The London Internet Exchange (LINX) has announced a series of successful Proof of Concepts (POCs) following a decision just over a year ago, to adopt a new and revolutionary, disaggregated approach to their secondary LAN network architecture, LON2.
In August 2016, after months of research with potential new suppliers, a decision was made to source hardware from Edgecore Networks and software from IP Infusion to compliment this approach. The LON2 architecture programme has since gathered pace, particularly over the last six months, now bringing LINX to the point of deployment.
When deciding on the disaggregated technology stack presented by Edgecore and IP Infusion, it was known that EVPN services would need to be built into IP Infusion’s OcNOS software. This was because the system has traditionally been a datacentre centric solution, so compatibility with LINX’s inter-site service provider type architecture using Edgecore hardware was required.
A number of collaborative proof of concepts took place over the summer, resulting in a code base and hardware solution that is fit for purpose at a multi-site Internet exchange point (IXP). LINX moved through the deployment phase in October and November, leading to member testing in December. Work will continue through the customary change freeze period at the end of the year with the migration of services taking place as soon as practical at the start of 2018.
LINX Chief Technical Officer, Richard Petrie, says:
“In undergoing the process of selection, testing, refinement and deployment phases of these new systems, we faced a number of technical and non-technical challenges. The life cycle management of a disaggregated deployment is a new concept to us, as it is with many businesses coming under the service provider operating model. The performance and commitment of both IP Infusion and Edgecore Networks has been fundamental in allowing all three organisations to be able to collaborate, test and resolve complex issues effectively and efficiently.”
Mr Petrie added, “We are very pleased with the results so far and are excited to be implementing the technology and test our products and services in preparation for member migration.”
New partners Edgecore Networks and IP Infusion have now been awarded contracts following the series of successful PoCs and are looking forward to the next stage of the project;
“LINX is demonstrating that open network disaggregated systems are ready for deployment outside of the data centre, affording the benefit of data centre transformation to other network applications. IP Infusion and Edgecore Networks have worked closely with the LINX engineering team to test and validate the system can meet their member and operational needs. We are delighted to move to the next stage with LINX.”
Mark Basham, Vice President Edgecore Networks EMEA
“With OcNOS, LINX can easily design their disaggregated network to meet their specific needs and deploy new services quickly. We continue to look forward to partnering with LINX to meet the growing demands of their new platform and to help keep operating costs low.”
Atsushi Ogata, President and CEO of IP Infusion
LINX operates a unique, dual LAN network within the London metro LON1 and LON2, spanning 10 datacentre locations. The primarily London-based exchange strives to remain at the forefront of technology and therefore chose to lead the way by restructuring LON2, benefiting their members from both a resiliency and long-term value perspective.
LINX members and those interested in joining the exchange are invited to attend the quarterly member conference taking place in London on Monday 20th and Tuesday 21st November, where a full update on the project will be presented. Find out more at www.linx.net.
About The London Internet Exchange (LINX)
LINX is one of the largest Internet exchanges in the world, connecting over 800 networks from over 75 countries around the globe. As a mutual membership organisation, whose members make up a large part of the global internet, the London based IXP is in a unique position to make a difference for all as it’s mantra ‘Working for the Good of the Internet’ indicates. LINX maintain a heavy London presence with over 10 PoPs across the capital along with regional exchanges in Wales, Manchester and Scotland. LINX also operates an Internet exchange in the Ashburn metro area in the US just outside Washington DC.
For more information about the London Internet Exchange visit www.linx.net or email marketing@linx.net
About IP Infusion
IP Infusion is a leading provider of open network software and solutions for carriers, service providers and data center operators with over 500 customers and thousands of deployments. Our solutions enable network operators to disaggregate their networks to accelerate innovation, streamline operations, and reduce Total Cost of Ownership (TCO). Network OEMs may also disaggregate network devices to expedite time to market, offer comprehensive services, and achieve carrier grade robustness.
IP Infusion is headquartered in Santa Clara, Calif., and is a wholly owned and independently operated subsidiary of ACCESS CO., LTD. Additional information can be found at http://www.IPInfusion.com.
IP Infusion and OcNOS are trademarks or registered trademarks of IP Infusion. ACCESS is a registered trademark or trademark of ACCESS CO., LTD. in the United States, Japan and/or other countries. Northforge Innovations is a registered trademark of Northforge Innovations, Inc. All other trademarks, service marks, registered trademarks, or registered service marks mentioned are the property of their respective owners.
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About Edgecore Networks
Edgecore Networks Corporation is a wholly owned subsidiary of Accton Technology Corporation, the leading network ODM. Edgecore Networks delivers wired and wireless networking products and solutions through channel partners and system integrators worldwide for the Data Center, Service Provider, Enterprise and SMB customers. Edgecore Networks is the leader in open networking providing a full line of open Wi-Fi access points, PON OLT, packet optical transponders, and OCP-ACCEPTEDTM switches that offer choice of NOS and SDN software for data center, telecommunications and enterprise networks. For more information, visit www.Edge-Core.com.