The SDN (Software-Defined Networking) concept has been known since 2007 and was generated through the work of America’s Stanford University. Today, after years of international community effort, i.e., that of scientists, software developers, as well as IT and telecommunications companies, this technology has rapidly gained market share. According to Global Market Insides data from 2018, the global SDN market was worth USD 8 billion.
This value will increase more than 12-fold by 2025, reaching USD 100 billion. This would mean a CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) index of over 40%! What is the origin of such a growth? The answer is simple – it is defined by the development of telecommunications technologies. We are talking about mobile devices and the Internet of Things, as well as about cloud solutions or the 5G technology that is just now entering our lives. Since the world is changing so fast, the technology that makes the global network functional must follow. This will be possible owing to SDN-based solutions – a technology we are currently developing at EXATEL.
What is SDNcore?
The SDNcore platform is the second solution under development at EXATEL. As a reminder – the first one, SDNbox, enables creating a flexible, secure and highly-efficient infrastructure, both within the operator’s aggregation network, as well as the client’s network interface [CE – Customer Edge /CPE – Customer Premises Equipment]. SDNcore is a complementary solution. Developed with telecommunications operators in mind, who manage a vast fibre-optic network, SDNcore operates at key points of a transport network – the aggregation and backbone layers.
The place of device operation is not the only difference relative to SDNbox. SDNcore will also enable the implementation of telecommunication services to customers who require high bitrates – up to 100Gb/s and IP traffic exchange at IXP traffic exchange points.
SDNcore – when bandwidth matters
We are designing SDNcore bearing in mind the needs of such operators as EXATEL. This device will be equipped with at least 12 100GE ports and 8 10GE ports. This will enable aggregation of traffic from edge devices and the development of a vast transport network that is based on 100GE interfaces, as well as the scheduling of high-bitrate client services. SDNcore will support the time synchronization and transmission phase functionalities. The aforementioned is of particular importance in the case of infrastructure dedicated to cellular technologies.
Maintenance automation
It is efficiency that matters in the case of SDNcore. This is why the SDN network will operate automatically. In practice, this means that, e.g., SDNcore device implementation processes are designed with the least possible direct involvement of a service technician in mind (ZTP-Zero Touch Provisioning). Furthermore, network services supported by the solution, such a Carrier Ethernet in accordance with MEF (Metro Ethernet Forum), routing or encrypted VPN tunnels will be implemented declaratively, and not imperatively, as in the case of networks based on traditional devices. The point is that instead of defining a service execution manner – certain steps leading to achieving the desired effect, an administrator describes the solution itself, and the controller already knows how to configure the “background” infrastructure, so that, e.g., E-LINE service is set up between two terminal devices.
SDNcore service orchestration
The configuration flexibility of SDNcore devices, as well as network and service management will be taken to a whole new level. Service orchestration is a new feature. This enables managing their lifecycle and processing information on the network and services. Orchestration allows for the combining of various functions together, with the aim of creating a comprehensive and resource-coordinated service within a distributed network environment.
This allows the operator to, among others, effectively plan and utilize available network resources. It also ensures the streamlining of the service configuration process as it will be focused on the intent of implementation (WHAT is going to be implemented?), rather than on device configuration details (HOW is bandwidth going to be implemented?). Moreover, service orchestration based on the data acquired via telemetry techniques will enable implementing automatic failure cause analysis in the future, which will contribute to improving network service availability.
Full-range network slicing
The platform permits the introduction of a completely new group of network virtualization services. After creating a homogeneous SDN network with SDNbox and SDNcore devices, management by an SDN controller will allow the building of virtual networks based on a single physical infrastructure. Network virtualization, in the 5G nomenclature dubbed network slicing, enables separating isolated networks for the purposes of network services of various traffic characteristics or QoS (Quality of Service) requirements. This lets the development of new, currently impossible services, such as Naas (Network as a Service). In practice, a customer will receive the tools and API required to manage network element and control network traffic within the ordered virtual network. One might ask, are such services needed at all? Yes! They could be utilized, e.g., by a State creating its own Special Communication Network for the purposes of all types of emergency services.
SDNcore – the exact device you desire
The platform’s programmability is its great advantage. Owing to the use of modern technologies, it will be possible to add new functionalities and services without the need to replace devices, and even without a required service technician’s visit. Furthermore, the developed solution will constitute grounds for the implementation of further ICT ideas in the future – also those we still haven’t invented today.
