A Practical Approach To Utility Network Modernization AN
A Practical Approach To Utility Network Modernization AN
A Practical Approach To Utility Network Modernization AN
NETWORK MODERNIZATION
Simplify the Evolution from SONET/SDH to Packet
Today’s electric utility networks are typically based on Benefits
legacy SONET/SDH technology that is well understood, > Simplify network modernization
while minimizing network
reliable, and provides deterministic behavior. However, transition costs. Upgrade aging
and discontinued SONET/SDH
this present mode of operation is becoming risky and equipment and evolve at your
expensive to maintain as legacy SONET/SDH platforms own pace to next-generation
packet-optical technology
and services are being discontinued by both equipment > Maintain current operational
vendors and network operators and are at risk of failure procedures while providing
the time required to properly
due to dwindling support. Since new grid applications evaluate, test, and transition
to new technologies, using
increasingly rely on packet (IP and Ethernet) technologies, a platform that supports any
continuing to invest in legacy technologies originally combination of SONET/SDH,
OTN, and Ethernet payloads
designed for voice is not a viable option for modernizing > Leverage the lower cost and
the communications network. However, a wholesale much-more-scalable capacity
of Ethernet technology while
replacement of the existing infrastructure with a next-gen retaining predictable traffic-
engineered paths to provide
packet network presents its own set of challenges. consistent, deterministic
communications
To minimize any disruptions to current operations, utilities can deploy a packet-optical
> Take advantage of real-world
solution that continues to support existing legacy services while enabling a smooth,
know-how by leveraging the
incremental evolution to a next-generation packet infrastructure that supports expertise and professional
emerging services and scales cost-effectively to meet long-term needs. services of Ciena and its partners
Rather than maintaining legacy TDM technologies, the telecom industry as a whole is
investing in newer packet and Software-Defined Networking (SDN) technologies to
drive improved operating scale and efficiencies. With the industry discontinuing
support of legacy SONET/SDH technologies and services, the costs for a utility to
maintain their legacy networks will continue to escalate, and finding spare equipment
will become increasingly difficult.
A Application Note
In addition, utilities are facing pressure to Primary
T1/E1 Control
support new public and private initiatives Primary
Center Data
to provide increased electrical system Substation A
Center
efficiency, automation, and reliability, Substation
requiring real-time measurement and B
Substation
control information and advanced data
E OC-3/12 OC-48
analytics. To meet these demands, utility STM-1/4 STM-16
standards, such as the IEC 61850
communication standard for electrical
Substation
substation automation systems, and grid Backup
C
Substation D Control
equipment, such as relays, are evolving Center
from circuit-based TDM to native Figure 1. Typical utility SONET/SDH OT network
Ethernet communications.
2
SONET/SDH OTN Packet
Infrastructure Infrastructure Infrastructure
Ethernet/OTN
2RU DWDM
T1/E1
DS3/E3
Ethernet
Ethernet Services SONET/SDH PDH Services DWDM
- 10/100/1000BT Services: - T1/E1 SONET/SDH
- FX - OC-3/STM-1 - DS3/E3
- GE - OC-12/STM-4 Ethernet
- 10GE - OC-48/STM-16
- OC-192/STM-64
By deploying a packet-optical solution, utilities can address and optimize footprint, power, and capacity, while the 8700,
immediate SONET/SDH end-of-life challenges with an a programmable Ethernet-over-DWDM packet switch,
incremental, success-based multi-service solution that addresses the growing need to efficiently aggregate and
maintains the current operational paradigm while providing switch large quantities of packet traffic while guaranteeing
the time required to properly evaluate, test, and transition to stringent performance levels.
the new technologies. This approach simplifies the network
evolution while minimizing its incremental operational costs. 6200 Packet-Optical Platform
Ciena’s compact 6200 Packet-Optical Platform is a highly Download data sheet
flexible and scalable edge device designed to cost-effectively
modernize legacy SONET/SDH networks. Traffic from each Figure 3 illustrates a low-risk, incremental approach to
port on each card can be transported independently over any network modernization. By selectively upgrading SONET/
protocol, enabling utility operators to have full flexibility in SDH nodes to a 6200, utilities can evolve their networks
mapping any client port to SONET/SDH, OTN, or Ethernet over multiple stages to avoid any disruption to core services.
services and allowing for maximum leverage of the The packet-optical architecture provides the foundation
equipment investment. The 6200 provides the flexibility to to migrate to an OTN multiservice architecture or Carrier
gradually transition the network as fast or slow as desired by Ethernet packet architecture. This allows network operators
increasing the capacity of existing services today and laying to evolve systematically to any combination of SONET/SDH,
the groundwork for high-performance Ethernet services in OTN, and Ethernet payloads, providing an effective strategy
the future when the utility is ready. Comprehensive packet to build a modernized infrastructure while still carrying legacy
capabilities include enhanced Quality of Service (QoS) and traffic. As a result, utilities can migrate at their own pace and
ITU G.8032 Ethernet Ring Protection for multi-path resiliency, maximize their current network investments and operations.
as well as integrated packet and/or OTN centralized switching
capability to maximize the efficiency of the network. Prescription for Success
The 6200 can serve as both an access and aggregation Utilities should take full advantage of real-world know-how
platform, feeding a core DWDM network—such as one by leveraging the expertise and professional services of
composed of Ciena’s 6500 Packet-Optical Platform—for reliable Ciena and its partners, who have done this before with
multi-protocol service delivery, and/or the 8700 Packetwave™ many customers.
Platform for reliable packet service delivery (Figure 2).
Optimize your network with
The 6500 combines packet, OTN, and flexible WaveLogic
Ciena Specialist Services
photonics in a converged platform to streamline operations
3
*EOL/MD ‘Expensive’ Replacing failing
equipment capacity equipment and
growth ‘recover’ spares
Baseline
SONET/SDH
SONET/SDH SONET/SDH SONET/SDH
Ring
Ring Ring Ring
OTN or Carrier
Inefficient ring Ethernet overlay Improve space Add new
interconnect network and power footprint OADM
location
Figure 3. An incremental approach to network modernization
Ciena may from time to time make changes to the products or specifications contained herein without
notice. Copyright © 2016 Ciena® Corporation. All rights reserved. AN110 4.2016