Comcast, which is seeking to use virtualization and artificial intelligence more pervasively across its network via an initiative called Janus, said today that it is expanding those network architecture changes nationwide with the support of DriveNets.
Comcast first trialed its Janus initiative in conjunction with the use of the DriveNets Network Cloud last fall, describing the initiative as a combination of virtualization, disaggregation and deployment of AI across the core of its network, to “maximize performance and continue delivering superior Internet connectivity” for both its Xfinity consumer and Comcast Business customers. The goal of Janus is network transformation for Comcast, in terms of how it manages its network operations, costs and services flexibility.
Now, Comcast is expand the trial nationwide. Eventually, the cable MSO plans to extend the Janus initiative to touch all of network, which serves about 64 million locations.
DriveNets, which handles the majority of AT&T’s core network traffic, in essence uses cloud-native software to turn distributed physical network infrastructure into a shared resource or unified fabric, with guarantees on characteristics such as zero packet loss and bi-directional bandwidth, and a distributed network operating system for orchestration. (More insights from DriveNets on supporting the needs of AI networking are in this piece.)
“The five biggest moments ever on our network happened in the final six weeks of 2024,” said Elad Nafshi, chief network officer for Comcast. “Our customers are consuming more data, faster, than ever before and we’re driving network virtualization and AI innovation to meet and exceed their expectations now and into the future.
“Expanding the Janus trial across our footprint will transform how we manage the flow of Internet traffic to and from customers to maximize network performance, reliability, and efficiency,” Nafshi added. “Leveraging DriveNets Network Cloud allows us to accelerate product innovation and continue to meet the incredible demand.”
Comcast said that using DriveNets’ cloud-based capabilities to disaggregate and virtualize its network functions “maximizes network performance, makes it easier to integrate AI-powered self-healing capabilities, enables more dynamic improvements to the customer experience, and is expected to improve efficiency.” The cable company expects to be able to scale capacity more quickly and easily in order to, for example, provide low latency for live-streamed events; use AI and machine learning to assist in operations, optimization of performance and troubleshooting; and to “reduce Comcast’s footprint with power-efficient virtualized compute platforms that shrink the space occupied within network facilities.”
“DriveNets Network Cloud enables Comcast to converge and automate its network infrastructure end-to-end so it can scale faster to meet growing service demands,” said Ido Susan, DriveNets’ founder and CEO. “The combination of our cloud-native software and the adoption of GenAI network operations tools enables Comcast to optimize the network performance, increase network reliability, and introduce new service innovations faster.”
Looking for more perspective on the use of AI within telecommunications networks? Check out this RCR Wireless News webinar, featuring experts from DriveNets, Spirent Communications and Viavi Solutions speaking about testing AI infrastructure.
