TECHNICAL
Project (TIP), a global initiative accelerating the adoption of open, disaggregated networks, sees this transition as both necessary and inevitable. As Hanson Tuang, Technical Program Manager at TIP, puts it: “Our world needs high-quality connectivity now more than ever and will do for decades. It’s a huge challenge, but one where network disaggregation can play a major role. The cost savings, flexibility, and efficiency benefits that open infrastructure provides are helping to manage the exponential growth in network traffic while simplifying network operations and management. It’s exhilarating to see this industry transformation and be a part of it all.” The transition to disaggregation is no longer a question of if… but when. Operators that hesitate risk being trapped in legacy systems that will soon be obsolete. As Deutsche Telekom, AT&T, Comcast, and innovative ISPs like WOBCOM have shown, disaggregation is already shaping the future of broadband.
breaks this cycle, allowing operators to mix and match hardware and software components from multiple vendors. It also reduces reliance on proprietary or geopolitical-restricted technologies, enabling cost parity with Chinese software solutions while maintaining security, supply chain flexibility, and compliance with regulatory frameworks. 4. Sustainable networks – as AI becomes more prevalent, the next decade will also see a significant rise in e-waste resulting from outdated hardware. Disaggregated networks help reduce e-waste by allowing operators to upgrade or re-purpose components without discarding entire systems, extending hardware lifecycles and lowering power consumption. As broadband demand continues to surge, the ability to scale dynamically, reduce costs, and remain vendor-agnostic is no longer a luxury; it’s a necessity. The disaggregation revolution is here! Disaggregation isn’t just about cost savings; it’s about freedom and innovation. Telcos are breaking away from vendor lock-in, completely controlling their infrastructure, and deploying best-in-class software and hardware tailored to their needs. And this isn’t just theory - some of the world’s biggest operators are already leading the way. Comcast and AT&T have already embraced disaggregation, with Comcast leveraging network cloud software from DriveNets to power its core network, and AT&T disaggregating its core network. Also, Deutsche Telekom, one of the biggest global operators, has connected live customers to a fully disaggregated broadband network powered by RtBrick’s routing software running on bare-metal switch hardware, delivering up to 1000Mbps speeds, and open switches deployed in 150 central offices. In addition, we’re seeing more regional ISPs like WOBCOM in Germany, proving that disaggregation is not just for industry giants – they delivered ethernet business services at up to 100Gbps and residential IP services with symmetrical 1Gbps throughput from their new disaggregated edge.
orchestration tools also enable zero- touch provisioning, ensuring networks can be deployed and managed at scale with minimal intervention. This is where AI plays a role in optimising disaggregated networks. By running on bare-metal switches and leveraging open software, AI-driven platforms can process network telemetry in real-time, improving performance, predictive maintenance, and fault resolution. 2. Cost efficiency – scaling up with legacy networks almost always means purchasing expensive, vendor-specific hardware, forcing telcos to make substantial capital investments to keep pace with demand. Disaggregated models eliminate this cost by allowing operators to use merchant silicon- based bare-metal switches instead of proprietary systems. Additionally, operators reduce power consumption, cooling requirements, and maintenance costs by moving network functions into software, aligning with broader sustainability goals. Our TCO (Total Cost of Ownership) analysis has shown that disaggregated networks can cut infrastructure costs by up to 50% compared to traditional systems.
The message for telcos is clear: adapt now, or get left behind!
www.rtbrick.com
3. No vendor lock-in – most importantly, you’re in charge of your own destiny! This has historically restricted telcos from customising their networks or making changes, forcing them into expensive, inflexible, long-term contracts with limited room for innovation. Network disaggregation
Beyond individual telcos, industry-wide momentum is growing. The Telecom Infra
MARCH 2025 Volume 47 No.1
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