, we present Alibaba’s practices and views on open and disaggregated optical transport networks, with a focus on metro data center interconnects (DCIs). We first discuss technology developments that have enabled open optical transport networks, followed by a presentation of our open optical network architecture for DCI networks. We then describe an overall data center network architecture

Multi-vendor interoperability and disaggregation are attracting the interest of network operators as a way to avoid vendor lock-in, thus opening the market and, possibly, reducing costs. NETCONF, in concert with YANG data models, has been identified as the software defined networking (SDN) configuration protocol for these networks. Currently, several YANG models describe devices in a vendor-neutral

In this paper, we describe the validation of GNPy. GNPy is an open source application that approaches the optical layer according to a disaggregated paradigm, and its core engine is a quality-of-transmission estimator for coherent wavelength division multiplexed optical networks. This software is versatile. It can be used to prepare a request for proposal/request for quotation, as an engine of a what-if

We present an open design of a filterless add/drop reconfigurable optical add/drop multiplexer module with a NETCONF northbound interface. Compared to commercial offerings, the device design is openly documented and available for detailed inspection. Performance is evaluated with up to seven adjacent high-speed 100 Gbps signals on a 50 GHz frequency grid.

Open optical networks present a variety of benefits to service providers and enterprise network operators, such as freedom from single-vendor dependence and the potential to select best-in-class solutions for each individual network role (e.g., line system or optical terminals). In this paper, we discuss two open optical network models: one enables transponder–line system interoperability, whereas

Historically, reconfigurable optical add/drop multiplexers (ROADMs) have been proprietary with respect to their data and control planes. There has been a growing desire among network operators to move away from such proprietary elements. Together with other network operators and industry partners, we have created the OpenROADM multi-source agreement and published interoperability specifications as