Etisalat and Cisco have successfully deployed the first segment routing technology in the region over its international network with closed-loop automation, introducing automation and software-defined networking (SDN) to the service provider’s Emirates Internet Exchange (EMIX) network, deploying cutting-edge technologies that set the foundation for new opportunities and business models.
The EMIX Network is the largest regional Network Access Point (NAP), a network providing high quality, with no interruption and low latency IP transit services to carriers, ISPs and mobile operators in MENA, Asia and Europe.
Etisalat has always been an early adopter of new technology and is driving innovation in the region, implementing the latest in networking technologies. These mainly include technologies such as segment routing and advanced networking solutions for its customers to improve scalability and enhance the level of network automation.
Today’s announcement showcases the successful adoption of Cisco’s advanced automation on top of the segment-routing framework to enable software-defined intelligence, closed-loop automation, a self-healing network and intent-based networking in the EMIX network, offering a competitive business services model to Etisalat’s customers globally.
The combination of segment routing, which allows precise control of how the network transports applications, with Cisco’s Network Service Orchestrator (NSO) also enables EMIX to offer a better quality of service, with fewer human errors, less repetitive manual work and faster development processes.
Esmaeel Hammadi, Senior Vice President, Network Development, Etisalat said: “Etisalat always strives to maintain its leadership position with continuous investments in the latest in technology, automation solutions, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning. Driving innovation across our network with technologies such as segment routing has been integral to enhanced customer experience and paving the way for network transformation.”
“Etisalat has bold ambitions for the delivery of next-generation services by improving performance and introducing new insights into network behaviour with proactive control,” said Ali Amer, Managing Director, Service Provider Sales, Middle East and Africa at Cisco. “Together, we are helping Etisalat break new grounds in automation, SDN solutions and world-class technical support.”
Cisco is leading the disruption in the industry with our technology innovations in systems; silicon; software and security; and our unrivalled expertise in mass-scale networking, automation, optical, optics, cable access, video, and mobility. Together with our portfolio of professional services, we can enable service providers, media, and web companies to reduce cost and complexity, help secure their networks, and grow revenue.