Network Automation

Vodafone contemplates fixed access network SDN via Nokia controller

March 28, 2022

If the trials prove successful, the SDN technology will be deployed more widely later this year, Nokia says.

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Nokia says it will work with Vodafone to evaluate the application of software-defined network manager and controller (SDN-M&C) capabilities to the service provider’s multi-access fixed network technology. The two companies have begun the collaboration with proof-of-concept trials in Europe. If the trials prove successful, the SDN technology will be deployed more widely later this year, Nokia says.

The trials leverage Nokia’s Altiplano SDN-M&C. Nokia asserts Vodafone selected Altiplano for its ability to work across its multi-generational, multi-technology and multi-vendor access networks. Vodafone currently addresses 143 million marketable Next Generation Network (NGN) broadband homes in Europe.

The SDN management and control functions will be used to simplify, automate, visualize, optimize, and otherwise enhance Vodafone’s broadband networks as well as support Vodafone’s network-as-a-platform (NaaP) approach and other customizable services.

“We are driving simplification and automation throughout our network and IT systems across Europe and Africa to further improve the customer experience and support the growing number of connected devices,” commented Gavin Young, head of Fixed Access Centre of Excellence at Vodafone. “The last few years have proven that the resilience of economies depends on our ability to quickly respond to changing societal needs. Nokia’s Altiplano solution will enable us to help our customers adapt to new developments even quicker.”

“Nokia’s SDN Controller platform provides open and standardized APIs and leverages open source where applicable,” added Sandy Motley, president, Fixed Networks at Nokia. “The result is our Altiplano Access Controller can manage and control any SDN-native, disaggregated, legacy and third-party equipment and is highly customizable to suit operator needs now and in the future.”

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About the Author

Stephen Hardy | Editorial Director and Associate Publisher, Lightwave

Stephen Hardy is editorial director and associate publisher of Lightwave and Broadband Technology Report, part of the Lighting & Technology Group at Endeavor Business Media. Stephen is responsible for establishing and executing editorial strategy across the both brands’ websites, email newsletters, events, and other information products. He has covered the fiber-optics space for more than 20 years, and communications and technology for more than 35 years. During his tenure, Lightwave has received awards from Folio: and the American Society of Business Press Editors (ASBPE) for editorial excellence. Prior to joining Lightwave in 1997, Stephen worked for Telecommunications magazine and the Journal of Electronic Defense.

Stephen has moderated panels at numerous events, including the Optica Executive Forum, ECOC, and SCTE Cable-Tec Expo. He also is program director for the Lightwave Innovation Reviews and the Diamond Technology Reviews.

He has written numerous articles in all aspects of optical communications and fiber-optic networks, including fiber to the home (FTTH), PON, optical components, DWDM, fiber cables, packet optical transport, optical transceivers, lasers, fiber optic testing, and more.

You can connect with Stephen on LinkedIn as well as Twitter.