Market for deep packet inspection (DPI) solutions deployed as a virtual network function (VNF) will grow at a 66 percent compound annual growth rate from 2014 to 2019, according to Infonetics Research Service Provider Deep Packet Inspection report that covers software solutions and related purpose-built hardware deployed in wireless and fixed-line networks. Infonetics notes that Sandvine and Allot are neck-and-neck in the race for the DPI market share lead, followed by Cisco and Procera.
According to Infonetics, the focus of the deep packet inspection market is shifting toward use cases such as video optimization, granular charging, network security and content connectivity. In machine-to-machine (M2M) applications, DPI technology is being used to enable better identification of traffic generated by connected devices and mitigate its impact on the network.
Shira Levine, research director for service enablement and subscriber intelligence at Infonetics Research
As operators evaluate likely targets for virtualization as part of a larger network functions virtualization strategy, DPI is a clear target, though ongoing concerns around performance and capacity will constrain the market for virtualized DPI in the short term. Operators are likely to deploy virtualized DPI incrementally, leveraging it to support separate lines of business such as M2M and MVNO, and gradually expanding those engagements over time as they become more confident about the technology.