Cisco and Telefónica create a test platform to analyze the benefits of converged networks

Analyzing the benefits of the convergence of IP and optical networks is the objective of the test platform created by Cisco and Telefónica, unifying their technologies and taking advantage of the functionalities of SDN technology.

Cisco y Telefónica They have created a testing platform, located in the Telefónica I+D facilities, to jointly analyze and apply the benefits of the convergence of IP networks and optical networks.

With the convergence of IP and optical networks based on IETF standards, it is possible to unify planning, management and engineering of the optical and IP network layers, with the consequent improvement in efficiency and cost savings.

Telefónica will use the Cisco Open Network Architecture platform, composed of Evolved Services Platform (ESP) y Evolved Programmable Network (EPN), that combines hardware and software to provide innovative functionalities for operators, including network functions virtualization (NFV, Network Function Virtualization), software-defined networks (SDN, Software Defined Networking) and advanced orchestration capabilities.

Over the next two years, Cisco and Telefónica will work together using Cisco WAN Automation Engine software, that automates and optimizes WAN network engineering, enabling the provision of service level agreements (SLA – Service Level Agreements) to create a better user experience.

In addition, Both companies will collaborate on different use cases extracted from Telefónica's network topology, including multi-layer restoration (multilayer restoration), creation of multi-domain route and multi-level bypass, all about a multi-supplier approach to guarantee compatibility between products from different manufacturers.

The tests will be supported by various Cisco hardware solutions such as the CRS family routers and the Network Convergence System transport platform. 2000, as well as third parties.

The test platform will also use Cisco nLight, multi-layer control technology (GMPLS, Generalized Multiprotocol Label Switching) that facilitates the exchange of information between the IP and optical layers to optimize operations and maximize the benefits of a converged transport network.

Telefónica hopes to validate different models that will help it minimize investment in redundant and underused resources and achieve a more efficient unified network architecture., less complex and easier to scale and operate, thus obtaining significant savings in operating and capital costs.