China Unicom, which is adopting software-defined networking (SDN) and network functions virtualisation (NFV), is transforming its metro service edge architecture to provide enhanced broadband services to residential subscribers. Upon completion of this project, the network will be able to add new customers and launch services faster and more efficiently.
"We are proud to be a part of China Unicom's initiative to evolve its metro edge to a cloud-centric architecture,” said Sri Reddy, Nokia's head of IP Routing and Packet Core business.
“The Nokia VSR provides delivery of broad and rich virtualised IP edge applications with superior performance and enhanced scalability. Upon completion of this network transformation project, China Unicom will ensure increased operational efficiency and deliver a superior customer experience for its subscribers."
Nokia’s VSR delivers high performance and flexibility for x86 server environments. The vBNG functionality on Nokia VSR is based on Nokia Service Router Operating System (SR OS). In addition to BNG functions, the Nokia VSR is used to deliver additional functions, such as Network Address Translation (NAT) - to facilitate the migration to IPv6
The trial, which involved more than 5,000 residential subscribers, uses the Nokia VSR as a next-generation, virtualised Broadband Network Gateway (BNG) for residential subscriber management functions and advanced service capabilities.
It allows China Unicom to simplify and accelerate the delivery of residential broadband using a new, agile and flexible network which is based on virtualised network functions (VNFs). China Unicom plans to migrate massive BNG services to the virtualised platform to leverage the opportunities of the cloud era.
The initial trial is being carried out in the province of Shandong and will expand to the other parts of the country over the next two years as it evolves to the next phase, which will include delivery of IPTV services.<
