Spectrum Enterprise Demonstrates Intelligent, Intent-Based Network Scaling

LOS ANGELES – In a proof of concept (PoC) at the MEF19 global networking conference, Spectrum Enterprise, a part of Charter Communications, Inc., today demonstrated an intent-based network scaling solution driven by artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) that uses data from Internet of Things (IoT) devices to predict network demand.¹

The Spectrum Enterprise PoC shows how an intelligent and dynamic network service can adapt in real-time to changing conditions through the use of artificial intelligence, machine learning and automated orchestration. Monitoring the environment in and around an enterprise location using IoT devices and network elements, the network is able to flex across multiple dimensions including capacity, performance and software resources to meet the enterprise’s needs.

“Spectrum Enterprise is solving real business problems by actively developing dynamic network services that can flex at the pace of business change in the digital economy,” said Satya Parimi, Group Vice President, Enterprise Data Products, Spectrum Enterprise. “By bringing together capabilities such as intent-based networking, automated service orchestration, AI/ML and IoT, we are able to demonstrate how dynamic network services can be offered to enterprises to solve unique business challenges.”

The Spectrum Enterprise PoC depicts a smart sporting venue with an intelligent and autonomous, software defined, wide area network (SD-WAN) that dynamically flexes, using an AI/ML-based network analytics engine that is continuously ingesting data from IoT devices and other network sources to predict the network needs of various services across the venue. This flexing of the SD-WAN network ensures that the right network user experience including WiFi speeds, security and application performance, is provided to fans at the venue, guests in the hospitality boxes and employees supporting events throughout the venue. The solution is also capable of predicting needs for additional, non-network services and resources across the venue and can orchestrate and enable its turn up from hyperscale public clouds or on virtual infrastructure at the venue.

The Spectrum Enterprise PoC has been developed by integrating software, networks and platforms from several technology partners including:

• Equinix – Interconnection platform to establish on-demand private connectivity to AWS;
• Nefeli Networks – a Lean NFV-based platform for uCPE service and resource management;
• Nokia – Integrated Operations Center (IOC) platform to aggregate and process IOT data; and
• Vitria Technology – a wide-scope AIOps platform providing cross-domain analytics and automation driven by AI/ML.

Proof-of-Concept Demonstration

Spectrum Enterprise will demonstrate its PoC during the Sixth Annual MEF 3.0 Proof of Concept Showcase at MEF19 in Los Angeles, CA from November 18-20, 2019. The Spectrum Enterprise booth is #515 and the Spectrum Enterprise PoC is #118.

MEF SD-WAN Certification

Spectrum Enterprise is committed to the MEF 70 SD-WAN Service Attributes and Services, the industry’s first global standard defining SD-WAN, which was approved by MEF members and ratified by the MEF Board of Directors at the organization’s annual members meeting in August 2019. Spectrum Enterprise is currently working with the MEF to certify its SD-WAN-service is MEF 70 compliant.

“MEF 3.0 SD-WAN standardization and certification will play a vital role in accelerating SD-WAN market growth and facilitating creation of powerful new hybrid networking solutions optimized for digital transformation,” said Nan Chen, President, MEF. “We are pleased to have Spectrum Enterprise among the core group of companies participating in our MEF 3.0 SD-WAN certification pilot program. Demonstration of conformity to MEF 70 is a valuable reference baseline for users choosing a service provider in the inevitable confusion of a fast-growing new market.”

MEF19 Keynote and Speaking Sessions

Spectrum Enterprise will participate in four speaking sessions at MEF19 including:

• Satya Parimi, Group Vice President, Enterprise Data Product Management: Executive Presentation “Market Opportunities with Dynamic Network Services” at 10:05am PT on Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2019
• Steve LaClair, Director, Data Product Management: SD-WAN – How Much User-Control Is Enough? (Fully Managed vs. Co-Managed) at 4:50pm PT on Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2019
• Gunnar Peters, Vice President, Enterprise Services Innovation: Pushing the Envelope of Closed Loop Automation with AI/ML at 3:10pm PT on Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2019
• Bob Schroeder, Vice President, Data Product Management: Network Automation and Virtualization at the Data Center Edge at 4:10pm PT on Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2019

About Spectrum Enterprise

Spectrum Enterprise, a part of Charter Communications, Inc., is a national provider of scalable, fiber technology solutions serving many of America’s largest businesses and communications service providers. The broad Spectrum Enterprise portfolio includes networking and managed services solutions: Internet access, Ethernet access and networks, Voice and TV solutions. The Spectrum Enterprise team of experts works closely with clients to achieve greater business success by providing solutions designed to meet their evolving needs. For more information, visit enterprise.spectrum.com.

 

Footnote(s)

1. Patent Pending

 

Media Contact

Francine Fiano

Spectrum Enterprise Media Relations

Francine.Fiano@Charter.com

203-428-0208