text: Verizon, working closely with a number of its key technology partners - Alcatel Lucent, Cisco, Ericsson, Juniper Networks and Nokia - is implementing a software defined network architecture, laying the groundwork for new innovative services and applications.
  This SDN-based architecture is designed to introduce new operational efficiencies and allow for the enablement of rapid and flexible service delivery to Verizon’s customers.
  According to the tech firm, SDN is a new approach to designing, building and managing communications networks, enabling network programmability by leveraging a centralised controller and orchestrator to program network flows.
  Verizon has a long history of driving significant technology shifts with support from its technology suppliers, becoming the first major carrier to deploy a large-scale fibre-to-the-home strategy, the first to launch a nationwide 3G network and the first national carrier to broadly deploy LTE.
  To enable its network vision, Verizon and its technology vendors have co-authored a comprehensive SDN Network Architecture document, which includes all interface specifications and reference architectures plus requirements for both control layer and forwarding box functions.
  This network architecture document will enable Verizon’s key technology partners to develop solutions to achieve the business and technical benefits of an SDN-enabled network.
  “Verizon and its key technology partners have always focused on providing high-performance networks for our customers, and with SDN architecture we will continue to ensure our network and services meet the needs of our customers, today and in the future,” says Roger Gurnani, CIO and technology architect, Verizon.
  That said, much of the foundational work required to deliver on Verizon’s next-generation network has been underway for several years.
  Verizon has created live lab environments in San Jose, California; Tampa, Florida; and Waltham, Massachusetts, and has commercial data centre environments on both the East and West Coasts of America in particular.
  “Verizon and Cisco have a long-standing technology and business relationship, and we are pleased to play a key role in Verizon’s next-generation, software-defined network architecture.
  “This will become the foundation for innovative, new Verizon services and applications,” adds John Chambers, chairman and CEO, Cisco.
  “Both companies share a vision to transform the entirety of the network architecture to achieve the speed and operational efficiency required to meet the needs of today, as well as capture the growth opportunities to monetise with the Internet of Everything over the next decade and beyond.”