AudioCodes Releases Virtualized CPE Platform

AudioCodes is primarily a provider of converged voice solutions that enable enterprises and service providers alike to transition to all-IP voice networks, but lately it’s become more a provider of solutions to help enterprises and service providers make the switch to network function virtualization (NFV). A member of the Israel Mobile Association NFV effort, AudioCodes has been releasing NFV solutions more often lately.

Last week, AudioCodes launched a virtualized SBC network function dubbed the AudioCodes Mediant SBC VNF. As a follow up, the company has announced the launch of the Mediant 800B virtual enterprise CPE (vE-CPE), which combines a standard Intel x86 server with embedded physical network functions (pNF) required for hosted business communications, including a business edge router, session border controller and VoIP media gateway.

Virtualization of the enterprise customer-premises equipment (CPE) has become a common early NFV use case as it delivers significant savings and reduced operational costs. Virtualized CPE funtions accomplish this through more efficient use of compute resources, increased service deployment agility and the elimination of service disruptions that come with updating and maintaining remote location equipment.

With embedded support for data routing, SBC and media gateways, the Mediant 800B vE-CPE enables hosted service providers to deliver premium value-added services without impacting their hosted voice and unified communications services. In addition, the Mediant 800B’s router provides high performance data routing capabilities with support for a range of WAN interfaces, including 3G and LTE. Embedded SBC functionality ensures extensive VoIP interoperability, security and resiliency.

The Mediant 800B vE-CPE is compatible with OpenStack and 3rd party NFV orchestrators and VNFs.

"The Mediant 800B vE-CPE is an important addition to our growing NFV solution portfolio," said Yehuda Herscovici, vice president of Product at AudioCodes. "With its combination of embedded pNFs and high performance x86 server, the Mediant 800B vE-CPE enables hosted service providers to consolidate several services on a single platform. Furthermore, providers benefit from reduced operational costs through remote deployments at customer sites."

Edited by Maurice Nagle