Cross-layer, dynamic network orchestration, leveraging software-defined optical performance monitors

The coherent revolution has signalled in a new era for optical networks. Flexible transceivers (TRx) able to adapt a wide range of transport layer parameters such as modulation format, symbol rate, center wavelength, forward error correction (FEC), etc., are the key enabling components that will finally deliver on the promise of dynamic network operation. With flexibility comes the potential for a more optimized network, leading, in turn, to increased network efficiency and capacity. To be subject to optimization, an optical network has to first be observable, and this is what the ORCHESTRA project aims to introduce. Physical layer status monitoring with an unprecedented level of detail, enabled by the digital signal processing (DSP) in the deployed digital coherent receivers that will function as software-defined optical performance monitors (soft-OPMs). Novel OPM algorithms will be developed and combined with a novel hierarchical monitoring plane, cross-layer optimization algorithms and active-control functionalities. ORCHESTRA's vision is to close the control loop, enabling true network dynamicity and unprecedented network efficiency.