Spectrum Enterprise, part of Charter Communications, unveiled the nationwide availability of its Managed SD-WAN service yesterday.
Spectrum Enterprise claims a level of differentiation over competing SD-WAN solutions is an integration of SD-WAN and Ethernet with their solution. The Managed SD-WAN service uses software-defined networking (SDN) and network function virtualization (NFV) integrated into Spectrum Enterprise’s national fiber footprint.
The Managed SD-WAN service covers a customer’s full implementation, including design and installation, as well as portal-based network visibility and dedicated, 24×7 monitoring and support, Spectrum Enterprise says.
Customers can choose from several different configuration options, including Layer 3, Layer 2 and Hybrid service, as well as the option of using multiple connections at each of their sites. An optional integrated, virtual security service is available.
Other benefits, according to Spectrum Enterprise, include:
- The ability to optimize the use of multiple connections at each location through traffic steering for the best application performance over the SD-WAN.
- The ability to integrate with existing Ethernet networks, using the hybrid SD-WAN options to change and grow current, mission-critical Ethernet networks;
- The management portal that enables users to gain visibility and control of the service.
“Our new Managed SD-WAN service delivers on our promise of choice and flexibility by enabling enterprises to grow and evolve their networks via our next-generation SDN/NFV platform,” said Greg King, Spectrum Enterprise senior vice president, product, marketing and strategy, in a prepared statement. “Not only does this platform allow clients to securely integrate existing network sites and SD-WAN sites, it also enables us to rapidly deploy new capabilities for additional use cases and future network solutions.”
Charter joins a plethora of SD-WAN solutions from traditional telecom service providers, to an increasing number of solutions from cable MSOs. Market research firm Vertical Systems Group recently began covering the SD-WAN market. The firm predicted carrier managed SD-WAN revenue to reach $282 million in 2018 revenue.
