INTELLIGENT DATA CENTRES
BT and Dell EMC team
up to research flexible,
software-defined
networks of the future
The agile, programmable telecoms networks of the
future has moved a step closer as BT and Dell EMC have
announced a research collaboration dedicated to exploring
a new way of managing network traffic. Neil J McRae, Chief
Architect for BT, explains.
T
he proof-of-concept trial, which
is taking place at the BT Labs
in Adastral Park, Suffolk, will
explore how disaggregated switching can
create flexible networks, which are more
responsive to customer needs by using
standard open network switches commonly
found in datacentres, coupled with
specialist switching software.
In contrast to the traditional integrated
network switches currently used by
operators and enterprises around the world,
disaggregated switching uses merchant
silicon-based switching systems combined
with either commercially available or open
source system software. This represents a
significant shift architecturally, applying
server-like principles to the delivery of
dynamic network services over fixed-line
and wireless networks.
BT is evaluating the performance of
Dell EMC disaggregated switches against
traditional integrated switching hardware
to test the performance, economics
and programmability of this new,
virtualised approach, which is important
as customers increasingly require more
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flexible, agile networks.
Disaggregated switches have several
potential advantages over traditional
network switches, as they can be managed
flexibly using Netconf protocol and YANG
models. This makes the entire system
inherently programmable and allows
the switches to be operated in tandem to
provide new network services or make
configuration changes rapidly. BT will
work with Dell EMC to look at a number
of potential use cases as part of the trial as
the company evolves its network strategy
to maximise the benefits of SDN (software-
defined networks), NFV (network functions
virtualisation) and programmable silicon.
These include the instant activation
of Ethernet circuits from a third party
(such as an enterprise) and the ability of
the system to deliver real-time network
operational data.
The platform also has the potential to
deliver other programmable use cases such
as bandwidth calendaring – flexing the
bandwidth of an Ethernet circuit according
to customer needs via a predetermined
calendar – and delivering network telemetry
Neil J McRae, Chief Architect for BT.
data to third parties automatically.
This proof-of-concept trial with
Dell EMC will enable us to evaluate the
performance of disaggregated switches
against traditional integrated network
switches, and make informed decisions
about the role this kind of solution will
play in the dynamic network services of the
future. We’re determined to ensure that BT’s
network continues to be world-class and
able to deliver the services our customers
need, when and how they need them. Agility
and programmability, maximising the
benefits of SDN, are therefore key to our
future network evolution.
Tom Burns, Senior Vice President &
General Manager, Dell EMC Networking,
Enterprise Infrastructure & Service
Provider Solutions, said: “The service
provider network of tomorrow cannot be
built on yesterday’s technology. We’re
energised and focused on collaborating
with BT to drive innovation and help
achieve its goals of enhancing network
agility, flexibility and programmability
to provide the high level of service its
customers expect.”
Issue 10
INTELLIGENT TECH CHANNELS