Kontron and Genband collaborate on NFV infrastructure reference solution
Kontron, a global provider of embedded computing technology and secure IoT platform solutions, and Genband, a global provider of real-time software solutions, debuted a media network functions virtualization infrastructure (NFVi) reference solution at the Perspectives17 Annual Customer and Partner Summit.
The companies are working together to showcase the Genband Advanced Media Software (AMS) virtualized network function (VNF) as an example of an advanced NFV application alongside the launch of the Kontron SYMKLOUD OpenStack platform. The infrastructure compliments NFV applications, serving as an open source platform that hosts NFV workloads without locking in the customer. The platform also provides a turnkey OpenStack solution.
NFV involves decoupling hardware from software. It consists of taking a network function typically reserved for proprietary hardware, such as a firewall or encryption, and running it on a virtual machine (VM). If an application running on a VM needs more bandwidth, for example, an administrator can impart half of the workload onto another VM running on the same server. With NFV, administrators can spend less time managing data centers, which reduces capital expenses (CAPEX) and operating expenses (OPEX).
Service providers combine the SYMKLOUD OpenStack Platform on account of its hardware consolidation. Moreover, OpenStack can be installed in hours instead of days. Blending Genband’s AMS VNF with Kontron SYMKLOUD OpenStack platform provides flexible, scalable media processing either at the edge or the cloud, explained Paul Miller, chief technology officer at Genband Networks.
“The integration of our AMS VNF with the Kontron SYMKLOUD OpenStack Platform was extremely short and seamless,” he said. “All aspects of this showcase solution – footprint, cost, and flexibility – would be exceptionally attractive for those service providers who are looking for strong partners in their phased migration to run existing and new services across NFV infrastructure.”
Genband’s virtualized AMS is ideal for operators seeking a virtual media processing solution for transcoding. AMS utilizes a common resource tool for media transcoding under the control of Management and Network Orchestration (MANO), otherwise know as the Genband NFV Manager. It supports a variety mobile and fixed codecs spanning the gamut of a service provider’s networks and devices.
“This highlights an exciting collaboration that would give telco service providers the means to roll-out new services much faster based on market-leading Genband VNFs, while still significantly cutting operating costs,” said Benoit Robert, vice president of strategy and marketing at Kontron. “We have worked with Genband on various projects, but this one is special as we have removed one big layer of complexity with a complete turnkey automated OpenStack solution,” he added.
