OIF Begins Work on SDN Framework

The Optical Internetworking Forum has started work on an SDN Framework document to better focus the conflicting and confusing requirements that vary in the industry for Transport SDN.

"The OIF is working on defining a framework for the industry to clarify the interfaces required in the Transport SDN ecosystem, leveraging input from carriers,” said Jonathan Sadler, Tellabs and the OIF’s Technical Committee chair. “In addition, the OIF is advancing work in 100G interconnect and has completed implementation agreements that focus on technology from past interoperability demonstrations.  The Forum continues to drive technology efforts that are necessary for providing higher speeds and lower costs for the industry."

The OIF is also working on plans for an SDN networking interoperability demonstration for 2014 and will showcase technology outlined in the SDN Framework document.

Some other highlights from the OIF's recent quarterly meeting:

At the Physical and Link Layer (PLL), the OIF is undertaking two projects addressing Thermal Interface requirements and CFP2 Coherent Optics Transceiver module. The first project will specify a module-type agnostic thermal interface between anoptical module and a host bringing consistency and standardization to the industry.  A second new project focuses on a Coherent Optics Transceiver module in a CFP2 form factor and will help maximize faceplate density and minimize first install costs on metro/regional line-side transport or switching platforms.

OIF members completed and approved the Next Generation Interconnect Framework white paper as well as implementation agreements on Multilink Gearbox and a Multilayer Amendment for E-NNI. The Multi-link Gearbox 2.0 implementation agreement defines a 4x25G lane configuration comprised of 20 MLG lanes and an 8x25G lane configuration comprised of 40 MLG lanes.  Both are configured to carry multiple 10GBASE-R signals or a single 40GBASE-R signal.  This IA will serve as an important infrastructure element in high rate systems.

A second IA, the Multilayer Amendment defines generic signaling and routing extensions to the OIF’s E-NNI 2.0 implementation agreement in support of multilayer networks.  Based on technology demonstrated in past interoperability tests the Multilayer Amendment provides the ability for the control plane to determine the lowest cost way to deliver a service using different technologies.

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