Towards end-to-end integrated optical packet network: Empirical analysis

Today, the overloaded networks increasingly entail high operational costs but may not generate new revenues accordingly. Legacy network elements are reaching end-of-life and packet-based transport networks are not efficiently optimized. Thus, an efficient migration plan towards an End-to-End Integrated-Optical-Packet-Network (E2-IOPN) is emerging for service providers in access, metro and core networks. This paper reviews various empirical challenges faced by a Service Provider (SP) during the transformation process towards E2-IOPN as well as in the implementation of an as-built plan and high-level design for migrating towards GPON, MPLS-TP, OTN and next-generation DWDM. Then, we propose a SP longer-term strategy based on SDN and NFV approach that will offer rapid end-to-end service provisioning and centralized network control. Such strategy helps SP maintain good profit margin and best customer experience. A cost comparative study shows the benefit and financial impact of introducing new low-cost packet-based technologies to carry legacy as well as new services traffic.