FILIP DE GREVE SDAN
SDAN IS A GAME-CHANGER FOR BROADBAND OPERATORS At its core, SDAN extends the principles of SDN to the access network, creating a more flexible, programmable, and automated infrastructure. This approach offers several key benefits for FTTH operators. 1.Reduced operational expenses (OpEx) One of the most immediate and tangible benefits of SDAN is its ability
LOOKING AHEAD SDAN will play an increasingly important role in the FTTH landscape. By enabling greater automation, flexibility, and service innovation, SDAN helps operators address the immediate challenges of network overbuild and margin pressure while also better positioning them for future growth. We can even expect to see SDAN enabling more advanced use cases, such as ultra-low latency services, application-aware network optimisation, or deeper integration with edge computing resources for improved service delivery. In the face of increasing competition and market fragmentation, SDAN offers a set of opportunities for differentiation, cost reduction and revenue generation, hence maximising the return on investment in an FTTH infrastructure. A shift to SDAN not only addresses the immediate challenges of today’s market but also positions operators to capitalise on the emerging opportunities of our increasingly connected world.
These could include premium residential packages designed for gaming or work from home performance needs; business services with stringent SLAs and on- demand bandwidth scaling; 5G mobile transport, backhaul, mid-haul and even front-haul; wholesale services that allow virtual network operators (VNOs) to offer their own branded services over a single fibre infrastructure. These differentiated services not only command higher prices but also help operators stand out in a crowded market. 5. Flexible wholesale platform For infrastructure providers, SDAN opens up new possibilities in the wholesale market. By creating a more flexible, programmable network environment, SDAN enables innovative Network-as- a-Service (NaaS) models. These models allow infrastructure providers to offer virtual network slices to multiple service providers, with each service provider tenant able to dynamically provision and manage their own services. Wholesalers can also look at creating new partnership opportunities with content providers and other digital players providing services over a dedicated virtual network slice. This approach can help smaller operators achieve greater scale and reach, while also maximising the utilisation and monetisation of their network assets. CHALLENGES AND CONSIDERATIONS OF IMPLEMENTING SDAN While the benefits of SDAN are compelling, implementation is not without its challenges. Operators considering SDAN should be aware of several key considerations. Initial investment. Transitioning to an SDAN architecture may require significant upfront investment in new hardware, software, and training. Organisational change. SDAN represents a fundamental shift in how networks are managed, requiring new skills and potentially new organisational structures. Security. As networks become more software-defined and programmable, ensuring robust security measures becomes even more critical. Standardisation. While progress has been made, further standardisation efforts are needed to ensure interoperability across different vendors and implementations. Legacy integration. For many operators, integrating SDAN with existing legacy systems and processes will be a crucial challenge. Despite these challenges, the potential benefits of SDAN make it a compelling proposition for FTTH operators looking to gain a competitive edge in today’s market.
to streamline network operations and reduce OpEx. Specifically, by automating routine tasks such as service provisioning, configuration management, and fault resolution,
SDAN significantly reduces the need for manual intervention. This not only lowers labour costs but also minimises human error, leading to more reliable network performance. For example, SDAN enables zero- touch provisioning, allowing new services to be activated without the need for on-site visits. This can dramatically reduce the time and cost associated with service activation, improving both operational efficiency and customer satisfaction. 2. Enhanced network visibility and control SDAN provides operators with unprecedented visibility into their network performance and resource utilisation. Collecting and analysing near real-time telemetry data from across the network enables more proactive management and optimisation. This enhanced visibility allows operators to proactively identify and resolve issues prior to impacting service quality, utilise actual usage patterns to optimise resource allocation, and make more informed decisions about network expansion and upgrades. 3. Multi-vendor integration In today’s diverse FTTH ecosystem, operators often find themselves managing equipment from multiple suppliers. SDAN’s open and programmable interfaces make it easier to integrate and manage multi- vendor environments, thus reducing the complexity and cost associated with network heterogeneity. This flexibility also equips the network for future demands, allowing operators to more easily adopt new technologies and services as they emerge. 4. New revenue streams through service differentiation Perhaps the most exciting aspect of SDAN is its potential to enable new revenue streams through service differentiation. By leveraging network slicing and dynamic resource allocation, operators can offer a range of tailored services to meet diverse customer needs.
Filip De Greve, Product marketing Director for Nokia Fixed Networks Filip De Greve is based in Antwerp, Belgium and is Product Marketing Director for the Fixed Networks division at Nokia. In that role, he is focused on the go-to-market for innovative fixed access broadband solutions. Filip has over 20 years’ experience in the telecommunications industry. He previously held various roles on service provider and supplier side. As subject matter and project management expert, he has extensive experience in providing leadership in technical consultancy, project management, customer delivery, program office and product marketing. Filip holds a Ph.D. in the Telecommunications and Information Technology from the University of Ghent, Belgium.
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ISSUE 38 | Q3 2024
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