Juniper Launches Controller For SDN

Juniper Networks has launched commercial and open source versions of its Contrail controller for software-defined networks, and adds technology development partnerships and product integrations as well.

Juniper (JNPR) announced Contrail, a standards-based and highly scalable network virtualization and intelligence solution for software-defined networks (SDN). Contrail is based on proven networking standards, creating a virtual network, enabling seamless integration between physical and virtual networks while providing service providers and enterprises with a solution that is simple, open and agile.

Formerly known as the JunosV Contrail, the new solution contains a SDN controller, vRouter, and analytics engine. It integrates with a variety of hypervisors, physical networks and cloud orchestration platforms, including both CloudStack and OpenStack. It accelerates the connection of virtual resources and enables the federation of private, public or hybrid cloud environments. It integrates with Junipers Firefly Perrimeter firewall, the first of many SDN-enabled security services. Easing the migration path to SDN, Contrail will integrate with Juniper MX, EX and QFX Series switches and routers.

"As SunGard continues to expand our cloud service portfolio, it is important for us to ensure that our cloud network is flexible, scalable and dynamic -- and SDN technologies like Juniper Networks Contrail solution can bring this agility to the network," said Nik Weidenbacher, principal engineer at SunGard Availability Services. "Juniper's Contrail SDN controller is unique because it brings advanced layer 3 IP/MPLS routing capabilities into the hypervisor, while integration with orchestration platforms like CloudStack makes it simple to manage. This enables us to extend our existing network into the virtual word without the need to train server staff in routing protocols."

Technology Partnerships

Juniper also announced technology partnerships that enable the development of solutions through integration with Contrail to facilitate SDN and cloud deployment, enable dynamic service chaining and improve visibility and insights into network operations. New partners include Cedexis, Check Point Software Technologies, Citrix, Cloudscaling, Dorado Software,Flash Networks, Gencore Systems, Gigamon, Guavus, ISC8, Lumeta, Mirantis, Red Hat, RiverBed, Sandvine, SevOne, Silver Peak, Sonus Networks, and Websense. IBM and Juniper also announced a partnership to integrate Contrail with IBM's SmartCloud Orchestrator.

With a focus on cloud performance, Cedeix Radar and Juniper's Contrail will enable Cedexis data to program the Contrail platform with unprecedented, real-time visibility into the cloud and last-mile ISP performance being experienced by an enterprise’s end-user audience.  “The integration of Juniper Networks Contrail and Cedexis-optimized end-user data sets will allow our mutual customers to realize the promise of SDN while improving network agility, reducing costs and minimizing risk,” said Aruna Ravichandran, vice president, marketing and strategy, Software Solutions Division at Juniper Networks. “The joint solution, built on open and proven standards, will enable our customers to deploy a highly dynamic, business KPI-driven network that better meets their business needs.”

Open Source Version

Juniper also introduced a new initiative that makes the source code library for its Contrail platform available through an open source license. OpenContrail is based on proven and stable network protocols, giving developers the opportunity to innovate, adopt and experiment with SDN technology that seamlessly integrates with existing network infrastructures. By making OpenContrail freely available, service providers and enterprises can now rapidly test and build SDNs that fit their unique needs and accelerates the move from lab environments to full scale production.

Available via an Apache 2.0 License, OpenContrail will integrate with hypervisors, orchestration systems and physical networking equipment, and allow for easy integration with existing infrastructures - because it is based on proven rotocols such as XMPP and BGP and leverages the standards work from ETSI and IETF.

"Juniper Networks has a long history of supporting open source and open standards. OpenContrail reinforces that commitment," said Ankur Singla, vice president and general manager SDN, Software Solutions Division, Juniper Networks. "It provides developers, partners and customers with a solution that creates significant business opportunities and an open source networking framework that will accelerate adoption, foster new innovation, and create a more open and transparent approach to SDN. By providing both a fully supported commercial product, as well as a customizable open source version, we are catering to our customers' needs and encouraging innovation via an open development community."