CenturyLink, this week issued an update on its progress towards service-centric environment. The operator has embarked on the transformation of its existing core network into a software-defined networking(SDN)- and network functions virtualization(NFV)- based network.
CenturyLink began implementing network virtualization and automation back in 2013 when it partnered with five vendors to develop an open environment through common API structures, creating interoperability and enhancing the creation of applications.
The company said that it is currently building an end-to-end network platform with capabilities to deliver a self-service application marketplace and on-demand services, creating an enhanced customer experience currently offered by few providers. It has already built its NFV platform in 36 network and data center locations in seven countries, with plans to expand into a total of 44 locations by the end of the year.
In the coming months, CenturyLink said that it will begin deploying a range of virtualized data and voice infrastructure services, including virtualized Multi Protocol Label Switching (MPLS) routers and Customer Premises Equipment (CPE) to enable dynamic delivery of scalable services for customers.
The operator targets to have achieve full virtualization coverage for 40 percent of its global IP core network locations by the end of 2015.
CenturyLink is taking its network assets and combining them with our expanded NFV platform and cloud services to create a customizable and dynamic applications marketplace infrastructure that will give businesses near real-time provisioning and more control over their service experience.
