Verizon announced this week it is combining its existing edge routers onto a single platform in hopes of bolstering its network efficiency and deploying new technology more quickly.
The carrier, along with Cisco and Juniper Networks, said software-defined networking technology would enable the companies to join Verizon’s service edge routers for Ethernet and IP-based services.
Deployments began on Verizon IP networks in early 2018 and will continue through the end of 2019, the company added, eventually replacing the network’s legacy edge router functions entirely.
“Next-generation services that require low latency and real-time response are moving closer to users at the network edge, creating new gains in performance and business agility,” said Juniper CTO Bikash Koley.
The single platform — and simpler network edge — would enable Verizon to improve the deployment and allocation of its infrastructure and enhance its Ethernet, internet and VPN-based services.
The multi-service edge solution, officials added, includes a disaggregated control plane, which uses external compute to enhance its capabilities beyond those of a traditional router.
Executives said SDN “continues to deliver on its promise to improve network management.”
“By decoupling the control plane from a carrier-grade provider edge routing platform and moving it to general compute servers, we can serve our consumer and enterprise customers from the same platform, giving them all the functionality they need, while running our networks far more efficiently,” Verizon Network Infrastructure Planning Director Michael Altland said in a statement.
Filed Under: Infrastructure
