Choosing an optical networking provider

Four questions to ask when choosing an optical networking provider

1. Who can be a strategic optical networking partner?

With a handful of optical networking vendors to choose from, size is a parameter that matters. If you’re a service provider with a metro or regional network or an enterprise with DCI between a few sites, can you really count on a gigantic tier 1-focused vendor to give you the time of day? If you’re a Tier 1 service provider or a cloud hyperscaler, , you can still get all the performance and relability you need with higher responsiveness, innovation and flexibility by choosing a mid-sized vendor.

In the past, several mid-sized vendors were active in the market. This size is a compelling option for both service providers and enterprises. The reason is that these vendors are big enough to have a proven track record in the quality of their network elements and small enough to have the flexibility to adjust their development roadmap to meet customer needs. But now mid-sized optical networking vendors are almost non-existent due to intensive market consolidation over the past decade. Nevertheless, it is still possible to find a mid-sized strategic optical networking partner who will listen to you, take you seriously, and tailor current and future solutions to your needs.

2. Who doesn’t have a vested interest in locking you in?

Traditionally, it was commonplace to purchase all or most of your network elements from one and the same vendor. In many cases, there was simply no viable alternative. But now the flexible networking trend is catching on and more and more network elements are coming to market that are interoperable with those of other vendors. This makes it possible to handpick best-of-breed components, ensuring the most value at the least cost for each part of your network.

As opposed to proprietary line systems where a licensing fee is charged for adding an alien wavelength to a port, building your network with open line systems allows you to break free from these costs and other downsides of vendor lock-in. For instance, you can now purchase a new open line system from one vendor, plug in existing transceivers from another vendor, and later upgrade to higher-speed optics from yet another vendor – without having to replace your entire system.

Although the flexible networking trend is gaining strength, some vendors would still prefer to lock you in – if you don’t proactively request open network elements. The easiest way to avoid vendor lock-in is to choose a vendor with an open optical networking philosophy who has no ulterior motive to get you to buy everything from them.

3. Who can you count on for support for your network elements?

Getting the support you need when you need it should be a given. Unfortunately, that’s not always the case. The best way to get fast and accurate support for your network elements is if you can speak to the right, knowledgeable person as quickly as possible. Outsourced support can get in the way of that, so look for an optical networking vendor with in-house support that puts you in touch with experts promptly instead of filtering the dialogue through several layers of support.

What about supporting a multi-vendor network? How do you know which vendor to call when something is wrong with a network element? Fortunately, the latest network management technology makes it possible to monitor your multi-vendor network architecture in one place and easily track the source of any errors. Learn more about open management software.

4. Who proves they aren’t all talk with satisfied customers?

The previous three parameters are all important, but how do you really know If an optical networking vendor will do right by you? Will they listen to your needs, help you find the solutions with the best value for you, and help you solve any problems quickly and professionally? If a vendor excels at doing all this, then surely their existing customers must be thrilled with them. Try looking for case studies for your specific segment. Or why not ask to see their customer satisfaction metrics, like their Net Promoter Score (NPS), to see for yourself if they put their money where their mouth is?

Smartoptics is a growing vendor that has always embraced open optical networking and has helped drive the flexible networking trend. We also offer 24/7 in-house support for our network elements staffed by expert engineers and are proud of our excellent NPS with satisfied customers from around the world.

Are you a service provider? Learn about “Supercharging your regional and metro network” with open line systems that help you break free from vendor lock-in.

Are you an enterprise or an internet exchange? Discover “A smarter way to interconnect data centers” with embedded DWDM and open line networking.