Inter-domain optimization and orchestration for optical datacenter networks

Hyperscale datacenters (DCs), spread in various locations around the globe, provide computing and storage resources for cloud and other applications. Elastic optical networks (both landline and subsea) operated by a single or multiple entities are used to form the inter-DC network and serve the constantly increasing traffic. In addition, optical switching technologies are researched for intra-DC networks as a means to achieve higher capacity and energy efficiency. Joint optimization and orchestration of inter-DC and intra-DC network infrastructures is the key for realizing the network virtualization and network as service visions. We present a hierarchical software defined networking orchestration platform that treats intra-DC and inter-DC networks as domains and cooperates with domain specific orchestrators/controllers to achieve interdomain, end-to-end orchestration. The systems developed are evaluated both in an emulated and in a realistic testbed, showcasing dynamic end-to-end path establishment functionality with dedicated capacity and low control overhead.