Open Network Featured Article

With the networking landscape changing routinely, thanks in particular to big new developments like software-defined networking (SDN) and network functions virtualization (NFV), there's a clear demand for not only more tools in this line, but more ways to put these tools to work in current operations. A recent coalition effort between Brain4Net, Edgecore Networks (News - Alert), and NoviFlow, meanwhile, will help drive more SDN use in metro networks, and the trio ran a live demonstration of same at an industry event.

The three will be showing off a new CE 2.0 service slate that's built around SDN, which will bring a lot of extra value to the table itself. Reports note that this new service will constitute an important part of metro aggregation networks (MANs), allowing communications service providers (CSPs) the means to drive further use of carrier ethernet (CE) with virtual network services that help deliver extra value.

Meanwhile, the slate itself is made up of two parts: one, a MAN solution built around OpenFlow, which offers a variety of CE services for a certain area in which it's installed, and two, a complete telco data center network fabric built around SDN that uses both physical and virtual switches to build directly into Metro network infrastructure. With both of these in place, the end result is a complete switching fabric that can run on several different switches and appliances, including Edgecore's AS55712-32X open network switch and the NoviFlow 2122 / 2116 switches.

Brain4Net founder and CEO Oleg Schapov commented “We are pleased that respected global technology community selected our proof of concept proposal and shortlisted Brain4Net for on-site demonstration at MEF16. On November 8 in Baltimore we plan to demonstrate the way how SDN/NFV-based Metro Aggregation Networks will be able to consolidate main technology trends, such as 5G, Mobile Edge (News - Alert) Computing, transformation of Telco PoP to Telco DC, etc. By leveraging both SDN and NFV technologies, our approach enables CSP to build the service-oriented network infrastructure with endless potential of services, while delivering carrier grade resilience and fault tolerance.”

With the solution in place, users can take advantage of reduced capital and operational expenses, along with new possibilities for revenue generation like cross-selling customer virtual private network (VPNs) along with various virtual network functions (VNFs) that generate further value. Basically, there are several ways a company can gain competitive advantage by bringing this system on board, which should make it a popular offering with CSPs looking to augment their lineup and encourage users to stick around or sign up.

This new project should have plenty of eager sign-ups once it gets past the proof of concept and demonstration level; it will certainly be one to keep an eye on.