Cisco Cisco CRS-X Multishelf System Weißbuch

 

 

© 2012 Cisco and/or its affiliates. All rights reserved. This document is Cisco Public. 

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White Paper 

Cisco nLight™ Technology: A Multi-Layer Control 
Plane Architecture for IP and Optical Convergence 

Bandwidth demands on service provider networks continue to grow at exponential 
rates, driven by packet-based multimedia services such as video streaming, 
videoconferencing, and online gaming. With cloud networking, content and resources 
are shifting in real time, causing complex and dynamic traffic patterns. Exacerbating 
this problem, “over-the-top” media services create enormous challenges for service 
provider business models. 

To help overcome these challenges, IP and optical networks require better integration

. Today’s network 

architectures are based largely on isolated IP and optical network layers, designed and operated mostly 

independently. This makes it difficult to increase service velocity, adapt to dynamic cloud topologies, enhance 

resiliency, and decrease total cost of ownership (TCO). Simple service requests can take months to fulfill. That 

simply is not good enough for the next-generation Internet of mobile, video, and cloud services. 

This document examines a new multi-layer control plane architectural approach, which increases agility and 

programmability for IP and optical networks. As an example of the Cisco

®

 Open Networking Environment (ONE) 

programmability, Cisco 

nLight™ technology defines a multi-layer control plane that allows service providers to 

integrate previously independent network layers and share intelligent information. By employing this approach, 

service providers can reduce network capital expenditures (CapEx) and operational costs (OpEx), while meeting or 

improving service-level agreements (SLAs) for mobile, video, and cloud services. 

Introduction 

Modern service providers face a host of challenges, many stemming from the complex, dynamic traffic patterns of 

mobile, video, and cloud services and increasing demand for bandwidth with high expectations about the quality of 

service. The expectations include network connectivity, more bandwidth and a 

“better than best effort” approach. 

The costs for meeting the expectations of the customer challenge many service provider revenue models. They 

must balance the cost of infrastructure upgrades against the return on investment. To remain competitive and 

profitable, service providers must be capable of offering new and improved services while gaining increased 

efficiencies from the network to lower costs.