Virtual Broadband Network Gateways (vBNGs) have an important role, as they enable service providers to scale their broadband networks flexibly and cost-effectively. However, those are not the only vBNG benefits. Let’s explore five unexpected ways virtual broadband network gateways can make your network better.
Unexpected vBNG Benefit: Automate and Enhance Subscriber Management and the Customer Experience
Almost all service providers use Radius to control access to their network and to establish and manage the services delivered. Service provider billing and CRM systems are also integrated with Radius, which is essentially the glue between these business systems and the network. This gives ISPs complete control over the customer experience without manually adjusting network configurations each time a subscriber is added or changes services.
vBNGs interface with your billing system via RADIUS to authenticate subscribers and also to set their appropriate service and rate profile. vBNGs also provide the accounting records back to RADIUS for your billing system. This automation reduces theft of service, rate plan inconsistencies, and manual provisioning errors that can lead to a poor customer experience.
vBNGs are also used to create “walled gardens” to control subscriber’s access to certain information and prevent access to other information. You can also combine a walled garden with a web redirect. For example, instead of shutting off a subscriber due to payment issues, you can restrict their access to your website and billing portal (the walled garden). Therefore, any web query is redirected to your billing portal, telling the user exactly why they’ve been restricted and providing them with the self-service tools to immediately rectify the problem (such as an expired credit card).
Unexpected vBNG Benefit: Enables CGNAT Integration without Buying Additional Hardware
Traditional CGNAT solutions come bundled with hardware. When you purchase a traditional vendor’s CGNAT solution, you’re also purchasing their expensive proprietary hardware.
An unexpected vBNG benefit is that many vBNGs integrate with CGNAT without having to buy additional hardware. For example, netElastic vBNG (running on commodity x86 servers) integrates with a software-based CGNAT that supports up to 60,000 subscribers. And this comes without buying additional appliances. netElastic CGNAT is enabled by license and operates in-line using the same resources as vBNG.
Unexpected vBNG Benefit: Reduce Network Maintenance Costs
Broadband service providers can reduce their reliance on costly infrastructure by virtualizing network functions traditionally performed by physical hardware. A perfect example are virtual BNGs. vBNGs eliminate the need for expensive proprietary hardware, lowering maintenance costs and streamlining network management processes.
In addition to reducing maintenance costs, virtual broadband network gateways provide centralized control and monitoring capabilities. This centralized management eliminates the need for extensive network administration personnel, further reducing operational expenses. With vBNGs, network administrators can easily configure, monitor, and troubleshoot network connections from a single interface. This simplifies the management process and saves both time and money.
Unexpected vBNG Benefit: Easy and Cost-Effective to Upgrade
vBNGs enable service providers to use advanced broadband network features and technologies without incurring additional expenses. With hardware-based BNGs, upgrading to new features or implementing the latest network protocols often requires purchasing new hardware. This can be a costly and time-consuming process. In contrast, vBNGs can be easily upgraded or reconfigured to support new features and protocols. This provides ISPs with the flexibility to adapt to evolving network requirements without significant financial investments.
Unexpected vBNG Benefit: Preparing Your Network for the Future
Virtualization has become a fundamental aspect of modern network architectures and service providers are increasingly embracing software-defined networking. As this trend continues, vBNGs will enable more agile and flexible networks. Deploying vBNGs on-demand and scaling resources as needed will empower broadband providers to adapt quickly to changing traffic demands.
In conclusion, vBNGs offer far-reaching benefits that go beyond greater scalability and flexibility. From automating and enhancing subscriber management to preparing your broadband network for the future, vBNGs have become a game changer for service providers. By embracing virtualization and leveraging the power of virtual broadband network gateways, broadband providers can unlock the full potential of their networks and stay ahead in an increasingly connected world.
To learn more about the many benefits of vBNGs, please read any of the following vBNG case studies:
- INTECH – an ISP in the United States
- Praction Networks – a broadband provider in India
- Softcom – a WISP in the United States
- Ufone – a service provider in New Zealand
