Disaggregation and virtualization for future access and metro networks [Invited Tutorial]

Future access and metro networks are expected to provide advanced broadband services and the evolution of mobile x-haul in a flexible manner. This paper first reviews the progress and challenges of disaggregation and virtualization technologies to meet this expectation with a focus on their application to optical access networks. Next, it describes future access and metro integrated networking in which disaggregation and virtualization technologies will play important roles.