CenturyLink expects full network virtualization by 2018

Tier 1 U.S. service provider CenturyLink, Inc. (NYSE: CTL) has further detailed its plans to implement software-defined networking (SDN) and network functions virtualization (NFV). The company, which has aggressively embraced SDN/NFV, says it expects to have its network fully virtualized by 2018.

CenturyLink says it has integrated its network and cloud, combined with virtualization functions. This puts the operator well down the road toward the ability to offer customers a self-service application marketplace and on-demand services, the company asserts.

Toward this end, CenturyLink expects it will virtualize 40% of its global IP core network locations by the end of this year, and complete global virtualization coverage in its IP core network and data centers by 2018. The operator says it has built its NFV platform in 36 network and data center locations in seven countries so far, and will reach a total of 44 locations by the end of the year.

CenturyLink first used NFV to virtualize security features such as firewalls and a content delivery network (CDN) to distribute video through its Prism TV service. CenturyLink says it will begin deploying a range of virtualized data and voice infrastructure services, including virtualized Multi Protocol Label Switching (MPLS) routers and customer premises equipment (CPE) "in the coming months."

The creation of the operator's Programmable Services Backbone (PSB) is a centerpiece of the virtualization effort. CenturyLink is using the Blue Planet NFV Orchestrator from Ciena (formerly Cyan) as part of this effort (see "CenturyLink tabs Cyan's Blue Planet to orchestrate NFV-enabled business services"). Other technology partners include Arista Networks, Nuage Networks, Red Hat and Supermicro. CenturyLink also is working with Ericsson to create the necessary Operations Support Systems (OSS) and Business Support Systems (BSS) back office platform.

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