Introducing Axiom Virtual OLT  

The rise of PON (Passive Optical Network) technology has contributed greatly to the evolution of ultra broadband access networks. Optimizing PON architectures will be critical to fulfilling the most stringent network demands in FTTX networks as requirements continue to scale.

In ultra broadband networks, PON architectures deliver fiber connectivity to multiple endpoints over a single optical fiber. The point-to-multipoint topology utilizes an assortment of passive or unpowered splitters to transport the downstream signal to the end users in a network. In a standard PON architecture, the OLT (Optical Line Terminal) serves as the starting point of the network that connects the fiber from the central office to the ONU (Optical Network Units) or ONT (Optical Network Terminals) located near the end users.

PON is a perfect fit in modern networks because it reduces network complexity with less fiber needed, while removing the components that need power such as those used in an active network. This saves costs, reduces power consumption and improves network performance.

Traditional OLT

While PON technology is integral in ultra-broadband networks, the monolithic nature of traditional PON architectures makes building scalable networks a challenge for service providers. This is largely because in a traditional PON ecosystem, the vast majority of OLT devices are proprietary, limiting network architectures to the deployment of vendor-specific solutions.

The rigidity of traditional PON increases overall network complexity, which can incur higher operational costs as network operators are investing more time and resources into configuring/managing the OLT elements. The limited flexibility is less than ideal in a network landscape where integration of hardware upgrades is often necessary to address growing data demands, particularly in legacy infrastructures. 

Virtualizing the OLT

Virtual OLT is an up-and-coming, vendor-agnostic solution that represents a paradigm shift in the PON ecosystem. In PON access networks with full integration of Virtual OLTs, the architecture is disaggregated so that both the hardware and software are not confined to vendor-specific standards. Virtual OLT addresses the lack of flexibility with traditional OLTs by unlocking the following aspects in a PON network:

Software

In contrast to proprietary software that is tied to specific underlying hardware, virtual OLT elements can be managed via open-source software. Virtual OLT promotes a hybrid SDN (Software Defined Network), NFV (Network Functions Virtualization), and Cloud approach, which improves overall network management by providing a centralized interface to oversee network functions and the PON components. Featuring a comprehensive, user-friendly interface, Axiom’s Enterprise Software provides network operators with full control over network management.

Hardware abstraction and orchestration

In a PON architecture utilizing virtual OLTs, the northbound SDN controller that manages flow control is separated from the southbound PON hardware via an abstraction layer, which hides the implementation details and facilitates communication between the hardware and the interfaces. This essentially separates the underlying hardware from the control system, unlocking the vendor-specific protocols that are set in traditional PON. With open platform orchestration, Virtual OLTs are able to synchronize the entire network to address network objectives. 

Hardware 

In a disaggregated architecture in which the software is separated from the hardware, network operators are able to freely integrate all types of commodity hardware in their own white box switches to their liking. With the ability to integrate any type of PON hardware, Virtual OLT enables a plug and play dynamic that network operators can leverage to simplify the network complexity in their PON architectures. This flexible, versatile solution unlocks the vendor lock of proprietary OEM hardware, saving service providers a great deal of money on operational expenses and paving the path to building networks with greater scalability.

Axiom Virtual OLT

Axiom Virtual OLT is the next step in the evolution of PON. Utilizing Axiom Enterprise software, open platform orchestration and hardware abstraction, Axiom Virtual OLT (AVO) enables the integration of white box switches and multi-vendor commodity hardware in PON access networks. Service providers can save up to 20 – 30% on reduced costs for equipment/software/support compared to the OEM. 

Axiom Connectivity offers All-In-One PON technology with a full lineup of PON solutions to support Combo PON, G-PON, EPON, 10G EPON, and XGS-PON. With Axiom Virtual OLT, network operators are able to mix and match equipment to how they deem most suitable for their business operations, network needs, budgeting, etc.

Axiom Virtual OLT elevates the PON access network beyond traditional architectures. Call our representatives today to learn more about Axiom Virtual OLT.