Nextlink Internet, headquartered in Hudson Oaks, Texas, is a regional broadband provider serving approximately 100,000 subscribers across 11 states and one of the largest independent Wireless Internet Service Providers (WISPs) in the United States (US). The company’s network footprint reflects a hybrid approach, with roughly 80 percent fixed wireless and 20 percent fiber-to-the-home (FTTH). As Nextlink expanded its newer networks and accelerated FTTH deployments, leadership recognized the limitations of legacy platforms and traditional proprietary hardware systems.
As part of Nextlink’s broader network modernization, the company selected netElastic for carrier-grade network address translation (CGNAT), broadband network gateway (BNG) functions and netVision management. The software supports Nextlink’s hybrid fixed wireless and fiber network strategy as the company moves away from legacy platforms and proprietary hardware. Tarana Wireless is part of Nextlink’s fixed wireless access environment, with traffic from Tarana sites already running through netElastic platforms.
Drivers for Technology Selection
Nextlink’s architecture decisions centered on scalable capacity, day-to-day operations, and the flexibility to support a growing hybrid network. Latency performance and logging capabilities also matter for service delivery and for applicable obligations under programs such as the Connect America Fund (CAF) and Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD). These requirements are part of a broader operational need. Nextlink selected netElastic to support that need through software-based BNG and CGNAT functions and centralized management.
Hardware choices reinforced the software-centric strategy. Nextlink initially deployed netElastic software on standard Dell x86 servers sourced through distributor partner GDT. The combination of white-box hardware and disaggregated software allowed the operator to scale capacity more flexibly than traditional hardware models. Engineering teams also leveraged netVision’s graphical user interface (GUI) for day-to-day operations, simplifying visibility and management across the growing deployment.
Vendor Collaboration and Integration across the Network
Beyond technical features, the working relationship with netElastic proved decisive. Nextlink valued netElastic’s rapid feedback loop, willingness to incorporate customer input, and collaborative engineering style. This responsiveness helped align troubleshooting and feature development with Nextlink’s operational needs.
The deployment supports a multi-vendor network that includes significant Tarana fixed wireless infrastructure. Tarana sites in Texas already route traffic through netElastic platforms, with further migration planned across Nextlink’s primary Texas user base. High-availability systems based in Dallas support this deployment. Tarana provides fixed wireless access within the broader network, while netElastic provides BNG and CGNAT functions that support Nextlink’s network modernization.
Total Cost of Ownership and Supply Chain Advantages
Decoupling software from proprietary hardware gave Nextlink more flexibility in capacity planning, procurement, and support costs. The model also provided supply-chain resilience. During the COVID-19 pandemic, when traditional networking equipment faced severe shortages, Nextlink continued to procure and deploy capacity using standard Dell x86 servers. This flexibility supported network expansion and helped the company work toward its CAF buildout milestones.
Network Expansion and Funding Context
Nextlink’s network architecture supports growth across fixed wireless and fiber services, including deployments with public funding obligations. CAF, the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF), and BEAD form part of that expansion context. The operational priority is consistent service delivery and a scalable architecture across the network, with performance, reporting, and compliance requirements addressed where applicable.
Scalability and Operational Efficiency through APIs
Subscriber onboarding and ongoing operations benefited from netElastic’s available APIs. These APIs met Nextlink’s integration needs without requiring custom middleware for those workflows, reducing operational overhead as the subscriber base continued to grow.
Distributed Edge Architecture
Nextlink is evaluating a more distributed edge architecture as its network expands. Placing gateway functions and content caching closer to subscribers could reduce the need to carry traffic back to centralized locations. netElastic’s software-based BNG and CGNAT functions offer flexibility in where those capabilities can be deployed on standard servers.
Conclusion
Nextlink’s adoption of netElastic supports broader modernization of its hybrid fixed wireless and fiber network. Software-based BNG and CGNAT functions, netVision management, and available APIs give Nextlink flexibility in capacity planning and day-to-day operations. The use of standard servers also supports procurement flexibility and continued growth. Tarana deployments and applicable public funding requirements form part of this operating environment, while the central objective remains reliable service delivery and an architecture that can evolve with the network.
“Our work with netElastic is part of how we modernize and operate our network across fixed wireless and fiber. We need flexibility to add capacity, simplify subscriber operations, and adapt as the network grows. netElastic’s software approach and the team’s responsiveness support that work.”
— Cameron Kilton, CTO of Nextlink Internet