DriveNets, an Israeli pioneer in scalable network solutions, has unveiled a significant extension of its Network Cloud platform, introducing support for next-generation whiteboxes powered by Broadcom’s Qumran 2C+ ASIC. This strategic development will significantly enhance the deployment capabilities at the network edge, accommodating the evolving requirements of tier-1 communication service providers.

The integration into DriveNets’ Network Cloud will optimize the use of disintegrated network architectures, which have started to replace traditional, integrated networking hardware with modular, flexible configurations. The Network Cloud model contributes extensively to lowering both operational expenditure (OpEx) and capital expenditure (CapEx), reinforcing the financial and operational benefits of network disaggregation.

Leveraging the Qumran 2C+ ASIC, part of Broadcom’s StrataDNX chip family, fundamentally shifts the ability of service providers to handle extensive geographical networking demands efficiently. This particular chipset is tailored for standalone use, in contrast to Broadcom’s Jericho ASIC, which supports both cluster and standalone configurations. The choice to support this new chipset aligns with drive towards hardware versatility in handling large-scale deployments across thousands of sites, boosting mobile backhauling – the process of connecting cell site air interfaces to wired networks and, ultimately, data centres.

This cutting-edge technology supports substantial connectivity with 40 ports of 100Gbps and 8 ports of 400Gbps embodied in a compact 2 rack-unit box – demonstrating a total capacity of 7.2Tbps. Furthermore, the adoption of Broadcom’s Qumran 2C+ ASIC simplifies network operations by standardizing whitebox deployment across numerous providers. This standardization is crucial in simplifying logistical elements like supply chain management and network equipment sparing.

DriveNets’ technology is designed to be chipset agnostic, which allows rapid integration with various hardware configurations. This flexibility is a critical advantage, ensuring that DriveNets’ solutions stay at the forefront of technological advancements and quickly adapt to emerging innovations that could enhance network performance and efficiency.

The announcement also underscores a broader industry trend where service providers are progressively shifting towards cloud-like network architectures. This approach reduces the layers and hardware diversity in networks, streamlining operations and potentially reducing costs.

The inaugural model to incorporate the Qumran 2C+ support is the S9610-48DX whitebox from Ufispace, which serves as an open aggregation router. The deployment of such advanced equipment highlights the evolving landscape of networking, where openness and flexibility become paramount in equipment choice, allowing for rapid scalability and adaptation in increasingly competitive markets.

DriveNets was founded in 2015 with a vision to modernize how networks are built and managed, mirroring the scalable architectures of the world’s leading hyperscalers but tailored to meet the rigorous demands of telco-grade networking. This latest development is a testament to DriveNets’ commitment to pushing the boundaries of what is possible in network management and efficiency, aligning with the global trend towards more disaggregated, agile, and cost-efficient network infrastructures.