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HULU, YouTube, and exploding mobile 3G/4G handsets capable of data Internet usage, actual overall network ARPU (average revenue per user) for carriers has only increased a paltry 3% (AT&T public network figures, 2008). Further, recent studies from TIA and Point East Research (2009) indicate that nearly 71% of the total carrier service revenues are spent on (OPEX) operational related expenses, totaling a whopping $77.1B of OPEX spent nationally. So in actuality, one of the major areas from which carriers can drive cost savings is in the actual OPEX to manage these new IP/Packet networks rather than traditional CAPEX reductions alone.
OAM Network Visibility and Performance Monitoring to the Rescue…
So how do we enhance network visibility and performance monitoring through OAM to lower precious OPEX while perhaps also generating new ARPU to continue proliferation of low-cost bandwidth to support all these new media rich applications? There are several upcoming trends which may help address the gaps:
1) Standards:
OAM standards are now in place, and most equipment vendors and carriers are starting to deploy them into their equipment and networks. For example, in addition to the ITU and IEEE specifications mentioned previously, the Metro Ethernet Forum (MEF) is close to completing a common OA&M certification for carriers and equipment providers.
2) Chipsets:
Integration of these OA&M standards is taking place within silicon, which will lower the cost of implementation for all parties and accelerate adoption of these new tools.
3) Equipment Integration:
Several equipment providers are now offering performance monitoring capabilities directly into the network terminating equipment, minimizing the need for placement of additional network probes or truck rolls for troubleshooting.
4) "Standards Extensions in Management Platforms:
Enhancements to the existing standards via OAM TLV extensions can offer carriers and end-users non-intrusive performance monitoring in real-time for end-to-end network visibility, thus minimizing operator interventions and enhancing real-time protection services triggered due to network degradation. Many of these new proactive protection services can now occur in the equipment in real time and in concert with the EMS/NMS/OSS systems.p
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OAM standards are now in place, and most equipment vendors and carriers are starting to deploy them. |
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In summary, by recreating many of the tried and true TDM tools for Carrier Ethernet networks, we’ve brought the best tools of the TDM world into the Ethernet and packet network domain. As Alexander Graham Bell, the grandfather of telecom, once said: “When one door closes, another simply opens; but we often look so long and so regretfully upon the closed door that we do not see the one which has opened for us.” So let us not rest on our accomplishments by simply bringing the best TDM capabilities to IP networks but, instead, truly step through the next open door for true innovation. I can’t wait…
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