Lanner Launches all-in-one MEC Solution

The all-in-one MEC Solution integrates Intel architecture multi-core compute, P4-programmable switching, security VNFs, and end-to-end orchestration to enable application performance at the virtualized edge.

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On March 3, 2020, Taiwan-based Lanner Electronics announced the release of the all-new Multi-access Edge Compute (MEC) platform. Developed in collaboration with Barefoot Networks, an Intel company, NoviFlow, and Fortinet, the platform integrates Intel Xeon Scalable processor-based compute nodes, Barefoot Tofino P4-programmable Ethernet switch silicon, Fortinet's Fortigate VNF, and NoviFlow's CyberMapper programmable networking software. By deploying network-based capabilities in edge infrastructure to secure applications and data, the next-gen MEC solution simplifies network architecture, accelerates application deployment, eliminates cabling complexity, and enables zero-touch provisioning of network edge infrastructure.

Optimized for simple, scalable, and secure services at the network edge, the Lanner HybridTCA™ Series is the white-box MEC hardware platform that aggregates up to (12) 2nd generation Intel Xeon Scalable processors, (2) high-speed P4-programmable Barefoot Tofino switching ASICs, and massive storage with support for precision time protocol (PTP), as an all-in-one modular appliance.

"Disaggregation and Software Defined Networking require strong collaboration in a multi-vendor environment in order to make it a valuable deployment with flexibility and scalability," said Jeans Tseng, VP, and GM of Lanner Telecom Application BU. "This MEC hardware platform addresses the next level of disaggregation at the Service Provider Edge and aggregation as well as the coming private 5G Enterprise infrastructure."

"5G networks require performance and programmability at the network edge to better serve the varying needs of consumers and service providers. By utilizing Intel architecture and P4-programmable Barefoot Tofino switching technologies, Lanner is able to build a platform that meets the needs of the emerging deployments," said Prem Jonnalagadda, Sr. Director, Product Management and Marketing of Barefoot Networks, an Intel company.

Leveraging an SDN infrastructure with scalability, programmability, and network telemetry, the MEC solution provides NEBS-ready high availability, terabit capacity networking with programmable telemetry in silicon, VNF load balancing, security mitigation, and a visual operation management interface. Leveraging the white box hardware platform with SDN control and forwarding, this next-gen MEC solution eliminates purpose-built appliances by integrating multiple network functions into an easy to manage and deployable solution enhances application performance and reduces processing costs at the edge.

"The MEC solution provides unprecedented flexibility that allows Service Providers to deploy an SDN enabled programmable switching infrastructure with precision time protocol support for applications such as 5G, cybersecurity, Cloud RAN and Content Delivery, as well Terabit-scale networking capacity in-the-box for even the most dynamic and latency-sensitive workloads," said Dominique Jodoin, President, and CEO of NoviFlow. 

He further added, "NoviFlow's NoviWare and CyberMapper software provide a mature SDN NOS, packet broker, load balancing and threat intelligence gateway, unleashing the power of P4 networking for full programmability, easy software upgradability, long term in-service lifetime and a significant reduction in CAPEX and OPEX."

Typical virtual Network functions on MEC solutions include:

• Virtual Load Balancer
• Virtual Packet Broker
• Virtual Firewall
• Virtual BNG
• Virtual Provider Edge
• Virtual Carrier-Grade NAT
• Virtual Threat Intelligent Gateway
• Segment Routing SRv6 Service Chaining
• Segment Routing SRv6 GTP Gateway
• SDN control

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