ADVA Optical Networking introduced its Ensemble SmartWAN platform. It has been specifically developed to enable the deployment and management of virtualized software-defined WAN (SD-WAN) solutions without any of the limitations or drawbacks of today's appliance-based offerings. Ensemble SmartWAN leverages Ensemble Connector and other elements of the ADVA Ensemble suite to provide the virtual infrastructure for hosting SD-WAN and other best-of-breed virtual network functions (VNFs). This combination ensures enterprises are not locked in to closed monolithic appliances but rather can take advantage of the benefits of NFV in conjunction with their SD-WAN deployments. Ensemble SmartWAN is supported by a number of key partners, including Silver Peak and Versa Networks.
Ensemble SmartWAN addresses a key gap in the marketplace. Current SD-WAN solutions enable enterprises to develop virtual private networks (VPNs) at more cost-effective price points than operator-managed MPLS VPNs. However, they present enterprises with significant operational issues as the IT department is suddenly responsible for all network management. From a service provider's perspective, today's SD-WAN solutions are a potential threat to their managed VPN revenue streams. Ensemble SmartWAN addresses the concerns of each party. With this technology, service providers can offer managed SD-WAN solutions in an automated and virtualized manner while retaining the ability to efficiently deploy additional value-added services on top of their base SD-WAN offerings. This approach enables enterprises to take advantage of the benefits of these virtualized, feature-rich services at a much lower cost.
Ensemble SmartWAN is an open, vendor-neutral platform that enhances SD-WAN solutions through its streamlined zero-touch provisioning and management features. These capabilities are another aspect that sets it apart from today's SD-WAN solutions. It uses NFV management and orchestration principles to ensure that service providers can integrate virtual SD-WANs into larger service offerings. Ensemble SmartWAN also supports overlay and underlay networks. Ensemble SmartWAN achieves this by interfacing directly with MPLS VPNs without requiring a CE router. What's more, Ensemble SmartWAN can also provide the MPLS peering and tunnels of the CE router, eliminating the need for the router altogether.