TE SubCom launches Ocean Control suite for remote programmability and terrestrial and undersea cable network control

TE SubCom, a TE Connectivity Ltd. company, said it has launched its Ocean Control suite to deliver comprehensive remote programmability and full communications network control for both terrestrial and undersea cable networks based on software-defined networking (SDN). The platform is designed to enable automated control over each part of a communications network, which will substantially increase the capabilities and options for an external orchestrator, says TE SubCom.

To interface with submarine network elements such as wavelength selective switch (WSS) ROADMs, the suite uses RESTful application programming interfaces (APIs) with read and write functionality. Among the first to tap into the new API capabilities is SubCom partner Ciena, the company says (see "TE SubCom, Ciena target open submarine cable networks"). TE SubCom will demonstrate the new capabilities throughout May to a select audience in Ciena's Ottawa labs.

According to TE SubCom, this technology signifies a major milestone in network control efficiency through SDN. The first release of Ocean Control is available now with the support of TE SubCom's enhanced line monitoring system (eLMS), an upgraded submarine cable line monitoring system designed to provide continuous tracking of fault conditions and undersea cable performance (see "TE Subcom's eLMS targets submarine cable line monitoring and management").

TE SubCom says it plans for two additional releases later in 2018 to improve and expand the Ocean Control suite's functionality, including all significant wet and dry network elements.

"We look forward to the opportunity to put the SubCom APIs to good use," said Ian Clarke, Ciena's vice president, global submarine systems. "They will provide a seamless integration into our Blue Planet Manage, Control and Plan (MCP) domain controller to enable the automated delivery of services across Ciena packet-optical networks, and more programmable management."

"The Ocean Control suite enables us to further strengthen SubCom's commitment to customers, through our partnership with Ciena," said Mark Enright, TE SubCom's vice president, customer solutions. "With this new technology, we"re building the API platform that will underpin the future of an optimized network control interface."

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