NEC's Approach to APN Realization and Field Trials

This technical report discusses NEC's efforts in the implementation of the All Photonics Network (APN) and the development of open ecosystems for optical networks. It outlines the significance of functional separation and openness in network design, which allows for enhanced innovation and flexibility in system configurations. The report details NEC's role as an integrator that combines various components from multiple vendors to create optimal network solutions. It also presents case studies and field trials that demonstrate the practical applications of these open architectures, including collaborations with the Telecom Infra Project (TIP) and successful deployments in data centers. The report emphasizes the importance of interoperability and the establishment of verification labs to facilitate testing in multi-vendor environments. Additionally, it highlights NEC's advancements in integrating existing Wavelength Division Multiplexing (WDM) systems with new transponder technologies, showcasing the company's commitment to advancing open optical transport solutions.