Advances in optical networking [Series Editorial]

The global optical communications industry continues to show progress in all segments from access to core networks. Fiber-based broadband access network deployments have been slow and steady with service provider attention currently focused on recent developments and new technologies for higher bandwidth copper-based broadband access. Service providers have continued their deployments, globally, of high-speed (100G and beyond) transport networks, and have been participating in field trials of 400G optical transport network equipment and systems. Since the beginning of 2013, there have been more focus and attention on network functions virtualization (NFV) and software-defined networking (SDN) to provide service providers with the tools for more effective operation and management of optical communications networks.