KDDI and DriveNets partner to deploy open, cloud-based network architecture, aiming to reduce costs and support scalable, AI-ready infrastructure.

DriveNets Ltd. and KDDI Corporation have signed a fundamental agreement to establish a strategic alliance aimed at speeding the deployment of an open network structure, which divides network infrastructure into hardware and software components.

The agreement aims to increase the usage of disaggregated routers and optimize capital investment and operational costs for large-scale network deployments while also improving management efficiency for these routers.

DriveNets Network Cloud will be integrated by KDDI into backbone core routers at four key locations. These routers are anticipated to be operational by the end of 2025. The collaboration will contribute to the development of an open, adaptable network architecture that can swiftly adapt to changes in the market and technology to satisfy the growing data requirements brought on by advances in AI.

The demand for network infrastructure has increased immensely since AI technology has gained popularity. Moreover, prospects assume a wider range of needs and bigger traffic volumes. Hence, open network design will be much more conclusive for networks to be scalable and flexible.

The development of Cluster-Based DDBR has been advanced by KDDI as part of the Telecom Infra Project. DDBRs have a flexible capacity increase because they are not constrained by physical chassis limits. At its Internet gateway, KDDI has effectively configured DDBR as bridging routers for business use. Technical validations were completed for usage in core networks by February 2025.