HOPKINTON, Mass. and ADASTRAL
PARK, England ,
Aug. 16, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --
News Summary:
- BT and Dell EMC announce research effort to explore how
disaggregated switching can create flexible, open networks
- BT aims to evolve its network strategy to maximize the benefits
of SDN, NFV
Full story:
The agile, programmable telecoms networks of the future moved a
step closer today as BT and Dell EMC announced a research
collaboration dedicated to validating a new way of managing network
traffic.
The proof-of-concept, which is taking place at the BT Labs in
Adastral Park, Suffolk, will
explore how disaggregated switching can create flexible networks
which are more responsive to customer needs by using standard open
network switches commonly found in data centers, coupled with
specialist switching software.
In contrast to the traditional integrated network switches
currently used by operators and enterprises around the world,
disaggregated switching uses merchant silicon based switching
systems combined with either commercially available or open source
system software. This represents a significant shift
architecturally, applying server-like principles to the delivery of
dynamic network services over fixed-line and wireless networks.
BT is evaluating the performance of Dell EMC disaggregated
switches against traditional integrated switching hardware to test
the performance, economics and programmability of this new,
virtualized approach, which is important as customers increasingly
require more flexible, agile networks.
Disaggregated switches have several potential advantages over
traditional network switches, as they can be managed flexibly using
Netconf protocol and YANG models. This makes the entire system
inherently programmable and allows the switches to be operated in
concert to spin up new network services or make configuration
changes rapidly.
BT will work with Dell EMC to evaluate a number of potential use
cases as part of the trial as the company evolves its network
strategy to maximize the benefits of SDN (software-defined
networks), NFV (network functions virtualization) and programmable
silicon. These include the instant activation of Ethernet circuits
from a third party (such as an enterprise), and the ability of the
system to deliver real-time network operational data.
The platform also has the potential to deliver other
programmable use cases such as bandwidth calendaring – flexing the
bandwidth of an Ethernet circuit according to customer need via a
predetermined calendar – and delivering network telemetry data to
third parties automatically.
Neil J. McRae, chief architect
for BT said, "This proof-of-concept trial with Dell EMC will enable
us to evaluate the performance of disaggregated switches against
traditional integrated network switches, and make informed
decisions about the role this kind of solution will play in the
dynamic network services of the future. We're determined to ensure
that BT's network continues to be world-class and able to deliver
the services our customers need, when and how they need them.
Agility and programmability, maximizing the benefits of SDN, are
therefore key to our future network evolution."
"The service provider network of tomorrow cannot be built on
yesterday's technology," said Tom
Burns, senior vice president & general manager, Dell EMC
Networking, Enterprise Infrastructure & Service Provider
Solutions. "We're energized and focused on collaborating with BT to
drive innovation and help achieve their goals of enhancing network
agility, flexibility and programmability to provide the high level
of service their customers expect."
Video:
Neil J. McRae, chief architect
for BT and Tom Burns, senior vice
president & general manager, Dell EMC Networking, Enterprise
Infrastructure & Service Provider Solutions discuss IT
Transformation and the need for more flexible networks.
About BT
BT's purpose is to use the power of communications to make a
better world. It is one of the world's leading providers of
communications services and solutions, serving customers in 180
countries. Its principal activities include the provision of
networked IT services globally; local, national and international
telecommunications services to its customers for use at home, at
work and on the move; broadband, TV and internet products and
services; and converged fixed-mobile products and services.
With effect from 1 April 2016, the
group has been reorganized and the customer-facing lines of
business are now: Global Services, Business and Public
Sector, Consumer, EE, Wholesale and Ventures, and Openreach.
For the year ended 31 March 2016,
BT Group's reported revenue was £19,042m with reported profit
before taxation of £3,029m.
British Telecommunications plc (BT) is a wholly-owned subsidiary
of BT Group plc and encompasses virtually all businesses and assets
of the BT Group. BT Group plc is listed on stock exchanges in
London and New York.
For more information, visit www.btplc.com
About Dell EMC
Dell EMC, a part of Dell Technologies, enables organizations to
modernize, automate and transform their data center using
industry-leading converged infrastructure, servers, storage and
data protection technologies. This provides a trusted foundation
for businesses to transform IT, through the creation of a hybrid
cloud, and transform their business through the creation of
cloud-native applications and big data solutions. Dell EMC services
customers across 180 countries – including 98% of the Fortune 500 –
with the industry's most comprehensive and innovative portfolio
from edge to core to cloud.
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SOURCE Dell EMC