CenturyLink buys Active Broadband Networks assets in move to bulk up NFV/SDN offerings

CenturyLink (NYSE: CTL) has acquired "certain strategic assets" from Active Broadband Networks, a provider in software-based broadband networking. CenturyLink is hoping the purchase will help it to automate its network, move network functions into the cloud and deliver software-defined networking (SDN) and network functions virtualization (NFV) services to its customers.

Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Active Broadband Networks provides broadband edge solutions for SDN and NFV. CenturyLink said its acquisition of the company's edge platform assets strengthens its ability to virtualize core network functions.

"This acquisition provides us with people and technology resources that will help us continue to develop and implement our platform strategy and integrate SDN and NFV technology into our network," said Aamir Hussain, CenturyLink's executive vice president and chief technology officer, in a statement. "Moving services into the cloud, particularly at the network edge, is essential as we continue to focus on providing our customers with a wide variety of virtualized network functions that help them more effectively manage their business."

CenturyLink's latest NFV/SDN acquisition comes less than one year after the telecom announced plans to fully virtualize its core IP networks by 2018. CenturyLink's efforts toward virtualization are similar to other telcos like AT&T and Verizon.

Last week, CenturyLink announced a new managed SD-WAN service that assembles necessary elements like site connectivity, equipment, software licensing, configuration, performance tuning and monitoring with a management and analytics portal.

In May, the telecom launched Runner, a multi-cloud automation and orchestration service built for hybrid-IT architectures and diverse cloud environments.

For more:
- read this press release

Related articles:
CenturyLink furthers SDN transition with new SD-WAN service
CenturyLink addresses hybrid IT with multi-cloud automation, orchestration service
CenturyLink aims to fully virtualize its core IP networks, data centers by 2018