Today, the industry is taking another leap towards realizing the NFV vision, with the introduction of IP Infusion’s Open SD-Edge platform: an NFV-based Universal CPE solution. The Open SD-Edge platform has been optimized for cloud connectivity, at the branch and cloud edges of the network. In addition to delivering agile, virtualized services at the highest price-performance, operations are significantly simplified to achieve the lowest Total Cost of Ownership (TCO).
Open SD-Edge solutions are Powered by DANOS-Vyatta edition, and available as a Virtualized Network Function (VNF), and a packaged white box solution, backed by carrier-grade support.
The common Open SD-Edge disaggregated platform replaces multiple fixed format appliances, significantly reducing CapEx and OpEx, without compromising control plane functionality. In addition to replacing stacks of purpose-built appliances and software, the need for specialized IT skills to install, configure, manage, and maintain the network is relaxed.
Disaggregation enables customers to readily capitalize on best-of-breed technologies up and down the stack. The solution is managed through highly scalable and agile Cloud-Managed Services that streamlines operations throughout the entire service delivery lifecycle.
Cloud-Ready Connectivity
As Enterprises, large and small, undergo digital transformation, adoption of cloud services has greatly accelerated as a greater share of their IT infrastructure (and staffing needs) are outsourced. This has motivated the need for secure, application-aware communications, tempered by the ever-present pressures for IT cost-reduction.
This pervasive trend has presented services providers with a major opportunity to offer high value add managed services to accelerate this migration. IP Infusion is empowering MSPs with a common, agile platform capable of addressing the entire multi-cloud scenario as depicted in Figure 1.
Figure 1- Open SD-Edge Cloud Use Cases
The three new Open SD-Edge use cases which IP Infusion plans to deliver in 2020 are:
- Virtual SD-Edge provides a flexible and secure means of shuttling application traffic to the Internet, which is particularly useful for the SD-WAN Internet breakout use case. It is packaged as a multi-platform VM consisting of a virtual router, virtual firewall, and Carrier Grade Network Address Translation (CG-NAT) functionality.
- Branch SD-Edge, offers secure, high-performance, multi-cloud connectivity, and is available in a range of virtual and white box hardware form factors. Branch SD-Edge scales from 1 – 10 Gbps service interfaces at price points for incumbent vendor devices offering an order magnitude less capacity.
- Universal SD-Edge, has been optimized for the Cloud edge, providing an on ramp to Enterprise Data Center, Hybrid, and Public Clouds. This platform also may accommodate a range of pre-qualified, third party VNFs, to address a broad range of use cases. The Universal SD-Edge platform It is available in multiple hardware form factors providing up to four 10 Gbps service interfaces, and significantly higher compute and storage capacity for any device at its price point.
DANOS-Vyatta Edition
Open SD-Edge leverages DANOS- Vyatta edition (see Figure 2), which is built on an open source network operating (NOS) core. DVe also features IP Infusion’s control plane, which provides unparalleled protocol support available in a common, disaggregated platform. DVe has been widely deployed in AT&T’s production network for multiple white box use cases.
DVe provides IPv4/IPv6 dual-stack addressing, broad L2-7 support, an integrated, full-featured firewall, CG-NAT functionality along with extensive OAM support to ensure carrier-grade service availability. DVe has an optimized software forwarding plane geared for higher performance on standard COTS server.
Figure 2- DANOS-Vyatta edition (DVe) Benefits
By providing 24/7 support, innovative tools, and our Advanced Network Services offerings, that investments in Open SD-Edge will be fully supported.
Disaggregated, Open Platform
The Open SD-Edge platform is built upon open source software, flexible APIs, and an open architecture that unleashes the power of open networking. DVe has adopted the Linux Foundation Disaggregated Network Operating System (DANOS) project, which IP Infusion is participating in as well. DANOS is the first open source network operating system targeting carrier use cases.
Open APIs have been provided to support orchestration, network automation, and management. DVe features a model-driven paradigm, implemented by NETCONF/YANG, to adapt Open SD-Edge to diverse operational environments.
Open SD-Edge also provides both hardware and software abstractions to readily integrate with best in class network silicon, hardware platforms, and software stacks. Northbound APIs are intent-based to simplify the burden of application/network integration, and future proof investments in the solution.
IP Infusion is also proactively building an open ecosystem of technology partners to delivery on the vision for disaggregation and enable our customers to exploit the rapidly advancing developments in network silicon, photonics, platforms, and software.
What’s Next?
Over the months to come, we intend to roll out new partners, new platforms, and additional enhancements to the Open SD-Edge platform. We also expect exciting announcements surrounding DANOS and related open source projects.
For additional information on Open SD-Edge, visit: https://www.ipinfusion.com/ucpe/
About the Author
Sanjay Kumar is Chief Marketing Officer for IP Infusion and has 20 years of experience in networking technology. Prior to joining IP Infusion, Sanjay held product management positions at Aruba Networks, Aerohive Networks, Broadcom, Cisco and Netgear.