Systems vendor ECI Telecom Ltd. has launched SmartLight, ECI's framework for deploying software-defined networks (SDN) and network functions virtualization (NFV).
Focusing on carrier migration strategies, ECI says SmartLight's open standard approach enables service providers to start enjoying the benefits of SDN immediately on their current installed base. SmartLight also provides a unique, comprehensive security suite for protecting the network as it becomes increasingly open and programmable, the vendor asserts.
"The SmartLight framework was driven by the need for unlimited bandwidth, open interfaces, multivendor support, and security. It enables our customers to optimize and manage their networks to meet the demands of new architectures like the metro cloud, which feature expanding bandwidth and new traffic patterns," said Darryl Edwards, CEO of ECI Telecom.
SmartLight comprises four main elements:
- LightApps suite of network automation and efficiency tools and premium service applications
- LightControl multi-layer carrier-class SDN controller
- LightSec suite of security applications and appliances
- Apollo and NPT SDN-ready converged Layer 0 to Layer 3 packet-optical transport systems.
LightApps increase network efficiency and facilitate a wide range of revenue generating services, according to ECI. Apps include bandwidth-on-demand, scheduled services, and network analytics. LightApps can run on the installed base, and offer portability and customization by using standard open APIs. They can be enhanced with real-time capabilities when paired to run on the LightControl SDN controller, which features a centralized unified multi-layer control plane.
Security is becoming increasingly important as the network incorporates open interfaces and programmability, ECI asserts. LightSec uses a six-pronged approach – for network anomaly detection, strong authentication, DDOS protection, SCADA DPI, and more – to bring to the industry a comprehensive suite of cyber-security software.
ECI's Apollo and NPT packet-optical transport systems provide the network foundation for SmartLight. They permit end-to-end automated service creation spanning access, metro, regional and core networks (see "ECI Telecom emphasizes Layer 3 capabilities in next-generation packet-optical transport systems"). For SDN compatibility, Apollo and NPT are evolving to support OpenFlow interfaces, and will feature software-configurable NFV engines, the vendor says.
ECI is hosting a live demonstration of SmartLight and the LightApps applications in its booth at MEF GEN14 in Washington, DC, on November 17-20.
For more information on high-speed transmission systems and suppliers, visit the Lightwave Buyer's Guide.