Vodafone, Nokia, Cisco, Benu Networks, and Casa Systems have completed the first multi-vendor trial of a new broadband standard, demonstrating interoperability and the potential to reshape fixed broadband networks.
The test validated a new open architecture for the Broadband Network Gateway (BNG). BNGs are essential network elements that authenticate and connect multiple subscribers to the internet, but have traditionally been tied to a single vendor’s integrated solution.
Using the Broadband Forum’s global TR-459 specification, the trial showed how disaggregated BNGs can separate software and hardware components so that control plane and user plane functions can come from different suppliers. This modular approach lets operators mix and match vendors rather than relying on a single supplier for the full BNG stack.
“Cisco is committed to driving solutions to expand broadband penetration worldwide,” said Andy Schutz, Product Management Senior Director for Cisco. “We believe the work being done in the Broadband Forum is fundamental to these efforts, especially in the area of creating greater flexibility and choice of control and user planes from different vendors leveraging the TR-459 standard.”
Disaggregated BNGs aim to do for fixed broadband what Open RAN is doing for mobile networks: reduce vendor lock-in and enable more competition and innovation in the supply chain.
“We are already driving a more diverse and open mobile ecosystem with Open RAN, and now we are targeting fixed broadband,” said Johan Wibergh, Chief Technology Officer for Vodafone. “As an industry, and with government support, we owe it to people with no or slow internet access to quicken the rollout of new capabilities on fast, fixed broadband.”
In the multi-vendor trial, the participants successfully separated core gateway control functions—such as subscriber authentication and dynamic bandwidth allocation for streaming—and demonstrated that these control functions can be managed and orchestrated from the cloud while interoperating with user plane elements supplied by other vendors.
“As a leading BNG vendor, Nokia is pleased to demonstrate support for a wide range of BNG deployment models including Broadband Forum’s disaggregated BNG architecture,” commented Vach Kompella, VP and GM of Nokia’s IP Networks Business Division. “Nokia envisions a significant evolution in BNG architecture with the introduction of CUPS in fixed, wireless and 5G fixed wireless applications which will allow rapid feature introduction, optimal user plane placement and selection, as well as improved operations.”
Vodafone says disaggregated BNGs will allow the operator to upgrade, scale, introduce features, and expand capacity independently across software and hardware layers. That separation increases operational agility and shortens the time required to deliver enhancements across its broadband footprint.
(Photo by Hannah Busing on Unsplash)
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