Unlocking the Power of Open Optical Network Planning with GNPy and SoSmart Planner

Optimizing Open Optical Networks with GNPy and SoSmart Planner

At the recent Fÿuz event, Smartoptics demonstrated how the integration of the open-source optical planning tool GNPy within the SoSmart Planner enables efficient and precise network design, aligning with the needs of modern open optical networks. The presentation highlighted Smartoptics’ innovative approach to leveraging cutting-edge technologies for optimizing both greenfield and brownfield network scenarios.

“Presenting the SoSmart Planner at Fÿuz was a fantastic opportunity to showcase how we’re leveraging GNPy to redefine optical planning. With its ability to simulate end-of-life conditions and validate service feasibility, the SoSmart Planner empowers network operators to plan and optimize networks with confidence. It’s exciting to see how our efforts are shaping the future of open optical solutions.”

Alley Hameedi, PLM Optical Solutions at Smartoptics

What Is GNPy and Why Does It Matter?

GNPy (Gaussian Noise Python) is an open-source library developed under the Telecom Infra Project (TIP), an industry initiative aimed at accelerating the development and adoption of open and disaggregated network solutions. Backed by leading organizations such as Meta, Intel, BT and AT&T, TIP fosters collaboration across the telecom ecosystem to develop interoperable, cost-efficient, and scalable technologies.

GNPy plays a pivotal role in optical network design by providing robust tools for quality of transmission (QoT) evaluations. It enables simulation of optical impairments, including OSNR (Optical Signal-to-Noise Ratio) and GSNR (Generalized Signal-to-Noise Ratio), to validate the feasibility of services over specific routes with a given modulation format and assigned Baud rate for desired spectral optimization under end-of-life (EOL) conditions. These simulations are essential for ensuring that networks maintain reliable performance throughout the equipment’s lifecycle.

By integrating GNPy, Smartoptics’ SoSmart Planner empowers network operators to design and optimize networks with unparalleled precision. This includes assigning modulation formats, baud rates, and spectrum usage for services while evaluating their performance under real-world conditions.

“The SoSmart Software Suite, including the SoSmart Planner, represents a cornerstone of our commitment to driving innovation in open optical networking. By integrating cutting-edge tools like GNPy, we’re providing capabilities that is a real differentiator compared to competing solutions.. This unique combination of advanced technology and open architecture is what sets Smartoptics apart and enables our customers to design networks with unmatched efficiency and precision.”

Kent Lidström, CTO of Smartoptics

TIP and the Push for Open Networking

The Telecom Infra Project (TIP) is a collaborative ecosystem dedicated to transforming global telecom infrastructure through open and disaggregated technologies. TIP’s Optical & Packet Transport (OOPT) project group, where GNPy was developed, focuses on creating flexible and scalable solutions for optical transport networks. Smartoptics’ adoption of GNPy underscores its commitment to the partially disaggregated open optical network model, which reduces vendor lock-in while enhancing network flexibility and scalability.

The Role of SoSmart Planner in Open Optical Networks

Smartoptics’ SoSmart Planner is a next-generation optical planning tool designed to meet the demands of metro and regional networks. It supports both online and offline planning scenarios, integrating seamlessly with SDN controllers like TransportPCE via the RESTConf protocol for real-time data retrieval. This allows operators to assess feasibility and optimize network performance using live data.

In offline scenarios, all required data is stored in the backend, which hosts the GNPy module for performing advanced simulations. This backend architecture, implemented in Python, aligns closely with TIP’s MUST subgroup’s proposed architecture for optical planning. The planner enables network operators to:

• Perform impairment validation and feasibility evaluations for new and existing services.
• Simulate EOL conditions to ensure long-term performance reliability.

During the live demonstration at Fÿuz, Smartoptics showcased the seamless workflow for defining routes, assigning modulation format, spectral width and evaluating performance metrics such as OSNR and GSNR. The audience witnessed how the SoSmart Planner validates service feasibility both in brownfield environments (leveraging existing infrastructure) and for new deployments.

Learn More

Smartoptics is committed to advancing the capabilities of open optical networks with innovative solutions like the SoSmart Planner. To dive deeper into how our technology can support your network planning needs, download the SoSmart Solution Brief.