Multinet to upgrade Pakistani national fiber network with TIP Cassini powered by IP Infusion’s OcNOS

Feb. 16, 2023
The network operator will use OcNOS in conjunction with the Cassini disaggregated coherent switch and open packet transponder developed by the Telecom Infra Project’s (TIP’s) Open Optical and Packet Transport (OOPT) group.

Open software vendor IP Infusion says it will supply its OcNOS networking operating system to Pakistani service provider Multinet. The network operator will use OcNOS in conjunction with the Cassini disaggregated coherent switch and open packet transponder developed by the Telecom Infra Project’s (TIP’s) Open Optical and Packet Transport (OOPT) group. The combination will form the heart of an upgrade of Multinet’s nationwide IP backbone to 3.2 Tbps.

Edgecore Networks will supply the Cassini platforms for the upgrade project. Others involved in the project include TIP Open Optical ecosystem partners SmartOptics along with a local system integrator partner in Pakistan, STARCOM Technologies (Pvt) Ltd. The fiber transport network covers more than 120 cities across more than 14,000 km and supports more than 150 million people, according to IP Infusion.

“IP Infusion’s OcNOS was the clear choice to future-proof our network,” said Adnan Zaidi, chief operating officer of Multinet. “IP Infusion’s highly rated disaggregated architecture, open and complete transparency on all network element requirements, competitive pricing and simplified licensing are integral to advancing connectivity solutions across Pakistan. Being the world's first Open Optical Framework deployment of this scale, I am proud to bring this venture home. The network upgrade will be of national significance as this will not only serve the exponential growth in the capacity demand but will also expand network access to new urban, semi-urban, and rural areas.”

"The Telecom Infra Project brings together a diverse group with a common goal of working together to identify, design, and deploy new technologies that can help to address the challenges facing the telecom industry,” said David Hutton, chief engineer for TIP. “The goal of TIP is to accelerate the development and deployment of new telecommunications infrastructure, with a focus on technologies that can help to increase the speed, capacity, and affordability of Internet access, especially in underserved and emerging markets such as Pakistan. This is the largest Open Optical and Packet Transport project to date and would not be possible without the cooperation of these market-leading vendors."

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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.

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