Current hierarchical service provider networks have up to three different layers, IP, OTN, and DWDM, each with separate control planes. These networks have a layered and siloed architecture relying on dedicated hardware to exchange traffic between layers. The siloed architecture creates separate opaque redundancy mechanisms at each layer, increasing complexity and reducing network efficiency. The large number of devices used to interconnect the layers increase power utilization and the carbon footprint of the network.

The layered and siloed architecture warrants manual service-stitching across network domains. Manual intervention hinders end-to-end automation and increases resolution time, reducing efficiency

Traffic passes through too many elements. The need for separate management of these elements by different departments and the lack of automated management increases the complexity and cost of the network.

Challenges with current service provider networks

Current service provider networks face immense complexities and challenges in

• network planning

• provisioning

• path and network optimization

• network monitoring, and

• fault correction.

These complexities and overlapping redundancies create bottlenecks that hinder the efficient scaling of service provider networks.