Software defined optical networks have been extensively investigated in the recent past to provide programmability, automation, fast (re)configuration, operational cost reduction and to create dynamic solutions and applications through SDN enabled orchestration and control. In the recent years, SDN has been extended by introducing the concept of softwarization of network functions (network function virtualization - NFV). The main driving force for this evolution is the need for dynamic deployment of 5G services, which have requirements for resources (processing, storage and networking) that rapidly change over time. 

The idea is to establish a Software Defined Optical Networking Lab in the National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST) of Islamabad, in collaboration with Photonic Networks & Technologies National Lab (PNTLab), in Pisa.

The lab will be focused on optical networking technologies both at physical layer and control and management plane, for enhancing the technical expertise of TEIN member countries on the subject. The proposed project will initiate collaboration between partners for promoting research capabilities and capacity building of collaborating TEIN member countries.

SDON lab will be equipped with open optical line systems and application software to develop and test different SDN control and management applications. The lab will be connected to PERN (Pakistan Education & Research Network) transport network, so that PERN infrastructure can be utilized to test developed algorithms, application etc. All the resources of proposed SDON lab will be accessible to other TEIN members through remote access tools, using TEIN infrastructure. That will create the possibilities of future joint research collaborations between regional NRENs.