Integrating IP Protocol Into Optical Networks by Using Software-defined Network (SDN)

Abstract

The Internet, with cloud computing, offers amazing services that require a fast, intelligent, reliable network connection. Current networks, electrical or optical, need to work together to provide the user with a high-quality connection. The IP protocol as Layer 3 and an optical network as Layer 2 need to talk to each other and help each other instead of working separately. Therefore, this thesis proposes using software-defined network (SDN) technology for integrating the IP protocol into an optical network to fill the gap between the two layers and to give the network more intelligence and flexibility for new connection requests, choosing the best route, and monitoring the network. A two-layer SDN centralized controller design has been used. The Layer 1 SDN controller is the centralized controller that connects and updates all Layer 2 SDN controllers which control traffic in each domain. New connection requests are processed in the SDN controller and the traffic is forwarded by the optical network. SDN technology and the integration of IP into the optical network promise to enhance network connectivity.