Evaluation of virtualization models for optical connectivity service providers

Network virtualization technologies combined with Software-Defined Networking (SDN) principles provide a number of benefits to optical networks in terms of agility and ease of management. However, the multi-layer nature of optical systems poses challenges to system design. In this paper, we present topology virtualization models for optical connectivity service providers using an SDN-enabled flexible optical network. The virtual optical network topology will be advertised to clients of the service provider. Scheduled as well as on-demand lightpath services can be provisioned via Application Programming Interfaces (API), either based on the prominent OpenFlow [1] protocol, or via IETF-based protocols centered on an active stateful PCE (Path Computation Element) [2][3]. We discuss and compare different topology virtualization models along with their benefits and challenges. In addition, first evaluation results, based on an Optical Network Hypervisor at the service provider and OpenDaylight [4], an open-source SDN controller, as the client controller, are discussed.