Cisco and Verizon successfully conducted the trial of Information-Centric Networking (ICN) technology for simplifying networks and enhancing user experience.
The trial was conducted in a lab at Verizon Innovation Center, on Cisco’s open source ICN software, which is built on the technology it built by acquiring PARC division from Xerox last year.
The ICN technology uses content-specific (information or data) naming method instead of location identifiers like IP addresses of server hosting the content.
ICN helps in adoption process of content delivery to mobile conditions. It supports streaming of video content in a mobile network, with improved viewing experience and reduced bandwidth requirements.
The move supports Cisco and Verizon’s aim to find a networking solution which provides more benefits than the standard TCP/IP (transmission control protocol/internet protocol) solutions for mobile video delivery.
“The Hybrid-ICN solution delivers all the benefits of ICN communication with minimal existing IP infrastructure upgrades required,” said Srini Kalapala, vice president, Technology Architecture and Strategy at Verizon. “By demonstrating the benefits of a virtualized Hybrid-ICN network at scale, we showcased how the technology can simplify the way users access content in a mobile environment and lead to a better user experience. We’re pleased with the results of our collaboration with Cisco and with the promise of the technology.”
With standard TCP/IP, when a user moves from one cell site to another, the network remains linked to the IP address from which the connection was started. The ICN technology allows the network to use nearer content caches when the locations are changed.
The companies found several benefits of ICN from the lab trial, including dynamic adaptive streaming solutions, and dynamic load balancing of media.
Additionally, the companies also demonstrated Hybrid-ICN technology, so that the ICN technology can be used in existing IP infrastructure. The Hybrid-ICN will support IPv4 and IPv6 formats.
“Cisco’s Hybrid-ICN solution provides secure content-intelligent transport for network service providers,” said Dave Ward, senior vice president, CTO of Engineering and Chief Architect at Cisco. “Through our co-development with Verizon, we found that H-ICN empowers the network edge with low latency caching and computing capabilities for the support of new revenue-generating applications such as enterprise multi-radio access, augmented and virtual reality, and IoT for 5G.”
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