Controller Technology to Accelerate Societal Implementation of IOWN APN: Optical Network Controller

Network Service Systems Laboratories is engaged in research and development of open interfaces for Optical Network Controller.

Through IOWN APN, we aim to provide End-to-End optical wavelength paths that enable ultra-high-speed, large-capacity, and low-latency information transmission by introducing optical technology into all components from devices to networks. This will address the increasing demand for communication traffic and energy consumption while enabling new value creation such as real-time digital twins and high-speed data center interconnections. On the other hand, seamless interoperability in a multi-vendor environment and efficient utilization of limited optical wavelength resources are essential for the widespread deployment of End-to-End optical wavelength paths.
Network Service Systems Laboratories is working to realize Optical Network Controller, which centrally manages End-to-End optical wavelength paths, including new elemental technologies for effective utilization of optical wavelength resources. By adopting open system architecture and interface specifications, we are promoting multi-vendor compatibility and reducing barriers to new development, thereby contributing to the enhancement of IOWN APN value and its societal implementation through standardization activities and research and development.
This page aims to disseminate information for joint research and development and technical evaluation of Optical Network Controller, which will accelerate the societal implementation of IOWN APN, and to provide documents (Interface Specifications and Interface User Guide) related to open interface specifications. The information posted here will be updated as necessary.
These research results were obtained from the grant program (No. JPJ012368G60301) by National Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT), Japan.

●Optical Network Controller Interface Specifications
-Optical Network Controller Northbound Interface Specification V1.0.1[xlsx], Supplement of Parameter Definitions (NBI Specification)[zip] (published on December 17, 2025)
-Optical Network Controller Southbound Interface Specification (Optical Network Controller - EMS Edition) V1.0.1[xlsx], Supplement of Parameter Definitions (SBI Specification (Optical Network Controller - EMS Edition))[zip] (published on December 17, 2025)
-Optical Network Controller Southbound Interface Specification (Optical Network Controller - NE Edition) V1.0.1[xlsx], Supplement of Parameter Definitions (SBI Specification (Optical Network Controller - NE Edition))[zip] (published on December 17, 2025)
●Optical Network Controller Interface User Guide
-Optical Network Controller Interface User Guide V1.0.0[PDF] (published on December 17, 2025)

*Abbreviation
NBI: Northbound Interface
SBI: Southbound Interface
EMS: Element Management System
NE: Network Element