Flexible transport network expansion via open WDM interfaces

Abstract

This paper presents a successful test-bed implementation of a multi-vendor transport network interconnection via open WDM interfaces. The concept of applying Alien Wave-lengths (AWs) for network expansion was successfully illustrated via deployment of multi-domain/multi-vendor end-to-end OTN services. We evaluate the impact of AW service establishment on both native and other alien services. Our experience confirms the technical feasibility of the concept in the context of transparent network-to-network interconnection at the optical layer. Furthermore, main operational challenges are discussed.