Toward Fully Virtualization of the Gigabit Passive Optical Networks (GPON)

Abstract

The automation of access optical networks is becoming more and more important in the research literature, and how to apply the software defined network (SDN) and network functions virtualization (NFV) is being now intensively investigated. In the specific case of PON networks, given the fact that the OLT houses all of the controls and intelligent functionalities, application of the centralized control mechanism envisioned by SDN/NFV makes even more sense. However, the aspects related to service automation and management when transforming the traditional GPON networks into softwarized and virtualized architecture, are relatively unexplored. Furthermore, nowadays, the sharing of access infrastructure between the different service networks (5G, IoT, Broadband Internet, etc.) is the trend and obligation in order to reduce significantly both CAPEX & OPEX for telecom operators and, in that circumstance, the virtualized and centralized-management access network architecture can give a big help. In this paper, we present our proof-of-concept implementation of the GPON network (OLT in exact) functions and services in SDN-based and virtualized environments. Proposed architectures, implementation details as well as functional and performance test results will be presented and discussed.