RAD Partners with Versa Networks to Simplify Managed SD-WAN Services through NFV at Customer Sites

Versa Networks, a networking and security startup providing next-generation WAN solutions for service providers and enterprises, and RAD, the industry leader of virtualization in the customer edge, today announced a partnership that will greatly simplify how service providers and managed services providers (MSP) offer innovative VPN services to their enterprise customers.

The joint solution offers software-defined WAN (SD-WAN) implementations that leverage vCPE to create an agile and automated infrastructure for managed VPN services with quality assurance, security and deep network visibility. The companies’ solution enables advanced hybrid WAN deployment over multiple networks with local Internet breakout and layered security functionality, as well as application-aware load balancing and traffic engineering with SLA assurance.

The solution uses RAD’s ETX-2i, a vCPE platform for the customer edge, integrating a powerful IP and Carrier Ethernet NID/NTU with a field pluggable x86 NFV module that runs Versa’s FlexVNF software with SD-WAN functionality. The implementation enables faster rollouts, improved performance and lower cost compared to traditional appliance-based approaches. Versa FlexVNF is stored in the repository of the RADview Orchestrator and is instantiated on demand using standard OpenStack tools. Control and management of FlexVNF is provided by Versa Director in the provider cloud.

Both the ETX-2i and RADview Orchestrator are part of RAD’s Service Assured Access solution portfolio.

“Our strategic partnership and joint solution with RAD exemplifies how providers can deploy SD-WAN and vCPE to deliver best-in-class managed VPN and security services with integrated network and security visibility and analytics,” said Hector Avalos, Vice President of Strategy and Business Development, Versa Networks. “What’s more, it’s simple to deploy and operate, which reduces total cost of ownership and increases profits.”

“The joint solution facilitates effective SD-WAN as well as flexible hybrid access deployments by enhancing existing NFV-enabled L2/L3 CPEs without expensive truck roll upgrades or sending new equipment to the customer site,” noted Ulik Broida, VP of Marketing and Business Development of RAD. “It broadens SD-WAN implementation options and makes the case for network function virtualization at the customer site even stronger.”

A live public demonstration of the joint solution will be conducted between March 8-11 at the MPLS/SDN/NFV World Congress, which will take place in Paris, France. The demo, at RAD’s booth 301, will show on-net SD-WAN implementation for video and data customer traffic.