Cisco Routed Optical Networking Automation

Jochen van Guyse and Pedro Do Vale Brites from the automation team present a demo on routed optical networking (RON) and its automation. They explain the benefits of RON, which include simplifying network architecture by eliminating the need for separate transponders and reducing power consumption, space, and overall operational costs. They discuss the need for automation in RON due to the challenges it poses, such as the management of wavelengths across different teams (optical and IP networking teams).

The hierarchical controller architecture, which facilitates RON automation, is introduced. This architecture includes the top-level hierarchical controller, domain controllers for IP and optical networks, and the potential for integration across multiple vendors.

Pedro then demonstrates the system, highlighting the ease of setting up end-to-end IP links, including the provisioning within optical networks, and how to troubleshoot faults. He shows how the system can help operations teams by providing a single pane of glass view, correlating IP links with their optical paths, and simplifying fault management. The demo also covers inventory management, proactive maintenance planning through failure impact analysis, and historical data analysis for identifying trends in hardware failures.

The system is designed to fix inventory issues by relying on discovered data rather than user input, thereby serving as a single source of truth. The goal is to simplify operations for first-level network operations center (NOC) personnel by providing easy correlation of faults across layers and offering predictive maintenance insights. Some functionalities, like cross-launching into different domain controllers, are still in progress, but the main features demonstrated are generally available (G.A.) and currently shipping.