NBN Co enhances network with automation solution

NBN Co has installed self-healing capabilities into its transit network with the deployment of Infinera’s Transcend software-defined networking (SDN) solution. Infinera’s SDN-based rerouting capabilities for dense wavelength division multiplexing (DWDM)-based networks allow operators to restore customer services by automatically rerouting traffic when faults occur.

The solution will be deployed across NBN Co’s 60,000 km fibre-optic transit network, which links hubs across Australia to the wider nbn. The network connects to NBN Co’s 121 points of interconnection — typically located at telephone exchanges — where phone and internet providers plug their own networks into the NBN Co access network.

Reconfigurable optical add-drop multiplexer (ROADM) technology enhancements introduced on the Infinera 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’s 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.”

“We are delighted to work with NBN Co by providing innovative software and automation solutions that help them overcome the challenges of operating a large nationwide network,” said Bob Jandro, Senior Vice President, Worldwide Sales at Infinera.

“Transcend’s service restoration and management capabilities are ideal for network operators like NBN Co to differentiate themselves in a competitive market by providing the most reliable services.”

NBN Co’s network enhancements are based on Infinera’s 7300 multihaul DWDM platform, with Infinera’s Transcend SDN solution spanning several transport layer technologies such as optical DWDM layers and electrical optical data unit switching layers. This allows end-to-end service control and enables SDN-based service control for Infinera’s optical and packet-optical transport portfolio. It also offers open and standards-based RESTful northbound interfaces to provide real-time, programmable multilayer control to higher-layer controllers, providing a foundation to introduce programmable networking and automation in the NBN Co environment.

Image credit: ©stock.adobe.com/au/PETER HABERBERGER