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What ISPs can expect from the integration of CGNAT and BNG services on a single open switch

What ISPs can expect from the integration of CGNAT and BNG services on a single open switch

This article was published in Networking+ Magazine on August 27 2024. You can read the original article here.  

Broadband networks are on the verge of a groundbreaking transformation. Conventional, monolithic Broadband Network Gateways (BNGs) are set to undergo a significant shift which will revolutionise connectivity for Internet Service Providers (ISPs) across the globe. This will undoubtedly drive innovation and advancement within the telecommunications industry. Additionally, the transformation could enable ISPs to offer their enterprise customers more competitive prices, which would come at a crucial time given the 8.8% increase in average broadband price in 2024.

CGNAT and BNG on a single open switch?

To grasp this development, it’s important to first understand the role of Carrier Grade Network Address Translation (CGNAT). It’s often used to convert private IPv4 addresses into public ones. The exhaustion of IPv4 addresses should not be taken lightly. To put it into perspective monetarily, only recently, 248 million IP addresses were valued at $7 billion. Despite IPv6 addresses helping the problem, the transition has been slow, and a significant portion of modern equipment still relies on IPv4. As a result, CGNAT has become essential in addressing the shortage. Traditionally, CGNAT systems are devices separate from BNGs or they’re conducted by distinct line cards within a large BNG chassis, which can be costly and inefficient for operators.

At the same time, ISPs have long struggled with the constraints of traditional BNGs, particularly their inflexible nature. The vendor lock-in tied to monolithic systems is a significant issue, binding ISPs to a specific vendor's BNG platform and stifling software flexibility, ultimately driving up costs. Scalability poses another challenge, as traditional BNG systems cannot scale efficiently to meet the dynamic demands of broadband networks, leading to performance issues during traffic surges.

Fortunately, with a single upgrade, CGNAT functionality can live side-by-side with the BNG forwarding plane, eliminating the need for separate hardware. How?

Disaggregation to the rescue

This is done through network disaggregation, which involves separating hardware and software so they can be sourced independently. By utilising disaggregated routing software, operators can deliver both CGNAT and BNG on a single open switch – or hardware that’s capable of running various network operating systems and software applications, free from vendor constraints. This flexibility allows ISPs to customise functionalities and have complete control over their network components.

Integrating CGNAT and a BNG on a single device through disaggregation eliminates the need for separate routers, CGNAT devices, and BNGs. This consolidation reduces hardware costs and simplifies network management, enhancing operational efficiency.

Perk for enterprises

Enterprises can benefit from these potential cost savings, as they translate to more competitive pricing for internet services. Given the average small business spends between £40 and £100 per month for their internet, and large enterprises significantly more, the accumulated savings of this could be significant. Businesses could then use the extra money to invest in upgrading their infrastructure, given currently 71% of businesses report their network assets are ageing or obsolete.

What can we expect for the future?

The integration of CGNAT and BNG on a single open switch through disaggregation is poised to revolutionise the future of broadband networks, fostering a more agile and cost-effective infrastructure. As ISPs adopt this technology, we can expect a surge in more flexible and scalable network solutions at reduced costs, which could ultimately provide cheaper internet for their enterprise customers. This shift will also help ease the transition away from IPv4 reliance.

Overall, the streamlined network architecture promises to enhance the digital landscape, empowering businesses to achieve greater productivity and innovation. For example, this opens up an opportunity for integrating AI within networks or improving uniform connectivity within an IoT climate. As the telco industry embraces this transformative tool, the choice is clear for ISPs: join the movement towards efficiency and innovation, or risk being left behind.