Series editorial: Optical multi-service core and access networks

The emerging trends of 2013 grew to dominate the two most notable developments in 2014: 1) the packet optical transport system (P-OTS) concept with the service provider goal to build a common network infrastructure by integrating Ethernet, IP/MPLS, and DWDM; 2) intensifying focus and attention on network functions virtualization (NFV) and software-defined networking (SDN) to give service providers the tools for more effective operation and management of communications networks in general, and optical communications networks in particular. All major global service providers have been establishing and announcing their target timeframes for transitioning to all-IP network operations, while major industry standards organizations and fora have been striving to publish their guidelines and frameworks for NFV and SDN. These important trends are expected to gain additional momentum through 2015 as the industry continues to rise to the challenges of meeting the growing global communications needs.