Huawei, a leading global leading information and communications technology (ICT) solutions provider, unveiled its ubiquitous ultra-broadband network architecture (U2Net) at the Broadband World Forum 2011. U2Net is a next-generation network architecture for IP video and cloud applications that is specially adapted to meet the demands of the two major evolutions in broadband networks: video service evolution from IPTV to IP video, and the integration of services to the cloud.
Given the rapid development of Internet technologies, Internet-based video services are now able to provide customers with improved service experiences. Enormous changes in network traffic services are taking place as OTT (over-the-top) video and other carrier-operated Internet video services transition from IPTV to IP video. As applications are integrated into the cloud, the architecture of underlying networks must undergo drastic changes in order to provide services and meet the associated growing demand for cloud-based applications.
The traditional network architecture for IPTV services is not able to meet these new demands. Bearer networks will no longer be able to offer multicast as a core feature because the outdated horizontal architecture, in which multiple NEs (Network Elements) separately bear different services, can no longer meet the requirements for bearing IP video services. Based on its cache and software definition, U2Net actually strengthens the flexibility of networks to adapt to new services. With the help of probes and other controls, U2Net can provide streamlined management and adaptable operations and maintenance for networks.
“Internet communications are developing rapidly and they are changing our lives,” said Mr. Zha Jun, president, Huawei Network Product Line. “As an increasing number of people throughout the world gain access to the Internet, bandwidth will inevitably become a necessary utility very much like water, electricity, or natural gas. U2Net will define next-generation network architecture for the IP video and cloud era, and it will lay the groundwork for broadband access that is available to everyone, everywhere.”
