SDA - Software Defined Access

Phase I - Study

Title

• SDA - Software Defined Access ou SDAN - Software Defined Access Network

Objectives

• This project provides a enviroment to use a SDN (Software Defined Network) directly in a broadband access. It is a new proposal, innovative that will launch the Algar Telecom as a pioneer company .

Concepts

• SDA provides automated end-to-end segmentation to separate user, device and application traffic without redesigning the network. SD-Access automates user access policy so organizations can make sure the right policies are established for any user or device with any application across the network. This is accomplished with a single network fabric across LAN and WLAN which creates a consistent user experience anywhere without compromising on security
• There are many challenges today in managing the network because of manual configuration and fragmented tool offerings. Manual operations are slow and error-prone and these issues will be exacerbated due to the constantly changing environment with more users, devices and applications.
• With the growth of users and different devices types coming into the network, it is more complex to configure user credentials and maintain a consistent policy across the network. If your policy is not consistent, there is the added complexity of maintaining separate policies between wired and wireless. As users move around the network, it also becomes difficult to locate users and troubleshoot issues. The bottom line is that the networks of today do not address today’s network needs.
• There are three models for a software-defined access network (SDAN), which can apply to any access technology. Unlike traditional SDN, the control and configuration of physical layer parameters also are an integral aspect of a SDAN.
• The first model of a SDAN uses software to centrally control and manage lines connected to the access hardware. Control functions include the optimization of the physical layer configuration of the broadband connection, for example changing parameters such as data rates, coding schemes and power levels to ensure a reliable connection that meets all service requirements.
• Management functions include network diagnostics and analytics that drive maintenance operations and marketing campaigns. Such functions can include line diagnostics used by technicians for isolating and correcting problems in the outside plant, and targeted recommendations for service upsell based on line qualification and past usage records.
• Centralizing these functions enables the use of advanced analysis and resource allocation algorithms implemented in standard servers instead of relying on the more limited and inflexible functionality available in access hardware. Most importantly, this model allows for homogeneous, vendor-agnostic management of the access hardware, and does not require hardware changes since it relies on existing management interfaces.
• The second model of an SDAN uses software to manage virtualized access networks. The return on investment in new access infrastructure (e.g. FTTN, FTTH) is improved when the infrastructure can be shared among multiple, competing service providers. The physical network is partitioned into virtual networks corresponding to the customers of each of the retail providers.
• Software maps the physical access hardware (e.g. DSL access multiplexers or optical network terminals) to virtual hardware. The virtual hardware can be controlled and managed by the service providers (or virtual network operators), while providing for determinacy in the operation and performance of the underlying physical network. This model greatly improves the virtual network operator’s information about and control over the access network, almost as though the operator owns its own hardware. As opposed to the use of Bit-stream Access (Layer 2) unbundling, this model lets the virtual network operator design its own competitive service products and make real-time changes on the network.
• The third model of an SDAN uses software to manage virtualized access network technologies that extend beyond the access segment to the home network and to the end-devices. Examples of such technologies include Wi-Fi network traffic management and speed-boost capabilities by using multiple fixed or wireless links. A virtual network operator may offload traffic from a customer’s mobile device to a Wi-Fi access point connected to a fixed access line within its control. Or it can deliver a boosted service to a customer by combining traffic streams from the Wi-Fi access point of the customer, and from the Wi-Fi access point of a second customer in the vicinity of the first customer. Virtual centralized control of such technologies requires coordination of multiple network elements that can include access hardware, home networks, end-devices and edge routers.

Features

• In the SDN/NFV archtecture, the access has a special focus due to the possibility of operational improvements.
• Currently, there are two main development groups:
  • Open Broadband - Broadband Access Abstraction do BBF
  • SDN Enabled Broadband Access da ONF (Open Network Functions)
• The OB-BAA has more more traditional sellers and the SEBA had already well successful tests.

• BroadBand Access Abstraction (OB-BAA)
  • Study groups focused to the development of opensource frameworks for the SDN/NFV applications in access networks:
  • Framework test Software available for download
  • TIM, Huawai and Nokia had already tested interop in this application
• SEBA/VOLTHA Project
  • ONFs study group focused in the opensource development of SDN/NFV applications in network access.
  • Test software available for download had already showed interop between many sellers
  • AT&T tests with virtual OLT (whitebox) of Edgecore
• https://www.opencompute.org/products?query=switch&page=1

Driven Study

• 20/03/2019
  • Estudo sobre redes GPON
  • Apresentação abordando principais tópicos com defesa para bancada avaliadora
    • Recomendações ITU-T e resumos de fornecedores (internet)
• 20/03/2019
  • Estudo sobre SDN/NFV
  • Apresentação abordando principais tópicos com defesa para bancada avaliadora
    • www.opennetworking.org (ONF) e resumos de fornecedores (internet)
• 03/04/2019
  • Estudo sobre evoluções das redes GPON (XGSPON, WDMPON, 40GPON, etc.)
  • Apresentação abordando principais tópicos com defesa para bancada avaliadora
    • Recomendações ITU-T e resumos de fornecedores (internet)
• 03/04/2019
  • Estudo sobre SDA
  • Apresentação abordando principais tópicos com defesa para bancada avaliadora
    • www.opennetworking.org (ONF) e resumos de fornecedores (internet)
• 16/04/2019
  • Estudo sobre o SEBA e vOLTHA (ONF)
  • Apresentação abordando principais tópicos com defesa para bancada avaliadora
• 16/04/2019
  • Implantação do SW e aplicação de funcionalidades
  • Demonstração de SW em funcionamento emulando um OLT virtual.
• 30/04/2019
  • Manual de instalação e avaliação do SW
  • Documento ou página wiki contendo o manual de instalação e avaliação do SW
• 30/04/2019
  • Elaboração de caderno de testes
  • Documento ou página wiki contendo o caderno de testes para execução em laboratório do SW com OLT “white box”
    • https://www.opennetworking.org/seba (buscar auxílio com equipe do lab. homologação da Algar Telecom)

Correlated Works

• ETArch Pilot
  • 3.1 Básico
  • 3.3 SDN
  • 3.4 NFV
  • 3.6 Redes Metro
  • 3.8 Controladores
• 6.1. Evolução: Artigos
  • 12-FIA Book 2011 - Meeting Services
  • 19-WPEIF-2014
  • 22-AICT-2014

References

• Artigo CEEL SDA: https://drive.google.com/a/algartelecom.com.br/file/d/1dHc_SK_ILkEiq6C30Nd3OwpDy5xxlY1n/view?usp=sharing
• Arquivo:VOLTHA with OLT EdgeCore.pdf
• https://www.cisco.com/c/pt_br/solutions/enterprise-networks/software-defined-access/index.html
• https://www.ciena.com.br/insights/what-is/What-is-SDN_pt_BR.html
• https://www.ciena.com.br/insights/what-is/What-is-Network-Functions-Virtualization_pt_BR.html
• https://www.nokia.com/networks/solutions/software-defined-access-networks/

Phase II - Teaching

Presentation

• GPON
  • Arquivo:SDA - Apresentação GPON - Raoni.pdf

• SDN
  • Arquivo:SDA - Apresentação SDN - Aymen.pdf

Methodology

• Estudos básicos para entendimento sobre o problema
  • Conhecimento em redes de computadores
  • Principais componentes em redes de fibra óptica

• Benchmarking com empresas estrangeiras
  • Ciena, Nokia, EdgeCore

• Utilização da proposta de soluções Open-source
  • Projetos Open-source voltados para o desenvolvimento de redes definidas por software desenvolvidos pela ONF: SEBA, VOLTHA

• Prática de formação dos talentos necessários
  • Formação NetOps

Fase III - Exemplo de Caso de Negócio

Benefícios para quem for oferecer esta solução

• Network monetization: Virtual access networks for service partitioning and open access; increase cooperation and network monetization.
• Virtually unlimited: Update, customize and deploy new access functions and services without touching the access node.
• Network slicing: Create virtual slices of the network infrastructure to support different services (e.g. residential and business), wholesale, or unbundling.

Benefícios para o usuário

• ONT self-activation: Reduce costs through automated activation of ONTs.
• Simplified operations: Network in the cloud is always-on; pre-provision, whether nodes are online or offline; zero-touch and error-free operations.
• Cable access provisioning: Reduce power and space by virtualizing CCAP functionality; transparently provision DOCSIS or PON users in a cable access network.

Direcionadores chave para esta iniciativa

• 5G fronthaul over next-generation PON: SDAN provides optimized PON latency to meet 5G fronthaul delay needs, with cloud-based control and integration.
• Innovation speed: Fast feedback cycles; DevOps continuous delivery and risk contingency.
• Collaborative ecosystem: Seamless integration via open APIs and software frameworks in cooperative partnerships and multivendor constellations.

Possíveis modelos de negócios

• B2B
• B2C

Business Case

Um exemplo de negócio que permita avaliar a solução comercialmente é no modelo B2C (Business to Consumer), onde o SDA pode ser aplicado através de uma solução de rede definida por software no ponto de acesso de um cliente residencial.

Barreiras encontradas

• Por se tratar de uma tecnologia em desenvolvimento existem poucas fontes confiáveis de pesquisa. Por outro lado, uma comunidade que está sempre em constante desenvolvimento e aberta para discussões que impulsionem o crescimento da solução.
• Custo elevado dos equipamentos utilizados para a construção de um cenário de testes.

Fase IV - Protótipo orientado ao Negócio

Escopo

Este projeto consiste no desenvolvimento de um ambiente de rede virtualizado através da parceria entre as empresas Algar Telecom, EdgeCore e NorthForge IPInfusion. O intuito é desenvolver o cenário ilustrado na figura abaixo.

Limitações

Não há limitações técnicas e operacionais para este projeto.

PoC

• Objetivo: Gerar um tráfego num ambiente de rede de fibra óptica virtualizado, onde a camada de controle dos principais componentes da rede possa ser acessada remotamente.

• Entregas:
  • Relatórios mensais para o acompanhamento do status do projeto.
  • Relatório com os resultados obtidos.

• Tarefas:
  • Construção do cenário de testes.
  • Implantação das ferramentas necessárias para operação do cenário.

• Responsabilidades:
  • Luiz Cláudio
  • Willian Santos

• Prazos:
  • Construção do cenário de testes - Abril/2020
  • Relatório final - Agosto/2020

• Custos: Fornecimento ou aquisição dos principais componentes para montagem da rede de fibra óptica virtualizada.

Detalhamento Técnico

ASXvOLT16 XGS-PON VIRTUAL OPTICAL LINE TERMINAL

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The ASXvOLT16 is a 16-10G-port XGS-PON virtual Optical Line Terminal (vOLT) with 4 x 100G/40G QSFP28 fixed ports. The 10G ports, 100G uplink ports, and console/management USB ports are all on the front panel. All 10G ports operate at wire-speed by default and support standard XGS-PON transceivers. The QSFP28 ports support 100G and 40G operation modes, as well as being configurable as 4 x 25GbE or 4 x10 GbE modes using DAC breakout cables. This vOLT supports redundant hot-swappable PSUs and fans, and is available with a front-to-back or back-to-front airflow direction.

FEATURES

• Cost-effective, bare-metal hardware for communication service providers.
• 4 x QSFP28 switch ports, each supporting 1 x 100 GbE or 1 x 40 GbE, or via breakout cables 2 x 50 GbE, 4 x 25 GbE, or 4 x 10 GbE.
• Layer 2 or Layer 3 forwarding at 300 Gbps (full duplex).
• Supports hot/cold aisles with front-to-back airflow SKU.
• All ports on front; PSUs and fans accessible from rear.
• Hot-swappable, load-sharing, redundant AC or -48V DC PSUs.
• 5+1 redundant, hot-swappable fan modules.
• Bare-Metal hardware switch pre-loaded with diagnostics software and with Open Network Install Environment (ONIE) for automated loading of compatible open source and commerical NOS offerings.

Datasheet: Mídia:ASXvOLT16_DS_R03_20191113.pdf

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ONT Innbox G108 of Iskratel
Datasheet: https://www.iskratel.com/es/files/default/Documents/Data-Sheet/Iskratel-Innbox-G108-Datasheet-EN.pdf

Cronograma Macro

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Histórico

• 05/10/2020: Avaliar com Willian Silva sobre retomada da PoC deste projeto

Pesquisadores

• Aymen Ghannouchi
• Bilel Beini
• Bruno Rodrigues Rabelo Resende
• Pedro Henrique Quintino Garcia
• Raoni Exaltação Masson
• Willian Santos Silva
• Fernando Bagliano Junior
• Clara Floro Silva
• Enock Cabral Almeida Vieira