Introduction example Intelligent optical switch unit

Optical switch introduction examples

NTT-AT 's optical switch units have shipped a total of several thousand units, accommodating more than tens of thousands of ports of optical fiber communication equipment, and supporting the business activities of communication carriers, ISPs, and others.

We interviewed an Internet Interconnection (IX) service provider about the process from considering the introduction of the intelligent optical switch unit to its development and operation, the specific effects, and future developments.

• Yoshiki Ishida, then President and CEO of Japan Internet Exchange Co., Ltd. (February 2015)
• Internet Multifeed Co., Ltd. (February 2015)

Optical switch application examples

Here are some typical application examples of optical switch units.

• IX service L2 switch redundancy
• Redundant points of interconnection with Internet access lines
• Redundancy of ISP transit connection services
• Aggregation router redundancy
• Ring aggregation (LAG) redundancy for inter-DC connections
• Redundancy of transmission lines between remote locations
• High-layer appliance bypass redundancy
• Reduction of human error

L2 switch redundancy for IX services

The single line connecting to the user can be redundant while ensuring the transparency of the optical signal in the event of a failure. Improves reliability at critical points where many circuits are aggregated.

Redundant interconnection points with internet access lines

ISP's

• cloud service
• Internet connection service
• Applies to Internet VPN services, etc.

Redundancy in ISP transit connection services

Aggregation Router Redundancy

This allows for router redundancy and consolidation, further reducing the impact of a failure in that situation.

Link Aggregation (LAG) redundancy for DC-to-DC connections

LAG connection ports between short-distance DCs or between floors can be grouped together for redundancy.

Redundancy of transmission paths between remote locations

Redundancy of the transmission path beyond CWDM/DWDM. By using NSW as a standalone, two-path carrier diversity can be achieved.

1+N redundant configuration example
One spare transmission line can be shared for N current transmission lines.

High-tier appliance bypass redundancy

If a problem occurs in a connected appliance (bandwidth control device, F/W, etc.), the appliance is instantly disconnected to minimize the impact on the entire network.

Reduction of human error (benefits other than redundancy)

Reduces human error during equipment replacement and maintenance.
This allows you to work without mistakes when there are a large number of ports, such as when creating a LAG with multiple ports.