Multi-layer design of packet-optical transport networks

The continuous traffic growth and the shift from circuit to packet services have led network operators world-wide to consider the deployment of new optical core networks. Commonly referred to as packet optical transport networks (POTN), these networks combine an optical wavelength layer with an OTN-based circuit and an Ethernet/MPLS-based packet layer. The efficient design of such multi-layer networks is a non-trivial task. A multitude of questions arises about the best network architecture and the right approach to plan, operate, and optimize such networks. Specific topics of interest include: — Traffic growth & split of TDM vs. packet traffic — Multi-layer integration vs. functional separation — Network automation vs. strict operator control — 100G+ overbuild vs. retrofit of 10G/40G networks — Wavelength agility, fixed vs flex-grid approaches — Protection/restoration in multi-layer designs — Practical approaches to multi-layer/-period network planning — Online/offline multi-layer path computation and layer interaction — Potential and possibility of network defragmentation This workshop provides a forum for network operators, system vendors, tool providers & academia to discuss requirements, challenges and solutions for POTN design. Key findings from recent network studies as well as practical approaches to network design are presented.