Networking company Ciena has introduced an open, distributed network functions virtualization (D-NFV) solution for telecom network operators.
Ciena said its new D-NFV solution, which will be demonstrated at MEF16 event in Baltimore, allows network operators to quickly roll-out virtual network services, such as SD-WAN, IP routing, firewalls, and encryption, from their preferred virtual network function (VNF) vendor.
At the telecom event, Ciena will provide a proof-of-concept demonstration of its D-NFV solution in a multi-vendor network that includes Ciena’s Blue Orbit Ecosystem partner RAD, and Ciena BizConnect partner CenturyLink.
“Our open, D-NFV solution gives service providers the hardware, software, and professional services they need to offer distributed network services and expedites time to revenue, lowers overall costs, and eliminates vendor lock-in,” said Steve Alexander, senior vice president and chief technology officer, Ciena.
Ciena in a statement said that its D-NFV solution allows for distributed virtualization by utilizing Blue Planet orchestration, new carrier-grade D-NFV Infrastructure (D-NFVI) software with a zero-touch deployment model, and a new 3906mvi including its pluggable x86 NFV Server Module. The technology company said that D-NFVI software also can operate on third party COTS servers.
Ciena’s D-NFVI solution can be mixed and matched with third party components, allowing operators to custom build a complete solution.
Ciena’s D-NFVI is rooted in carrier-grade software that improves upon OpenStack to deliver the high availability, reliability, security, and operational model that network operators require for distributed applications. The solution also includes a high-performance DPDK accelerated vSwitch with MEF CE2.0 compliance.
Ciena customers can choose from three performance variants of the new 3906mvi x86 NFV Server Modules for cost-optimized deployments that are matched to specific performance needs, and can even host D-NFVI software from third parties, helping to reduce the total cost of ownership.
Operators can leverage Ciena’s suite of Professional Services to help accelerate their transformation toward offering virtual network services in a rapid, reliable, and secure manner.
“D-NFV supports the operator #1 NFV use case of enterprise vCPE that provides the carrier goal of service agility. We believe that operators will want to examine the flexible mix-and-match openness of Ciena’s D-NFV solution that is designed to meet specific needs of individual service providers,” said Michael Howard, Sr., research director and advisor, Carrier Networks, IHS Markit.