The Impact of Convergence on Submarine Cable System Procurement - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

The Impact of Convergence on Submarine Cable System Procurement Edward West With acknowledgements to co-author Stephen Dawe

Next Generation Cable Systems � Section 1: Traffic Trends � Section 2: Shortcomings of SDH-based Model � Section 3: Wavelength Access � Section 4: Next Generation Equipment � Section 5: Impact on Supply Market � Section 6: Summary and Conclusions This presentation with discuss the trends from a Purchaser’s point of view

Section 1: Traffic Trends Wider change in telecommunications is influencing the future direction of submarine system procurement

Growth of the IP Network Impact on New Growing IP submarine applications Network transmission • Broadband • Migration to IP • Submarine cable based network systems must be • High capacity • NGN optimised for IP content traffic • VoIP transmission

Section 2: Shortcomings of Current Ownership Model Unsatisfactory features of the traditional SDH- based submarine system model encourage a shift to new protocols and technology

Features of Traditional Model � Discrete systems, operated independently of Owners’ networks � Capacity divided up by MIUs � SDH traffic with seamless transmission continuity � Specialised SLTE � Submarine system provides Network Protection

Owners’ Lack of Control Example Owner with ownership in 3 cable systems

Owners’ Lack of Control ? ? ?

Disadvantages of SDH � Providing ultra-reliable paths using G.841 protection is expensive and unnecessary for data traffic � Inappropriate use of SDH ring architecture can distort traffic flows

Distortion of Traffic Flows Station A Station B $$$$ SLTE SLTE ADM ADM SLTE SLTE PoP PoP SLTE SLTE SLTE SLTE ADM ADM $$ Station C Station D

Section 3: Wavelength Access Trend towards simpler submarine cable networks

Responsibilities transferred to Owners Station A Station B SLTE SLTE ADM ADM Direct SLTE SLTE Direct Wavelength Wavelength Access Access SLTE SLTE SLTE SLTE ADM ADM Station C Station D

Direct Wavelength Access � Stupid networks whereby the control and intelligence is transferred to the Owners � System can transport mix of transmission protocols � Owners can provision their own paths and protection � System becomes more integrated part of Owner’s global network � Mesh networks of multiple unprotected links

Section 4: Next Generation Equipment Alternatives to traditional technology

Next Generation SLTE Station A Station B SLTE SLTE • SDH • SDH • DWA • DWA • Ethernet • Ethernet SLTE SLTE Station C Station D

Router-Based IP Network Station A Station B SLTE SLTE SLTE SLTE IP IP SLTE SLTE SLTE SLTE Station C Station D

New Ownership Model Needed � New model needed to address bursty rather than guaranteed capacity � New model needed to address QoS issues � “Next generation MIU” � The lack of a data-based ownership model is an obstacle which must be overcome

Section 5: Impact on Supply Market New multi-vendor environment

Impact on Supply Market � Distinction between submarine and terrestrial terminal equipment is becoming less marked � Reduced dependence on traditional specialist submarine suppliers � New multi-vendor environment due to changes in technology

Section 6: Summary & Conclusions Potential shift in submarine cable system procurement

Summary � Impact of IP-based demand and technology in the wider telecommunications industry � Dissatisfaction with current ownership model � Direct wavelength access for large systems � Next generation equipment used for regional systems following development of “next generation MIU”

Thank you