Telefonica links with Cisco for SDN/NFV in converged IP/optical networks

Telefonica, which appears to be leaving no stone unturned in its quest for the optimal application of software-defined networking (SDN) and network functions virtualization (NFV) to its network, has added Cisco (NASDAQ: CSCO) to its roster of collaborators. The two companies say they have developed a test platform to jointly explore and capitalize on the benefits of SDN and NFV in converged IP and optical networks.

The test platform involves the use of the Cisco Open Network Architecture, including the system house’s Evolved Services Plaform (ESP) and Evolved Programmable Network (EPN) technologies. A two-year effort is now underway in which the partners will evaluate a variety of use cases for SDN and NFV concepts leveraging the Cisco WAN Automation Engine software, which Cisco says automates and optimizes the engineering of the WAN, including provisioning flexible service-level agreements (SLAs). The use cases include multilayer restoration, the creation of a multidomain route, and a multilevel bypass.

The evaluations will encompass hardware from Cisco as well as other vendors. The Cisco systems include Cisco CRS Series routers and the Cisco Network Convergence System 2000 transport platform. Cisco also will supply its nLight multilayer control technology based on GMPLS, which is designed to aid communication between the IP and optical layers.

Telefonica will not be at a loss for options when it comes to equipment and technology from other vendors for the project. The carrier has previously enlisted such companies as Brocade, Cyan, Huawei, and Infinera for joint work on SDN/NFV-related efforts. Some of these also involved IP/optical multilayer control.

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