APS Networks Introduces Three TIP OpenBNG Programmable Switches
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APS Networks Introduces Three TIP OpenBNG Programmable Switches

Network Infrastructure Magazine | Monday, June 28, 2021

TIP OpenBNG is a project within the Disaggregated Open Routers (DOR) sub-group of the Open Optical & Packet Transport (OOPT) Project Groups. T

FREMONT, CA: APS Networks, an innovative design and development company, has introduced three BNG switches that aim to meet Telecom Infra Projects (TIP) OpenBNG criteria, allowing clients to choose from TIP Standard Configurations (SC) SC-1, SC-2, and SC-3 leaf designs that best meet end-user objectives. This gives operators a variety of deployment options, including full-functionality and service-only BNG deployments, as well as leaf-spine configuration options.

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“After years of conceptional work, we are proud to offer our service provider customers a choice for their disaggregated BNG strategies right down to the chip level based on innovative Intel technology,” says Alexander Jeffries, Chief Executive Officer, APS Networks. “These products will allow customers the highest degree of flexibility and security, whilst keeping their total cost of ownership per subscriber under control. This was only possible with Intel as a strategic partner, and we are thankful for their support.”

TIP OpenBNG is a project within the Disaggregated Open Routers (DOR) sub-group of the Open Optical & Packet Transport (OOPT) Project Groups. The Project Group’s member operators are presently preparing a joint Request for Information (RFI) for OpenBNG, which will lead to testing and validation activities and the granting of TIP badges for compatible solutions later this year. Leading carriers like BT, Deutsche Telekom, Telecom Italia, Telef³nica, and Vodafone Group have sponsored the OpenBNG concept.

“The APS Networks range of OpenBNG switches accelerate the possibilities for access edge solutions. Combining these low latency products of Intel Tofino P4-programmable switch ASICs and Intel Stratix 10 MX FPGAs, with world-class PTP capabilities and Intel Xeon D processors, APS Networks have designed and developed a unique range of network switches for the wireline broadband market. The versatility of FPGAs enables multigigabit user port technology with High Bandwidth Memory (HBM) for multi-layer Hierarchical Quality of Service (HQoS), which is combined with programmable protocol stacks to create powerful Broadband Network Gateway (BNG) access switches. APS Networks have developed a series of network switches that live up to future requirements today, for the wireline and wireless markets,” said Andy Heal, Chief Technology Officer, APS Networks

Disaggregation and OpenBNG

Operators can choose from various hardware platforms, Network Operating Systems (NOS), and control plane applications using disaggregated and open BNGs. This flexibility decreases reliance on specific monolithic providers and lowers the total cost of ownership, resulting in a cheaper cost per broadband customer. Disaggregation allows enterprises to easily adjust to ever-changing business requirements by giving users more options in service offerings and enhanced experiences.

APS Networks is a member of the Broadband Forum, a leading open standards organization dedicated to improving the scalability of operator networks by developing a more simple and agile architecture to address the increased bandwidth demands placed on BNGs due to the growth of broadband demand and video consumption across devices. Control and User Plane Separation for a Disaggregated BNG (TR-459) from the Broadband Forums discusses control plane and user plane scaling issues. By minimizing the number of management points, this architecture shortens the time to market for new services and simplifies network operation.

Three OpenBNG Switches

APS Networks are releasing the following three BNG switch designs: The Hyperion APS2172Q (SC-1) supports 64x1/10/25G BNG user ports and 8x100G spine ports, whereas the Jupiter APS6120Q (SC-2) supports 16x100G BNG ports and 4x1/10/25G ports. The Hyperion APS2140D supports 32x1/10/25G BNG user ports and 8x100G spine ports (SC-3 leaf). The APS2172Q and APS6120Q can handle up to 32,000 broadband customers, while the APS2140D can handle up to 20,000.

APS Networks’ Advanced Programmable Switches (APS) combine Intel Tofino P4 programmable Ethernet switch ASICs, Intel Stratix 10 MX FPGAs with High-Bandwidth Memory (HBM), and MoSys Blazar high-speed memory to support up to 7 layers of Hierarchical Quality of Service (HQoS) and buffering. Intel Xeon D processors are used in the units, which provide high-speed connectivity between the compute board and the switchboard and new hardware-enhanced security measures.

PTP Time Synchronization and Security by Design

A modular Precision Time Protocol IEEE 1588v2 compliant add-on module can be added to any model, allowing the switches to function as PTP boundary clocks. Oregano Systems, a MEINBERG business, designed the PTP module, which supports a wide range of PTP profiles and features. The new APS Networks OpenBNG product line includes a specialized high-performance PTP hardware processor and a high-quality OCXO, enabling the creation of a highly interoperable and robust synchronization infrastructure for various applications and use-cases. End-to-end accuracies of fewer than 10ns will be achieved using the PTP module.

Expanding on the need for greater data and privacy protections, the devices’ overall security was given special attention, with a focus on a secure supply chain from design to production and enhanced security features on both hardware and software, strictly following the principles of Security by Design. Telco networks are frequently part of a country’s Critical National Infrastructure (CNI), necessitating increased security

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