Telco operators and enterprises are working to enjoy the benefits of the cloud. Initially, this was focused on data center applications. But now this trend includes hosting at the customer site, as well as in the telco network. We call this approach edge cloud. A specific application of edge cloud is universal CPE (uCPE). That’s where an open server and software replace a stack of fixed-function networking devices.

But why are operators and enterprises making this shift? What are the problems they must address? And how can they achieve their goals with minimum cost and delay?

Operators and enterprises want the benefits of the cloud in their network

And what are those benefits?

• Open multi-vendor systems that support choice and best-of-breed components
• Reduction of costs by use of standard off-the-shelf components
• Compute in the network and at the edge to minimize latency and reduce bandwidth
• Software-centric approaches that enable rapid development of new services – without changing the deployed hardware
• Usage-based licensing to enable pay-as-you-go and try-before-you-buy

Sounds great, right? It is! But it may not be easy if you don’t think about the larger picture. IT leaders must make the right choices to ensure success.

Edge cloud only works if it’s open, secure, efficient and fast

This might sound obvious, but it really isn’t. As we move further out into the network, costs become more critical, and security becomes a bigger concern.

The system must also be efficient so it can support a wide variety of applications using minimal hardware resources. These applications include IoT deployments, automated systems, voice and video applications, and an enterprise’s mission critical systems.

Meeting these requirements means deploying a low cost uCPE in the network. AND enabling high-bandwidth services in software. AND ensuring low latency for time-sensitive applications. AND ensuring security. AND providing efficient operational tools for design, engineering, deployment, provisioning, management and ongoing administration. 

But where do we get that?

We have an edge cloud solution that meets your needs

As you may have guessed, ADVA and Dispersive have come together to deliver a solution for edge cloud. It’s ideal for telcos, cable operators, large enterprises and government agencies. 

The solution consists of:

Standard hardware: Use your favorite commercial server. We support just about any server, and especially those optimized for uCPE deployments.

Efficient hosting: ADVA’s Connector hosting software provides for efficient hosting, networking, deployment, and management of virtualized functions. 

Secure connectivity: The Dispersive Virtual Network (DVN) ensures that the enterprise or organization has a full, end-to-end secure cloud environment – encompassing the mobile device, branch edge and data center. This includes military-grade security and speed across the entire network.

Other applications: This is where it gets exciting. Enterprises and operators can start with the secure connectivity provided by Dispersive and ADVA. And they can layer on a wide variety of applications. These include both standard networking functions such as SD-WAN, firewalls, WAN optimization, IoT gateways, etc. They also include end user applications running in virtual machines or containers.

A bit more about security

One of the reasons for the cloudification of the network is to enable the use of software-centric approaches to increase security. We are moving from fixed networks to SD-WAN and then on to secure access service edge (SASE). With each step we are increasing visibility, control – and security.

That security is powered by Dispersive and ADVA. Dispersive provides a zero-trust network architecture with a unique treatment of sessions that splits up packets across network channels and recompiles them at the end points, along with network deflect points that defend the network under attack and drive traffic to faster, less impaired channels. ADVA provides a base level of platform security to protect the virtualized infrastructure. Together they provide a game-changing platform – and one that makes digital transformation a more achievable reality given lower costs, faster deployments and the benefits of zero-trust networking.

See how we can help

Together, our companies are delivering the next level of IT agility, security and speed to enterprises and service providers. This combination creates a faster, more secure edge with universal appeal!