A recent NANOG blog post delved into the critical need for the automation of optical fiber transport networks [1]. The article underscored the imperative for automation to drive down network costs, enhance network resilience and reduce the number of outages – all of which significantly improves customer satisfaction. However, the author candidly noted that “Network automation is moving slower than we thought it should, and slower than we need it to move.”

In a recent enlightening webinar by Light Reading, the outcomes of a comprehensive survey pertaining to the current state of transport network automation and its future prospects were presented [2]. Figure 1 below outlines the primary advantages sought by transport operators through network automation, and these advantages align with expectations. Given that the Uptime Institute reports that more than 70% of outages stem from human error, it is only logical that the foremost objectives of automation encompass reducing human errors and bolstering reliability. Augmented operational efficiency, cost reductions, and superior customer experiences also emerge as pivotal objectives of automation.

While these benefits are very clear, another question in the Light Reading survey revealed some of the barriers that have prevented the adoption of automation, with results shown in figure 2 below. These challenges range from complexity to financial hurdles such as cost and unknown benefits. Concerns about the technology as well as a lack of internal expertise to manage the software integration also made the list.

Enter the Telescent Robotic Patch Panel, with its innovative RobUST TM configuration, which adeptly addresses many of the challenges outlined above. The Telescent system serves as a cost-effective, scalable, all-fiber network topology manager designed to meet the demands of fiber network automation. When a connection is requested remotely, the Telescent robot grabs the end of the fiber and seamlessly weaves it around the other fibers within the system to reach the specified new port. A pivotal advancement in the Telescent system lies in its algorithm, which enables the robot to weave around other fibers without any blocking or tangling. This preserves the ability of the system to fulfill any connection request (i.e., non-blocking) while scaling to accommodate over 1,000 duplex ports per system. For comprehensive monitoring needs, the Telescent system can be equipped with test equipment such as OTDRs, allowing for on-demand fiber diagnostics. The Telescent system also meets the reliability requirements for communication service providers and has passed NEBS Level 3 certification as well as multiple customer trials and has over 1 billion port hours in operation. The Telescent system has also been qualified with a >10 year life and can be treated as part of the fiber infrastructure.

Recognizing that data centers or networks may not initially require 1,000 connections, the Telescent system has long offered a pay-as-you-grow design. The system features a modular approach, where 96- port fiber modules can be seamlessly integrated into the system at any time, without disruption to existing interconnections, and expanded even while live traffic flows through the existing connections.

Telescent's new RobUST TM approach to modularity allows for the addition of fiber modules in two stages – the landing port and the robotic fiber pigtail. This allows an asymmetric design to the system with a differing number of ports and reusable fiber pigtails, significantly reducing initial implementation costs while retaining the flexibility to access any port for automation. This is a significant difference from other approaches to automation at the fiber layer such as MEMS or piezo based system. With these other systems a complete system with the full number of automated ports would need to be installed at the initial point of deployment, creating a large up-front cost for automation. With this RobUST TM approach offered by the Telescent system, the long-term benefits of automation can be realized through a cost-effective and straightforward scaling approach where the costs match revenue. As well, a failure in the MEM’s or piezo subsystems could necessitate a forklift exchange of the switching unit to repair. With The Telescent NTM, the fiber array remains latched during any repair procedure if required and traffic is never interrupted.

With the above background on the Telescent Robotic Patch Panel, let’s review the barriers to automation.

  • The complexity of integrating automation tools within existing infrastructure: The Telescent system looks and performs like a manual patch panel when the robot is not in use (low loss, latched performance) so it can be a drop-in replacement for manual patch panels. Software integration is minimized through the availability of a WebGUI. 

  • Risk of impacting operations: by looking and acting like a manual panel when the robot is not in use, any impact on operations will be minimal. The Telescent system also ensures equal optical performance when compared to a manual patch panel. 

  • Lack of compelling business case / benefits hard to quantify and Costs too high / lack of budget: The cost of automation has been hard to justify since prior attempts have required a full implementation of automation at the start. With the Telescent RobUST TM approach, the initial expense is in line with the cost of manual patch panels, which makes for a very compelling business case. 

  • Lack of automation technology maturity: The Telescent system has passed industry-level reliability certifications as well as multiple customer trials demonstrating a 10-year lifetime. 

  • Lack of in-house software expertise/lack of open APIs: A Web GUI approach is available for easy control of the system. A Rest API option is also available for a more complete integration with existing business operating systems.

If you believe your fiber network could benefit from automation, we encourage you to reach out to Telescent today to learn more about our innovative RobUST TM approach to data center automation. Your path to a more efficient, reliable, and resilient network starts here.

References:

[1] Network Automation Could Save Your Life (nanog.org)

[2] Automating the Transport Network: 2023 Survey Results and What’s Ahead (lightreading.com)