In the example of video-on-demand service delivery, the subscriber makes a request that is sent to the policy engine, which is part of the SRC portfolio. The policy manager checks the available resources at the server farm, core and edge routers. A label-switched path can then be dynamically established.

     The functions of the SRC are aligned closely with emerging next-generation network architectures and specifications proposed by industry organizations, including ETSI/TISPAN, the ITU, 3GPP IMS and CableLabs.

     Alan Sardella, product marketing manager for Juniper Networks, said service providers need this end-to-end capability, but they also need to implement it in a way that does not introduce too many parameters to keep track of in the core. “Abstracting this policy engine [from the network and service layers] gives them that capability because it’s being kept track of outside the network elements themselves,” Sardella said.

     One application for service-awareness in the core is to centralize long-tail and unproved content and applications rather than incur the expense of pushing them to the edge. But to do that requires QoS. “The last thing you want to do is launch a new service and find that because you centralized it, you can’t deliver it with some guarantees and it’s not successful,” explained Komatas, adding that the option of centralizing content can enable a more efficient network, a simpler architecture and faster time to market.

     BT Group’s CTO Matt Bross said the T1600’s capabilities will support its 21st Century Network. “As we accelerate the buildout of our 21st Century Next Generation Network and transition to an IP-based world where services are applications, we’re empowering end users with control, choice and flexibility like never before,” said Bross. “The new Juniper T1600 multiterabit core router will allow us to increase network capacity in line with escalating service demands without adding incremental systems to the network so that we can speed new service deployment, deliver a superior end-user experience and maximize our existing T-series investments to meet our cost transformation objectives.”