Nokia says it will work with Vodafone to evaluate the application of software-defined network manager and controller (SDN-M&C) capabilities to the service provider’s multi-access fixed network technology. The two companies have begun the collaboration with proof-of-concept trials in Europe. If the trials prove successful, the SDN technology will be deployed more widely later this year, Nokia says.
The trials leverage Nokia’s Altiplano SDN-M&C. Nokia asserts Vodafone selected Altiplano for its ability to work across its multi-generational, multi-technology and multi-vendor access networks. Vodafone currently addresses 143 million marketable Next Generation Network (NGN) broadband homes in Europe.
The SDN management and control functions will be used to simplify, automate, visualize, optimize, and otherwise enhance Vodafone’s broadband networks as well as support Vodafone’s network-as-a-platform (NaaP) approach and other customizable services.
“We are driving simplification and automation throughout our network and IT systems across Europe and Africa to further improve the customer experience and support the growing number of connected devices,” commented Gavin Young, head of Fixed Access Centre of Excellence at Vodafone. “The last few years have proven that the resilience of economies depends on our ability to quickly respond to changing societal needs. Nokia’s Altiplano solution will enable us to help our customers adapt to new developments even quicker.”
“Nokia’s SDN Controller platform provides open and standardized APIs and leverages open source where applicable,” added Sandy Motley, president, Fixed Networks at Nokia. “The result is our Altiplano Access Controller can manage and control any SDN-native, disaggregated, legacy and third-party equipment and is highly customizable to suit operator needs now and in the future.”
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