Partnership to drive open network architecture
KDDI Corporation, headquartered in Tokyo, has formed a strategic partnership with DriveNets Ltd., based in Israel, which focuses on promoting open network architecture.
The open network architecture separates hardware from software, enhancing efficiency and cost-effectiveness in large-scale deployments. Aimed at expanding the use of disaggregated routers, the agreement will improve management efficiency for these routers and optimise capital investment and operating costs for high-scale network deployments.
KDDI plans to integrate DriveNets Network Cloud into backbone core routers at four strategic locations, which are expected to be operationally ready by the end of 2025. This collaboration aims to develop a flexible open network architecture that can quickly respond to market changes and technological advancements, thereby meeting the increasing data demands driven by AI innovations.
As AI technology proliferates, the demand for network infrastructure has risen sharply. Further, looking ahead, even greater traffic volumes and increasingly diverse needs are expected. Open network architecture is increasingly essential for building adaptable and scalable networks.
Since 2020, KDDI has advanced the development of Cluster-Based Distributed Disaggregated Backbone Routers (DDBR) through the Telecom Infra Project. DDBRs are not bound by physical chassis constraints, allowing for flexible capacity expansion. By June 2023, KDDI had commercially deployed DDBR as peering routers at its internet gateway, completing technical validations by February 2025 for use in core networks.
DriveNets provides software-based network solutions optimised for disaggregated routers adopted by many leading global carriers. The implementation of the software in peering routers deployed by KDDI has established the foundation for this newly formed partnership.
In June 2023, KDDI completed the commercial deployment of standalone peering DDBRs at its internet gateway, and by February 2025, it had completed technical validation for DDBR clusters in its backbone network.
Kazuyuki Yoshimura, Senior Managing Executive Officer, CTO, and General Manager of the Core Technology Sector at KDDI Corporation, commented: “Since 2020, we have been committed to achieving open and scalable networks, and believe our collaboration with DriveNets will create significant innovations. Our vision for the future is to build a flexible and robust architecture that is suited to the AI era, enabling us to swiftly respond to evolving market needs and set new industry standards.
Ido Susan, CEO of DriveNets Ltd., added: “Together with KDDI, we will promote openness, disaggregation, and innovation across the entire network — from the core network to the edge and aggregation layers. By streamlining network operations and introducing automation and generative AI tools, we aim to help KDDI enhance the efficiency of its network and build a resilient architecture that can flexibly meet future demands.
Image: Kazuyuki Yoshimura of KDDI and Ido Susan of DriveNets sign a strategic partnership agreement.
www.drivenets.com
www.kddi.com/english
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