Ciena offers virtualization switch CPE for NFV

Ciena Corp. (NYSE:CIEN) says it now offers an Ethernet CPE platform designed to enable virtualized services in a network functions virtualization (NFV) context. The 3938vi Service Virtualization Switch enables managed services providers to host virtual network functions (VNFs) on servers or other off-the-shelf hardware or on the 3938vi.

The carrier-grade 3938vi is designed to accommodate services up to 10 Gigabit Ethernet. It leverages Ciena's Service-Aware Operating System (SAOS) for common management with Ciena's packet switches. It also helps create an environment in which operators can deploy Ciena's Agility Director to enable customers to select and deploy VNF-based services (see "Ciena Agility Matrix offers online shopping for VNFs").

Ciena says the 3938vi platform's scalable virtual switching architecture will support interworking between different transport options. It also has MPLS features to support Layer 2 VPNs and to enable service providers to offer connection-oriented MPLS-TP-based services on metro networks.

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