The Case for Truly Open and Disaggregated BNGs
The explosion of global network traffic, driven by 4K streaming, cloud gaming, and IoT devices, has reshaped the broadband landscape. As ISPs grapple with increasing demand, the shift to distributed networks and the exhaustion of IPv4 address space intensify the pressure. Enter the Broadband Network Gateway (BNG) — the unsung hero in enabling seamless connectivity. But not all BNG solutions are created equal.
Breaking the Chains of “Open” Hype
Some vendors tout their solutions as “Open” but deliver a closed reality: compatibility with only 2-3 hardware options. These limited choices are typically high-priced, and based on proprietary ASICs. Is this really openness, or just a bait-and-switch? True openness means choice — broad compatibility with multiple white-box hardware vendors, letting ISPs optimize costs and performance.
At netElastic, we believe ISPs deserve better. Open, disaggregated BNGs empower ISPs to escape vendor lock-in, dramatically reduce costs, and innovate at their pace.
The Benefits of Open & Disaggregated BNGs
- Cost Efficiency
Proprietary hardware is expensive. Open, disaggregated solutions allow ISPs to run high-performance BNG software on COTS (commercial off-the-shelf) hardware available from dozens of vendors. This approach has saved ISPs hundreds of thousands of dollars, money that can be reinvested into expanding fiber deployments and connecting more homes. - Scalability
The flexibility to add resources as needed — without overhauling hardware — is critical in today’s fast-evolving environment. netElastic’s vBNG enables ISPs to scale efficiently, ensuring they can meet increasing bandwidth demands. - IPv6 Transition Support
With IPv4 addresses in short supply and expensive to procure, IPv6 adoption is no longer optional. A modern BNG must support dual-stack operations (IPv4 + IPv6) and integrate CGNAT capabilities seamlessly. Open, disaggregated solutions like netElastic’s deliver this out of the box, helping ISPs manage the transition without additional costs or complexity. - Centralized Management
Managing disaggregated solutions might sound challenging, but modern tools like netElastic’s netVision simplify it. By centralizing management, automation, and troubleshooting, ISPs can lower OpEx while improving network reliability.
Disaggregated Success Stories
Don’t just take our word for it. ISPs worldwide are seeing the benefits:
- Golden West Telecommunications saw lower latency and higher resilience by deploying netElastic’s distributed BNGs.
- Harbour ISP saved $100,000+ in CapEx per market by adopting netElastic’s solutions.
- HighStream Fiber replaced legacy hardware at one-fourth the cost using netElastic on Dell servers.
- Telpin has relied on netElastic for over 740 days of uninterrupted operation.
The Real Open Revolution
To ISPs still clinging to vendor-controlled solutions: it’s time to rethink. Proprietary systems tie your hands, leaving you at the mercy of escalating costs and limited options. Open, disaggregated solutions offer the flexibility, scalability, and cost-effectiveness that today’s networks demand.
At netElastic, we’re committed to truly open solutions that give ISPs the power to control their destiny. Don’t settle for “Open-ish.” Demand the real deal.
Ready to make the switch? Contact us to learn how netElastic can help your network scale smarter, faster, and more cost-effectively.