Infinera (News - Alert) has released guidelines for evaluating next-generation optical transport network architectures, known as the network Efficiency Quotient (EQ). Network EQ will allow network operators to study the cascading causes of architectural assessments on the total cost of ownership.

"In conversations with service providers around the world, we are seeing increased focus on driving efficiencies from the transport network to the bottom line of their income statement,” said Tom Fallon, CEO at Infinera. “The EQ framework simplifies the analysis of transport network architectures as they impact total cost of ownership, providing operators a quick way to recognize opportunities to improve network efficiency for their bottom line."

Infinera has also released two applications, the EQ Estimator and EQ Power Analyzer, which will assist in the speedy estimation and analysis of transport network EQ. Select consumer engagements with Infinera consultants will now be available for network-specific TCO analysis, with the launch of EQ Engagement.

The impact of capital expenses (CapEx) and operating expenses (OpEx) of architectural alternatives is evaluated over a specific period by the EQ. An optimal architectural approach will help several operators decrease TCO by at least 70 percent.

"Through several years of deploying and maintaining Infinera technology across our optical transport network, we have enjoyed the improved network efficiencies enabled by a system that combines OTN switching with Photonic Integrated Circuit-based WDM optics,” said Randy Nicklas, senior VP and CTO at XO Communications (News - Alert). “By working with Infinera, we've been able to realize the benefit of increasing wavelength efficiency while reducing space and power consumption compared to alternative solutions.”

With the increase in mobile, cloud and video offerings, the optical transport bandwidth necessities have also increased. It is therefore imperative for the operators to scale their networks in order to fulfill these requirements.

In order to keep investors content, operators also have to sustain or enhance CapEx and OpEx over revenue financial ratios. It’s impossible to fulfill both objectives by merely raising the optical capacity or optical transmission speeds. Operators also need to implement modern scalable architectures and unite network layers in order to simplify operations and enhance competences.