ADTRAN advances Cloud Access Networks

ADTRAN is fulfilling its Future Network State vision with the inclusion of portfolio-wide enhancements based on both software defined networking (SDN) and network function virtualization (NFV) open architectures. ADTRAN is extending the capabilities of its Broadband, Enterprise and Wi-Fi access portfolio by supporting cloud-controlled network programmability and self-activated cloud-delivery. With these enhancements, service providers are well positioned for the transition to virtualization while meeting their access network priorities.

Today, communications service operators are required to deliver a more dynamic and scalable portfolio of services and applications across all of their key network segments – residential broadband, enterprise, mobile and data center. The network, however, has long been constrained by a rigid hierarchical architecture that cannot keep pace with the innovation in computing power, bandwidth capability and the Internet of Things. Service providers are demanding a more flexible architecture that allow user-enabled services to be created in days or weeks and not months. Current networks cannot support the envisioned future network state by simply overlaying additional network hardware. It must be addressed with software.

SDN is addressing the need for programmable and automated network environments for accelerated service creation and delivery. To support new revenue generation, subscriber applications are becoming virtual network functions (VNF), residing in the cloud or data centers versus static function hardware devices. These cloud-based applications are user activated from self-service web portals, eliminating the need for truck rolls and technician support during service delivery. ADTRAN is leveraging this software approach to fully support network programmability and automate service delivery through a natural extension of its longstanding solution strategy of providing increased service agility and operational efficiency.

“ADTRAN has a deep history in designing service delivery platforms for both service provider and enterprise networks. We have helped our customers successfully navigate multiple eras of network transformation and service migration. This transition to service virtualization and network orchestration is no different,” said Jay Wilson, senior vice president of technology and strategy, ADTRAN. “Our experience, combined with our commitment to open source software, allows us to optimize the tight interaction between SDN-based networks and virtualized applications. This accelerates the network transformation.”

The final components of ADTRAN’s vision of a Future Network State are now fully realized with the implementation of several software-based developments. Service providers are now delivering highly scalable fiber connectivity to all service end-points based on high capacity broadband platforms designed around NG-PON2. This converged access architecture is the foundation for user-enabled, virtualized services delivered on a highly automated, cloud-controlled access network. With this approach, ADTRAN is helping its service providers rapidly create and activate differentiated services, generating new revenue streams.

“Service providers are under tremendous pressure to transform their business to accelerate the faster introduction of services, while providing compelling content for their customers. This requires their networks to be agile and more operationally efficient, which is where virtualization and software defined networking comes into play,” said Teresa Mastrangelo, senior analyst, Heavy Reading. “ADTRAN’s extensive knowledge of the enterprise network and its understanding of operator challenges makes them well positioned to help its service provider and enterprise customers navigate this new era of network transformation and service migration.”

In the next several weeks ADTRAN will make announcements demonstrating its progress toward its envisioned Future Network State vision regarding streamlining enterprise service delivery via virtual network functionality, reducing time to market through the automation and orchestration of Gigabit broadband services and through the implementation of Open APIs.