Huawei unveils Transport SDN platform and application system

Huawei Technologies Co. Ltd. used OFC 2014 to unveil its prototype software-defined network (SDN) virtual transport platform together with a built-in app system. The new platform is a key component of Huawei’s SoftCOM strategy for next-generation optical networks.

The SDN platform enables networks with openness, elasticity, and centralized intelligence, Huawei asserts. These functions collectively create new value for networks and enhanced experiences for users, the company claims.

Huawei says its T-SDN virtual transport platform uses a unified physical network model and resource abstraction to virtualize transmission pipes, enabling the communication network to function like an IT system with programming and versatile control capabilities. Users can manage and control their own virtual networks or create new and innovative services using the three following applications:

• The Virtual Transport Service application dynamically creates multiple virtual networks on demand to meet individual tenant needs, all from the same physical network. Each tenant can route circuits and provision services over their own virtual network, according to Huawei. The application also enables a tenant to add or remove capacity as needed, without conflicting with other tenants or the physical network, the company says.
• The Flexible Optical Network Control application enables automatic on-demand adjustment in modulation format and line rate based on the user’s need.
• The Network Health Analysis application can track network resource use, performance KPIs, and alarms in real time. It also provides survivability analysis on demand. It functions as a service degradation warning mechanism.
  

Huawei’s SoftCOM strategy was introduced in 2012. The company says the SoftCOM products help carriers navigate the challenges in improving efficiency, reducing costs, and creating new business opportunities in the era of cloud, virtualization, and ICT convergence.

Telefonica recently partnered with Huawei to test transport SDN capabilities (see "Huawei, Telefonica trial SDN-based IP and optical layer interworking").

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