Operation of optical spectrum as a service in disaggregated and multi-operator environments [Invited]

Abstract

Fiber optical communication networks are the backbone of our interconnected digital environments. Motivated by vendor neutrality and better utilization of the vacant optical spectrum in dense wavelength-division multiplexing (DWDM) networks, the operators are interested in implementing optical spectrum as a service (OSaaS) in their networks. In the OSaaS service model, the DWDM network operator grants the end customer direct access to the spectral resources in the DWDM system, and the transceiver equipment purchase, its operation, and future upgrades are the responsibility of the service end customer. If the spectral resources are available in adjacent network segments and the performance of the individual segment is adequate, OSaaS allows optical signals to be operated over thousands of kilometers, traversing multiple domains. These domains can be owned by different operators and built using different DWDM network technologies, utilizing different components and channel plans. This can pose a threat to the network integrity, as today, no dedicated demarcation points exist to police the received and transmitted signals as per the next domain’s requirements. This paper reviews the readily available equipment to provide demarcation functions between the operator domains and introduces an infrastructure-, DWDM technology-, vendor-, and domain-independent optical demarcation device called the network domain interface device (NeDID). We discuss how NeDID provides signal policing and compatibility monitoring, enabling a new, infrastructure-independent networking concept—a transparent optical overlay network (TOON). We further explain the ownership of the NeDID devices and investigate the techno-economic benefits of operating flexible and secure OSaaS over any underlying optical network infrastructure.