Distributed data centers, SDN and NFV play key roles in mobile network evolution, survey finds

Software defined networking (SDN) and network functions virtualization (NFV) will increasingly play critical roles in the development of mobile networking infrastructure over the next five years, a new white paper has found, with 80 percent of respondents to a survey for the paper saying they have a "high interest" in deploying SDN into mobile networks.

The Heavy Reading white paper, prepared for Coriant and Brocade, surveyed networking professionals employed by both pure play and converged mobile operators worldwide. "This survey revealed an emerging consensus among leading mobile network operators around best methods for designing, building, and operating mobile network infrastructure for the next five years," said Patrick Donegan, chief analyst at Heavy Reading. "Specifically, the survey results lead us to believe that distribution, virtualization, and programmability of networking features by leveraging SDN and NFV will be critical enablers of mobile network transformation."

The survey also found that 44 percent of network operators see distribution of data centers as a key component in ensuring that mobile infrastructure remains flexible as the network evolves. Release