Huawei is working with partners toward building a new, open software defined networking (SDN) ecosystem to help operators speed up the commercialisation of the technology.
The Chinese vendor said it will work with the Open Network Operating System (ONOS) platform and Open Networking Foundation (ONF) to create a “cohesive, open and programmable SDN network architecture”, to support operators moving to virtualised business models and services.
ONOS is an open source, carrier-grade SDN control platform that provides operators with a multi-layer view of the network, including network elements, connectivity and errors. The platform is headed by a number global operators and equipment vendors, with Ericsson, Cisco and SK Telecom amongst those involved.
Specifically, Huawei said it will provide open-source code for the “core architecture” of ONOS.
Dan Pitt, Executive Director at ONF, said: “Network operators are rushing to benefit from SDN and are increasingly looking to open-source software as an effective vehicle for rapid deployment of key SDN components.
“ONF is thrilled when our members embrace SDN and open-source technologies to meet critical operator needs and we applaud today’s announcements, which help to build a healthy SDN industry ecosystem.”
Zha Jun, President of Fixed Network Product Line at Huawei and ONOS Board Member, said: “SDN openness and innovation will be a huge motivator behind industry development, requiring the joint efforts of numerous stakeholders…We will enrich southbound and northbound interfaces, and actively provide open source code to support ONOS with adapting to various SDN scenarios and build an open and healthy industry ecosystem.”
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