RtBrick provides router software for Deutsche Telekom Access 4.0 BNG
RtBrick, which supplies carrier routing software that runs on off-the-shelf hardware, says Deutsche Telekom has used an open, disaggregated broadband network gateway (BNG) comprising RtBrick’s software on bare-metal switch hardware for its Access 4.0 effort. The open routing software provider says the German incumbent has begun connecting customers to the BNG, which supports gigabit broadband services.
Deutsche Telekom connected the first subscriber that leveraged the BNG to an exchange in Stuttgart, with a wider roll-out expected this year. The BNG terminates broadband subscriber traffic and supports such other functions as quality of service, lawful intercept, and IPTV. The RtBrick software runs in a Linux container on bare-metal-switches, configured using zero-touch provisioning and programmed through RtBrick’s open APIs. The open BNG is the first use-case of RtBrick’s full-stack IP/MPLS routing software.
“Disaggregation represents a new era for our network, and RtBrick joins us in providing full-stack BNG running on the Access 4.0 spine/leaf fabric connected to our IP core production network,” explained Hans-Joerg Kolbe, chief product owner, Access 4.0 at Deutsche Telekom. “We wanted to embrace a new cloud-native approach to building and running our network. Disaggregation allows us to independently select the best hardware and software for any job, it’s simpler to automate, and it’s more flexible and open than using traditional systems. That’s why we are one of several operators who have recently highlighted the benefits of open BNG software, like that provided by RtBrick, in the Open BNG whitepaper and further pursue this path as part of the TIP [Telecom Infra Project] community.”
“Connecting real customers over a disaggregated network of this scale is a significant milestone for the whole industry,” added Hannes Gredler, founder and chief technology officer at RtBrick. “The shift to building networks using open software, rather than proprietary systems, is probably the most important development the industry has seen since the arrival of the Internet, and this deployment is proof that cloud-native networks are ready for the mainstream.”
Access 4.0 is Deutsche Telekom’s initiative to apply open, software-defined access principles to its broadband infrastructure via an edge cloud approach (see “Deutsche Telekom taps ADTRAN for Access 4.0 OLT network deployments”).
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Stephen Hardy | Editorial Director and Associate Publisher, Lightwave
Stephen Hardy is editorial director and associate publisher of Lightwave and Broadband Technology Report, part of the Lighting & Technology Group at Endeavor Business Media. Stephen is responsible for establishing and executing editorial strategy across the both brands’ websites, email newsletters, events, and other information products. He has covered the fiber-optics space for more than 20 years, and communications and technology for more than 35 years. During his tenure, Lightwave has received awards from Folio: and the American Society of Business Press Editors (ASBPE) for editorial excellence. Prior to joining Lightwave in 1997, Stephen worked for Telecommunications magazine and the Journal of Electronic Defense.
Stephen has moderated panels at numerous events, including the Optica Executive Forum, ECOC, and SCTE Cable-Tec Expo. He also is program director for the Lightwave Innovation Reviews and the Diamond Technology Reviews.
He has written numerous articles in all aspects of optical communications and fiber-optic networks, including fiber to the home (FTTH), PON, optical components, DWDM, fiber cables, packet optical transport, optical transceivers, lasers, fiber optic testing, and more.
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