DriveNets, a US-based network solutions provider, is rewriting the future of telecom infrastructure by building networks that function like clouds. The company offers a game-changing approach to network architecture, decoupling network growth from cost, and driving higher profitability.
The DriveNets Network Cloud stands apart by fully virtualizing networks. This allows service providers to scale and meet rising service demands with far more agility than traditional monolithic routers can manage. DriveNets’ software operates on standard white-box hardware, effortlessly scaling network capacity by adding additional white boxes to create powerful physical network clusters. This disaggregated model transforms physical infrastructure into a shared resource, supporting multiple networks and services simultaneously. It also accelerates innovation at the network edge, enabling the deployment of diverse service payloads, including latency-sensitive applications, over a single unified network edge.
In an exclusive interaction with The Interview World at IMC 24, Chengsheng Luo, Senior Product Manager at DriveNets, delves into the company’s groundbreaking cloud network solutions. Furthermore, he outlines the pressing challenges DriveNets is tackling in the telecom space, including the complex transition from legacy networks to cloud-based systems, and the strategic steps they’re taking to address the demands of emerging 6G technologies. Luo also shares insights into the future of cloud-powered networks. Below are the key takeaways from our conversation.
Q: Could you elaborate on the specific cloud networking solutions DriveNets offers, and how these solutions address the evolving needs of modern telecom service providers?
A: From a technology position, we are pioneers in cloud network virtualization. No one else has completely redefined the traditional networking infrastructure the way we have for major telecom giants. Take AT&T, for example—the largest telecom network in the world. Their core network, which handles 72% of AT&T’s traffic, runs on DriveNets technology. This isn’t just a passing trend—it’s a massive, real-world impact. To put it in perspective, that’s over 700 petabytes of traffic, possibly reaching 725 petabytes, gushing through our network solution every day.
For a startup like DriveNets, this is an overwhelming milestone. We’re not just talking about innovation; we’re delivering it at a scale that’s transforming the industry. It’s a moment of immense pride for us to highlight these success stories and share the powerful testimonials from our customers who are experiencing this firsthand. This is what disruptive innovation truly looks like.
Q: What key challenges in the telecom industry are your solutions addressing?
A: The telecom industry, traditionally, isn’t exactly known for moving quickly. For decades, networks have been layered with one new technology after another, each adding complexity. As a result, these networks have become incredibly intricate—difficult to manage, costly to maintain, and painfully slow when it comes to rolling out new services or offerings to end users.
That’s where DriveNets steps in. We’ve reimagined the entire approach. Our technology simplifies everything, allowing telecom providers to easily launch new services and completely redesign their networks from the ground up. We’re also making their operations leaner and more efficient, cutting down on operational costs and shrinking their physical footprint, including warehousing and infrastructure. With DriveNets, it’s no longer about managing complexity—it’s about unlocking agility.
Q: What challenges do you encounter when transitioning from legacy networks to advanced, next-generation networks?
A: Existing networks are caught between two major challenges. On one side, there’s the skyrocketing demand for speed and bandwidth—it’s surging at an unprecedented rate. On the other hand, their revenue growth isn’t keeping pace—it’s stagnating. Yet, they’re still under pressure to expand network capacity, driven largely by the surge in high-definition video consumption. It’s a difficult balancing act, maintaining both the bandwidth and the escalating costs.
That’s where we come in. We also provide alternative solutions that empower networks to scale their capabilities, just like cloud service providers—think Google Cloud, AWS, and Azure—build their vast data centers. We’re enabling service providers to construct their networks with the same agility and efficiency that powers the cloud. This is more than just incremental change—it’s an entirely new technology designed to meet today’s demands head-on.
Q: How is your organization preparing to tackle the challenges and opportunities presented by 6G technologies, and what advancements are you focusing on to stay ahead in this transition?
A: We are exceptionally well-prepared, as evidenced by our partnership with AT&T, the largest service provider in the country, which has successfully implemented our solution for the past four years. Each year, we continue to onboard tier-one service providers from around the globe. Take Comcast, for example—one of the leading cable providers in the U.S. They recently announced a complete overhaul of their core network using our technology. In fact, we’re the only company they specifically highlighted in their press release for this transformative initiative, underscoring how our solutions are essential for meeting the ever-growing demands of their customers.
Q: Could you share insights on your key customer segments in India
A: While I can’t disclose names, I can confirm that we have several major mobile service providers in our portfolio. One notable provider in India is currently operating its core network on our solutions. It is actively extending that network to the edge using our technology. We met with them yesterday in Mumbai, and they expressed strong enthusiasm for further expanding our footprint within their network infrastructure. Their commitment to growth and innovation with our solutions is unmistakable.
Q: How do you envision the future of cloud-based networking solutions shaping the telecom industry?A: While they may not be advancing at the pace of cloud service providers, they are undeniably recognizing the significant advantages our solutions offer. They are actively forging a path toward adopting our technologies within their networks. Each year, we also witness an increasing number of service providers around the globe accelerating this shift.
Rather than merely replacing their legacy systems with our solutions, they are redesigning their existing networks. They continue to operate their current infrastructure while simultaneously building an entirely new network powered by our technology. This dual approach enhances their operational efficiency and allows them to capitalize on the myriad benefits our solutions provide. The momentum is unmistakable; they are eager to leverage these innovations to unlock new opportunities.
