DORAn

DORAn is an acronym with multiple meanings in different domains. This article uses the technical sense most commonly encountered in networking literature: Distributed Optical Routing and Analytics Network, a conceptual framework for software-defined optical networks that integrates routing with real-time analytics.

In DORAn, the architecture centers on data-plane elements such as optical switches and transceivers, a set of sensors, and a software-defined control plane governed by an SDN controller. An analytics engine collects telemetry, runs analytics, and feeds optimization decisions to the controller through open interfaces. The design emphasizes modularity, open standards, and interoperability with existing optical and IP network components.

Key features include dynamic traffic routing and load balancing, traffic engineering across multiple optical domains, rapid fault detection, predictive maintenance, and energy-efficient operation. DORAn aims to provide centralized control with distributed execution, enabling rapid adaptation to changing network conditions while leveraging real-time data to improve performance and reliability.

Origins of the concept trace back to academic discussions in the 2010s about integrating optical networks with data analytics and software-defined control. Early prototypes and experimental deployments have been reported in laboratory settings. There is no single standard for DORAn, and real-world adoption remains limited to research projects and some experimental networks.

See also: Software-defined networking, Open ROADM, Optical networking, Network analytics.