NBN Co has adopted Infinera’s Transcend Network Automation software-defined networking offering in a bid to dramatically improve its open-access broadband network.
According to Infinera, its SDN-based dynamic service rerouting capabilities for dense wavelength-division multiplexing (DWDM)-based networks allow network operators to restore customer services by automatically rerouting traffic when faults occur.
For NBN Co, the solution will be deployed across its 60,000-kilometer fiber optic transit network, the backbone network of fiber optic cables that links hubs across Australia to the wider NBN broadband access network that connects homes and businesses.
“This network moves large aggregate volumes of data between locations, delivering capacity to homes and businesses,” said Infinera, noting that the network connects to 121 points of interconnection (POIs) – typically located at telephone exchanges – where phone and internet providers plug their own networks into the NBN Co access network.
It said the reconfigurable optical add-drop multiplexer (ROADM) technology enhancements introduced on its 7300 Series Multi-Haul Transport Platform will allow NBN Co to increase its network resiliency and reliability by introducing automatic service restoration capabilities across its transit network.
“The Transcend SDN solution was deployed and integrated with our systems, giving us the capability to increase service availability to some of the most remote locations across Australia,” said NBN Co Chief Network Deployment Officer Kathrine Dyer.
“This will give our network increased resiliency and help ensure that our customers get the best possible experience when migrating to NBN Co’s broadband access network.”