The Software
Defined Networking (SDN) technology is very promising and expected to help operators in reducing costs and boosting
service innovation. The cost reduction factor derives naturally from centralizing the
network control functions. Following the Network Function Virtualization concept, it ensures
that the control function can be implemented on standard equipment (even PCs).
Software Defined
Networking (SDN) is currently a widely discussed topic in the telecommunications industry. There are high expectations regarding the
technology, including reducing network maintenance costs and unleashing
innovation, thus opening the way to new revenue sources and better network
monetization. SDN is a concept where the main principle is to separate the
control plane from the data plane, and to move the controller function out from
today’s routers.
To make the
promises of SDN technology come true, there is a need for a platform, enabling
a business application that will help opening up telecom networks. The
specifications and APIs for this kind of a business application need to be
defined to shape the network according to what is required and make it
“smarter”. In order for the latter to happen, a controller needs a
comprehensive end-to-end view of the network and all connected services.
However, the SDN concept does not define, how to provide such an end-to-end
view.
One idea is to
leverage the operators’ existing assets like the BSS/OSS ecosystems and prove
that SDN won’t make BSS/OSS investments obsolete. IT architecture, where
BSS/OSS investments can not only be saved, but even act as a significant
enabler for the SDN “revolution”. This means that telecom operators will be
able to provide significant added value to the SDN ecosystem.
But the real
strength of this technology is in its potential to speed up innovation and open
up the network. The “smartness” of the
SDN controllers comes from the ability to access a complete end-to-end view of
the network. Instead of implementing a completely new infrastructure for an SDN controller, the
end-to-end view can be delivered by the existing BSS/OSS systems.
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