SK Telecom (SKT) completed a live Proof of Concept with IP Infusion and Edgecore Networks for an IP over DWDM (IPoDWDM) use case running on the Innovative Optical and Wireless Network (IOWN) All-Photonics Network. The trial paired IP Infusion’s OcNOS network operating system with Edgecore whitebox hardware and 400G OpenZR+ QSFP-DD transceivers, validating disaggregated networking for cost-effective, high-performance connectivity.
The Challenge
SKT wanted to test whether disaggregated solutions could deliver the functionality, efficiency, and performance its network requires, while integrating and interoperating with existing traditional equipment. The operator targeted cost reduction and technical innovation, and needed to confirm that open, multi-vendor optics could perform across a long-distance point-to-point environment.
The Solution
SKT selected IP Infusion and deployed OcNOS-SP-PLUS SKUs on Edgecore whitebox platforms, with 400G OpenZR+ QSFP-DD transceivers from multiple industry vendors. SKT’s SDN Orchestrator provided centralized, automated management and real-time monitoring of the optical modules.
- OcNOS SP running on Edgecore whitebox hardware
- 400G OpenZR+ QSFP-DD optics from multiple vendors
- Long-distance P2P IPoDWDM topology over the IOWN APN
- SDN Orchestrator control of Tx Power, Line Rate, and Wavelength, with telemetry-based status monitoring
Outcomes
The POC validated the technical feasibility of disaggregated IPoDWDM and demonstrated end-to-end interoperability across a heterogeneous, multi-vendor stack. SKT controlled optical module parameters through the SDN Orchestrator and monitored status via telemetry, simplifying operations and supporting reliable performance across the disaggregated solution.
- Live IPoDWDM trial completed over the IOWN All-Photonics Network
- Seamless integration between OcNOS, Edgecore hardware, and SKT’s SDN Orchestrator
- Centralized, automated management of optical modules with real-time telemetry
- A path toward broader adoption of disaggregated networking in commercial deployments
Why OcNOS
OcNOS gave SKT a flexible IPoDWDM platform that runs on open whitebox hardware and works with OpenZR+ optics from multiple suppliers. As Takki Yu, Vice President, Head of Infra Tech at SKT, put it: “This live trial with IP Infusion and Edgecore validates the viability of disaggregated solutions for our network. Leveraging SKT’s advanced SDN Orchestrator, this successful POC marks a significant step toward achieving cost efficiency and technical excellence in our IPoDWDM use case.”