The partners will work with customers to develop SD-LAN solutions through Orange’s Open Labs programme.
The companies are building on the work they have done on SD-WAN (software-defined wide-area networks).
They will focus on individual customers’ business challenges and create solutions for network automation, analytics and security.
Self-organising networks
According to Orange Business Services (OBS), SD-LANs address the strain which the growth of devices, mobile apps and data are putting on the traditional network, increasing complexity and access requirements.
A statement from OBS explains, “The SD-LAN creates a centrally managed wired and wireless network architecture, which is easier to integrate, operate and run, enabling businesses to work faster and smarter. SD-LAN provides highly secure anytime, any device, anywhere access and a high-quality user experience.”
Campus Wi-Fi networks are an example of a possible use case for SD-LAN. An SD-LAN can monitor services, access and usage on networks, and anticipate any essential upgrades to deal with the demands of wireless users.
Defining access
SD-LANs also provide secure, identity-driven access, defining the users, things and devices that can access the network. Access can be granted or revoked at a granular level such as setting up guest Wi-Fi groups, for example.
Pierre-Louis Biaggi, vice president, Connectivity Solutions, OBS, said, “Through our innovative partnership with Cisco and a commitment to our Open Lab environment, we look forward to working together to harness the agility and scalability of SD-LAN.
“Leveraging our proven success with Flexible SD-WAN, we aim to create an end-to-end networking journey in an optimised, adaptable enterprise network environment.”
Sachin Gupta, senior vice president, product management, Enterprise Networking, Cisco, added, “With the exponential growth of users and devices in a highly mobile world connecting to applications and data in multiple cloud environments, enterprises are looking to deliver security and optimal application experiences while reducing costs.
“Building on our collaboration with Orange around Intent-based Networking, we are now expanding from SD-WAN to SD-LAN, delivering multi domain segmentation, automation and analytics.”