Users see a difference
UK fixed and mobile service provider Virgin Media O2 has upgraded its IP core backbone network with Juniper Networks so it can now service 50 million online media connections on an 800 Gbps spine. VMO2 briefed Juniper to build a network that’s 400G-enabled and 800G-ready following a joint venture in 2021 that promised a low cost of ownership and minimal energy consumption.
In the past year, Virgin Media O2 has seen 32% traffic growth on its mobile network, 16% in broadband data downloads and a peak traffic load of 22TB. In the upgrade it successfully migrated all core traffic in its six backbone locations across the UK with Juniper Networks PTX10008 Packet Transport Routers, which are purpose-built to deliver cloud-optimized network transformation at scale and with operational flexibility.
The modular PTX10008 router use less electricity as a result of three main features: front-to-back cooling, flexible power supplies that can use either high or low-power modes and high-density port capability that create a compact form factor.
The it is scalable and yet secure at 400G through its ultra-high port density, native inline MACSec encryption on all ports and a new ASIC invention that powers a range of line cards. They also optical transceivers without any density loss. Virgin Media O2’s infrastructure will be underpinned by Juniper’s single operating system, Junos operating system Evolved, which is designed to create continuity.
“Service providers face a complex set of technical and commercial challenges that can be contradictory, intractable and likely to multiply in the future without the right approach,” said Virgin Media O2 CTO Jeanie York, [the] silicon, software and automation from Juniper that can turn complexity on its head to deliver a simplified, more reliable and more sustainable network foundation.”