DriveNets, FOC, and UfiSpace Join Forces to Accelerate Open Network Deployment

FOC (Fujitsu Optical Components), a leading global supplier of high-performance optical components, UfiSpace, a provider of white box switch/router solutions, and DriveNets, a leader in innovative network solutions, announced that they have completed testing and certification of multiple FOC ZR/Zr+modules and DriveNets cloud networking software on UfiSpace white boxes. The solution jointly provided by these three market innovators eliminates the need for independent optical repeaters by integrating three communication layers into one platform, bringing significant cost savings to network operators. It reduces the hardware footprint of operators, lowers operational expenses, footprint, and power consumption.

FOC executive Yukiharu Fuse said, “Our collaboration with DriveNets enables operators to establish more efficient networks and simplify end-to-end network management. This integration not only ensures that FOC’s ZR/Zr+module can be seamlessly tuned, configured, and managed by DriveNets cloud networking software, but also ensures a fully tested and validated integrated solution

“Our shared vision for open decomposed networks has undergone significant changes in the industry, providing operators with greater flexibility to build their networks and significantly improving network efficiency. Today’s announcement further expands the choices of service providers and reduces hardware footprint, “said Norry Lin, the head of UfiSpace Japan.

Market leaders simplify future networks

The joint solution between DriveNets and FOC ensures that the DriveNets Network Operating System (DNOS) can not only insert FOC’s ZR/Zr+modules into the white box, but also support these modules in multiple operating modes, including ZR and ZR+modes.

FOC’s optical solution also includes components from NTT Innovative Devices, aimed at overcoming existing infrastructure limitations through innovative optical based technologies to achieve high-speed, high-capacity communication. This strategy is in line with the Innovative Optical and Wireless Network Initiative (IOWN) ® Consistently aimed at creating a smarter world through cutting-edge technology. DriveNets, UfiSpace, and FOC are all IOWN Global Forums ™ The members promote IOWN and share the vision of future communication infrastructure. This joint solution will become part of the IOWN network solution (400G) to facilitate the deployment of open networks.

The IOWN network solution provides a switch/router capable of 400Gbps long-distance transmission. Its software and hardware are separate, including the network operating system (software), white box switch/router (hardware), and 400G ZR/Zr+optical transceiver (optical transceiver). According to the requirements, customers can choose optical transceivers that comply with open standards and have been fully verified. This solution will be marketed and sold through various channels, including NTT Advanced Technology.

ZR+market momentum

Following recent announcements from DriveNets, Acacia, Infinera, and Ciena, today’s announcement also emphasizes the trend of global network operators continuing to adopt open, decomposed network solutions, allowing operators to mix elements from multiple vendors and avoid being locked into end-to-end solutions from specific vendors.

Nir Gasko, Vice President of Global Strategic Alliance at DriveNets, stated:” The latest advancements in ZR+modules simplify the connections between data centers that may be hundreds of kilometers apart, while creating a converged network infrastructure that reduces the number of network elements that operators need to manage. The innovative ZR+module provided by FOC, combined with a decomposed network solution, has brought huge economic benefits to global operators.”