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Prediction 2015 – The Service Layer is Leaving the Network

Prediction 2015 – The Service Layer is Leaving the Network Image Credit: PCC Mobile Broadband

Few will disagree that the Provider Edge has become increasingly complex over the last decade. Provider edge Routers/broadband network gateways (BNGs), combined with an increasing collection of disparate OSS service management applications, have taken on the role of service delivery platforms. Has this resulted in the best platform for service delivery and will these platforms be suitable for delivering Network Function Virtualization? We don’t think so.

During 2015, architectures and solutions will emerge that move service delivery functionality from BNGs into the cloud. Leveraging cloud technology and virtualization, these solutions will offer functionality and flexibility that cannot ever be provided by the current edge BNG architectures. Further, by leveraging cloud technology, operators will be able to deliver services and applications rapidly with the scalable elasticity that software-based solutions can provide. By connecting customers directly to services and applications using the cloud, the promise of new service delivery using Network Function Virtualization will be realized.

This doesn’t mean that routers are not important. Physical routers will continue to play a key role building the connectivity fabric for the cloud and access to other networks such as the Internet, with vRouters providing the connectivity from the virtual to physical router infrastructure. Routers are still the best way to connect networks to networks; however, they will no longer have the role of connecting customers to applications and services.

This article was originally published in Active Broadband Networks' Blog.

Author

Adam Dunstan is the president and CEO of Active Broadband Networks. Since its founding in 2005, Adam has guided the company to its current position as a leading player in the DOCSIS market, with more than 30% market share in North America.  Prior to Active Broadband, Adam was principal of a consulting practice that provided services to cable system operators. Previously, he was employed by Avici Systems, where he served as vice president of business development and vice president of technology, and was instrumental in the development and deployment of the world's first terabit, carrier-class router. While at Avici Systems, he also served as chairman, president and vice president of the Optical Internetworking Forum. Earlier, Adam was at Bay Networks (now Nortel Networks), where he served in various positions in wide area and routing technologies. An acknowledged expert in the networking and telecommunications industries, Adam has invented patented routing technology and has served as an advisor to the FCC.

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