Managers of large-scale multi-protocol networks are in a difficult spot. When it comes to upgrading their networks, they’re constantly being pulled in opposing directions.
Legacy networks are cumbersome, and very few can handle today’s increasing demands. Upgrading clearly makes sense, but making even minor changes can cause major problems and create exponential complexity. On the other hand, waiting too long to adapt to the increasingly complex networking landscape will cost valuable resources, create poor network experiences, and reflect poorly on the team.
What’s the best path forward? Should you act now or wait? If you delay, will you miss out on the rewards of innovation and fall behind your competition? How prudent is “too prudent” when it comes to integrating new technology into your legacy network?
We posed these questions in relation to Juniper’s segment routing (SR) integration and the latest-generation protocols and capabilities of Ethernet virtual private networks (EVPN). Ultimately, we’re really asking if it’s smart to integrate these solutions immediately or ride it out with a slow and somewhat steady legacy network.
This blog is designed to help you make an informed decision. Let’s look at the technology in question and a couple of recent studies as evidence.
Before we begin, let’s be clear that SR and EVPN have been proven to enable modern traffic engineering approaches that make networks far more flexible, efficient, and simpler to manage. In 2023, The European Advanced Networking Test Center (EANTC) interoperability testing proved that SR and EVPN were ready for prime time.
And there’s more. 2024’s testing included SR (with both MPLS and SRv6 micro-SID data planes), and EVPN, SDN, and Time Synchronization were added. The EANTC recently released its annual Multi-Vendor Interoperability Test Report: SDN, Segment Routing, EVPN, and Time Synchronization. This report documented hundreds of implementations across different vendors. In our opinion, Juniper conducted the most successful interoperability tests out of any major vendor. Juniper solutions excelled in heterogeneous networks, which is news for operators.
With our commitment to open standards and interoperability, industry-leading routing intelligence, and comprehensive portfolio, Juniper can help operators take their networks to the next level.
The power behind the numbers
The EANTC 2024 report details one of the broadest, most advanced multi-vendor interoperability showcases. It covers 87 test scenarios, and more than 1,590 test results (test cases were up 30% from last year) were created and validated using products from 14 leading vendors. That’s a big deal for several reasons.
First, the annual EANTC interoperability tests help large operators evaluate which new MPLS technologies to pursue in proof-of-concept (PoC). The tests also offer an implementation roadmap for other operators. For the broader marketplace, though, the EANTC report serves as an annual checkup on how vendors are progressing with MPLS SDN standards. It’s a way to gauge not just the level of vendor support for different standards but also the maturity and real-world interoperability of their implementations.
In the 2024 report, SDN, segment routing, EVPN, and time synchronization shared the spotlight. Based on the number of tests performed and vendors participating, these are clearly areas of interest to communications service providers (CSPs), cloud providers, and large enterprises. After exhaustive testing of 87 different scenarios, here’s what the testing shows:
- EVPN test results: EVPN is an advanced networking technology that helps service providers and enterprises extend their local Layer 2 network services across the WAN. This year, various EVPN flavors (E-Line and E-LAN) with different data planes (VxLAN, SR MPLS, and SRv6 uSID) were on the table. The Juniper MX304, ACX7332, and ACX7509 participated in multiple tests and combinations.
- SR-MPLS test results: SR over Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS) has emerged as a cornerstone transport network technology. It drives efficiency, scalability, and flexibility across network architectures. For the first time ever, extensive SR-MPLS interoperability testing was performed for SR-MPLS with the IPv6 control plane. This proves that migration from IPv4 to IPv6 infrastructure absolutely doesn’t have to mean SRv6. The Juniper MX204, MX304, ACX7100-48L, PTX10001-36MR, and PTX10002-36QDD participated in multiple tests and combinations.
- SRv6 test results: SRv6 stands out in the evolving scene of network technologies. It brings an innovative approach to simplifying network operations, enhancing programmability, and supporting the demands of modern network services, especially in the context of 5G and beyond. This year, 10 vendors participated in various SRv6 uSIDs interoperability tests. Some vendors were still at the beginning of their SRv6 journey. Juniper was one of the leaders—we completed a large number of the SRv6 uSID tests. The Juniper MX204, MX304, ACX7024, ACX7100-48L, ACX7332, and ACX7509 all participated in multiple tests and combinations.
- SDN test results: Software-defined networking (SDN) evolves dynamically, driven by its reliability and efficiency in network management. The Juniper MX204 participated in multiple tests and combinations.
- Time synchronization test results: Time synchronization—or more specifically, frequency phase and time synchronization—is an essential facet of modern networking. It is integral to the uninterrupted functionality of networks spanning diverse sectors such as enterprise environments, data centers, and service provider networks. For the first time in the testing history, a relatively large number of devices fulfilled Class D requirements, including the Juniper MX304 ACX7024, ACX7100-48L, ACX7332, ACX7509, PTX10001-36MR, and PTX10002-36QDD Series routers.
Thanks to MPLS/SR SDN, the future has never been brighter for those looking to implement a more efficient, agile framework for network service delivery. And no matter how MPLS/SR is used in the network, Juniper delivers excellent performance and interoperability.
The Juniper difference
Why does Juniper produce impressive results across so many MPLS/SR SDN use cases? Because we’re 100% committed to helping our customers meet the relentless demand for capacity and scale. We want network operators to consistently deliver exceptional user experiences over converged service-aware networks. Here are some of the ways Juniper can help:
- Decades-long standards leadership: Juniper has long been a leading voice in driving open standards. We’re proponents of vendor-neutral organizations like the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) and the Optical Internetworking Forum (OIF) that drive standards adoption.
- Commitment to true interoperability: Juniper takes interoperability seriously. We continually validate our solutions through high-profile third-party interoperability evaluations by groups like EANTC, OIF, the Ethernet Alliance (EA), and others.
- Industry-leading routing technology: Junos® OS: Juniper’s Routing Protocol Daemon (RPD) is widely regarded by CSPs, hyperscale cloud providers, and other operators as the ideal foundation to support MPLS, SR, and other protocols.
- Broad and deep portfolio: Juniper offers a comprehensive portfolio of metro, edge, and core platforms. Our infrastructure solutions provide an ideal forwarding IP service fabric for protocols, network automation (Paragon Pathfinder), and next-generation technologies.
Looking ahead
Network operators like you have a long to-do list to respond to the challenges of the day and to prepare for the unknown that will inevitably come. You’ll need capacity and scale on unprecedented levels and the ability to fine-tune service delivery for demanding next-generation applications. You’ll also need new operating models that will allow you to thrive in a more virtualized, cloud-based, automated world. Adopting modern MPLS/SR standards and SDN capabilities now will go a long way in helping you succeed.
Based on the 2024 EANTC report, SR and EVPN are ready to help operators tackle their biggest networking challenges. With Juniper’s broad capabilities, industry leadership, and proven interoperability, we can help deliver exceptional user experiences today and tomorrow.
Learn more about Juniper’s legacy of customer success.
See our demonstrations with the OIF and EA at the 2024 Optical Fiber Communications (OFC) Conference.
