SD-WAN FEATURED ARTICLE

Verizon's Virtual Network Services to Support 5G on Cisco's SD-WAN Platform

February 26, 2019

By Tracey E. Schelmetic, SD-WAN Contributor

Mobile operator of all sizes are bracing themselves and preparing for the deployment of 5G, the latest generation of cellular whose launch is expected to boost quality and bandwidth and enable countless new mobile applications. The first stage of 5G deployment is expected to happen by the end of April, with the second phase to be complete in April of next year.




SD-WAN technology has become a popular approach to connecting enterprise wide area networks, including branch offices and data centers, over public and private connectivity services, and 5G is likely to be disruptive to it.

This week, Verizon announced that its Virtual Network Services will now support Cisco’s (News - Alert) SD-WAN portfolio using Cisco’s intent-based networking capabilities, allowing enterprises to take advantage of 5G performance for services such as network slicing and mobile edge computing. 

“These solutions highlight what a transformative platform 5G will be for enterprises,” said Shawn Hakl, senior VP of Business Products for Verizon (News - Alert). “Cisco has been a close technology partner in driving SD-WAN based transformation in campus and branch environments, and we look forward to bridging those same best practices to mobile devices.”

Cisco says the partnership – and presumably its partnership with other mobile operators – will help “embrace the next generation of mobile connectivity” and give users an edge on their competitors.

“5G is a transformational technology, and when combined with Cisco SD-WAN, users’ application experience can be better than ever before,” said Scott Harrell, senior VP and general manager for Enterprise Networking Business for Cisco. “Verizon’s new Mobile SD-WAN will help enterprise customers quickly and easily transition to 5G.

The new offer from Verizon and Cisco sets the stage for enterprises to use Verizon’s future 5G network as an extension of their campus and branch infrastructure and enable more control of the application performance on mobile and IoT devices, according to the companies.




Edited by Maurice Nagle

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