New solution revolutionizes optical network management by incorporating automation, intelligence, and greater efficiency to meet demands for optimization and high availability.
Padtec is launching its Optical Control Plane, a solution designed to deliver greater agility, automation, and efficiency in managing optical networks. Developed based on SDN (Software-Defined Network) architecture, the new product represents the evolution of Padtec’s traditional NMS (Network Management System) into an advanced optical domain controller. It simplifies complex operations and responds quickly to network optimization, reconfiguration, and high availability demands. Already implemented by a Brazilian neutral network operator, the Optical Control Plane aligns with Padtec’s mission to contribute to building intelligent and scalable networks. “Centralized control is one of the product’s pillars, bringing new opportunities for operators to simplify complex operational processes and monetize optical networks,” says Argemiro Sousa, Director of Equipment Operations at Padtec.
He emphasizes that a critical factor for generating revenue from optical layer resources is service resilience. “In the Optical Control Plane, this resilience is ensured by a restoration mechanism developed by Padtec, which uses real network data to estimate link performance. If a degradation in an optical channel is detected on a route, the system generates alerts and automatically redirects traffic to alternative routes, ensuring service continuity and quality,” he explains.
Another advantage of Padtec’s solution is its open programming interfaces (APIs), designed to build an automation stack between multiple network domains and OSS/BSS systems. “This approach enables predictive maintenance and the extraction of detailed information about network health, using telemetry data integrated with Artificial Intelligence for advanced analysis,” highlights Argemiro, emphasizing that automation was a top priority in developing Padtec’s Optical Control Plane. The company is also developing a planning module integrated with the optical controller, which leverages digital twin technology to create a virtual replica of the real network. This resource will be essential for capacity management and performing advanced simulations to optimize network resources.
In its initial version, the Optical Control Plane is designed to manage and control optical networks built with Padtec’s own equipment. However, as the product evolves, its adoption of open interfaces and industry-standard protocols will allow its use in networks with solutions from multiple vendors, offering greater flexibility for operators.
