Heterogeneous virtualization solutions for edge access networks

Yan Haijun, Sweden Yi Neng Software Co., Ltd.


The Internet of Things (IoT) and 5G are two of the most significant trends in the modern communication industry. IoT connects billions of devices to the internet, while 5G delivers faster mobile connectivity. In this new era, network infrastructure has become more crucial than ever. Data traffic is growing at an unprecedented rate, yet revenue from data services isn’t keeping up. Meanwhile, operational costs are rising, creating a major challenge for telecom operators. This issue demands urgent solutions, and companies like Enea from Sweden have emerged as leaders in providing effective strategies. As end-users increasingly demand big data services such as video streaming, network operators face mounting pressure. Two main approaches exist: expanding fiber networks or virtualizing network infrastructure. While building more fibers increases costs, network function virtualization (NFV) offers a scalable and cost-effective alternative. NFV allows operators to deploy services more flexibly and efficiently by running network functions on virtual machines rather than dedicated hardware. This shift not only reduces costs but also enhances agility in service delivery. NFV enables operators to quickly develop and launch new applications without relying on expensive hardware. It disrupts traditional operations, offering a more dynamic approach to service delivery. Enea provides a robust, secure, and high-performance platform for enterprise NFV infrastructure, supporting both cloud-based and edge computing environments. With the rise of IoT and 5G, network traffic is increasing significantly. To handle delay-sensitive services, 5G requires processing at the network edge using Multi-access Edge Computing (MEC). However, the distributed nature of edge networks poses challenges in terms of hardware diversity and software architecture. Enea believes that a hybrid deployment model combining both centralized and distributed approaches will shape the future of network solutions. Enea’s NFV solution includes a Core and Access component. The Core runs on a central office infrastructure, leveraging OpenStack for full functionality. The Access layer is deployed at the customer’s device, offering lightweight virtualization and management tools. These two components are connected via Edge Link technology, creating a unified and efficient system. Enea’s NFV Access is a lightweight, customizable client designed for edge computing. It supports optimized minimal images, high-throughput softswitches, and can run virtual network functions on KVM and Docker. It also works with ARM and x86 white box devices, allowing operators to choose the best balance between performance and cost. In the server market, Intel dominates, but ARM is gaining traction due to its customization and cost advantages. As more network functions move to the edge, balancing power consumption and performance becomes essential. Enea’s NFV platform supports both Intel and ARM processors, ensuring a unified software solution across heterogeneous platforms. In May, China Mobile, Enea, Cavium, and ARM signed an agreement to establish an NFV test lab. The initiative uses Enea’s NFV Core platform and ARM-based Cavium ThunderX processors to address key performance challenges in edge access scenarios. Network intelligence and IP traffic classification are central to next-generation virtualized networks. Application identification helps operators offer more personalized and secure services. In 2016, Enea acquired Qosmos, a French network intelligence specialist, enhancing its capabilities in SDN and NFV. This acquisition expanded Enea’s product portfolio and strengthened its position in the market. Enea’s vProbe is a software-based network probe that can be deployed in both NFVI and VMs. It monitors traffic in virtual environments, offering flexible and non-intrusive monitoring. Business Function Chains (SFC) allow dynamic routing based on application needs, improving system flexibility and user experience. Despite being a Swedish company, Enea remains relatively low-profile. However, it powers millions of devices globally, from telecommunications to automotive and medical systems. Its strengths include open-source integration, software-hardware optimization, and cross-platform compatibility. With over 50 years of experience, Enea is a top contributor to the OPNFV community and partners with leading companies like Ericsson and Nokia. In the Asia-Pacific region, Enea has offices in Shanghai, Japan, and Singapore, serving customers such as Huawei, ZTE, and Datang. China is a key market, where Enea faces the challenge of high customization demands. It aims to strengthen partnerships with equipment vendors, operators, and other industries to better serve local needs. Enea is committed to growth and innovation, aiming to be the preferred supplier in the industry. By working closely with partners, it continues to deliver cutting-edge solutions for the evolving telecom landscape.

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