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Technical Verification Completed for Cluster-Based Distributed Disaggregated Backbone Router (DDBR) to Support Flexible Scalability in Backbone Networks
―Preparing for AI-era traffic growth with a "scale-out network," targeting commercial deployment in FY2025―
KDDI Corporation
On February 14, 2025, KDDI completed the technical verification of its Cluster-Based Distributed Disaggregated Backbone Router (DDBR cluster), specifically focusing on its capabilities and performance for flexible scalability in backbone network applications.
To accommodate the increasing traffic demands of the AI era, KDDI plans to introduce a "Scale-Out Network" using the DDBR cluster across four key commercial backbone network hubs that support KDDI's services [
1] by the end of FY2025. A full nationwide rollout is targeted for FY2027.
Unlike traditional chassis-based routers, which integrate hardware and software within a single system, the Distributed Disaggregated Backbone Router (DDBR) separates the two. This approach eliminates slot constraints found in conventional chassis designs, allowing for rapid and flexible scaling. For instance, by adding line cards [2] to connect additional cables, the DDBR can flexibly scale out to accommodate increasing traffic.
KDDI has been developing the DDBR since 2020. In June 2023, it began commercial deployment of the DDBR standalone for internet gateway peering [3]. The verification of the DDBR cluster is now complete, positioning KDDI for future scalability in backbone networks.
The verification process included routing function tests, packet processing performance evaluations, and interoperability testing for the DDBR cluster, confirming that it meets the performance requirements for deployment in KDDI's commercial backbone network, which supports both fixed and mobile services.
This item will be exhibited at MWC Barcelona 2025, the world's largest mobile-related tradeshow held in Spain from March 3rd to 6th, 2025. For more details, please visit the KDDI MWC Barcelona 2025 special website.
■Background
- With the rapid adoption and expansion of AI technology, network demand has surged, and traffic is expected to continue growing alongside increasingly diverse network requirements. However, traditional chassis-based routers, which integrate hardware and software, require entire chassis upgrades to expand capacity. This reliance on lengthy hardware refresh cycles makes it difficult to scale quickly in response to traffic growth.
- To address this challenge, KDDI has been leading efforts to develop the DDBR―separating hardware and software [4] ―as chair of the Disaggregated Open Routers subgroup within the Open Optical & Packet Transport (OOPT) project of the Telecom Infra Project (TIP). In 2024, KDDI also became the first Asia-based member of TIP's Technical Committee, taking on a leadership role in advancing networking technologies across mobile, fixed, AI, and data centers.
- KDDI has played a key role in defining the DDBR technical requirements [5] and publishing TIP-validated vendors [6]. In March 2022, KDDI became the first company in the world to successfully complete technical verification of the DDBR standalone for internet gateway peering, paving the way for commercialization [7] and the start of commercial deployment in June 2023.
■Key features of the router
1. Flexible scalability for greater overall network reliability
Built as a cluster-based system, the DDBR cluster allows hardware to be added as needed, ensuring flexible capacity expansion to accommodate traffic growth. Unlike traditional large-scale routers, which rely on a single system, the DDBR cluster enables traffic distribution across multiple smaller routers. This flexibility allows larger DDBR clusters to be reconfigured into smaller clusters based on traffic volume, significantly improving redundancy and enhancing overall network reliability.
2. Cost-effective deployment and operations with a unified architecture, and rapid adaptation to technological changes
The same architecture and hardware can be used across peering, core, and edge network domains [8]. This allows for standardized spare parts, shared testing and operational knowledge, and reduced hardware costs, leading to more efficient network management. Additionally, because the system is vendor-agnostic, it can integrate hardware and software from multiple vendors, providing the flexibility to adopt new technologies and features as needed.
Looking ahead, KDDI will continue its efforts within TIP to drive network openness beyond backbone infrastructure, expanding into access networks and data centers. By fostering a competitive vendor ecosystem, KDDI aims to accelerate innovation and industry-wide technological advancements.
- [1]A network that integrates multiple networks operated by telecommunications providers, including mobile and fixed networks.
- [2]A module that houses connection ports and interfaces, handling packet reception, processing, and forwarding. In a cluster-based router (DDBR), packet forwarding functions are performed by a packet forwarder.
- [3]
- [4]A design approach that separates hardware and software, enabling flexible combinations of different vendors' hardware and software rather than limiting them to specific pairings. This promotes upgradability and innovation. To achieve this, functional and interface specifications are often made public, aligning closely with white box networking principles.
- [5]
- [6]
- [7]
- [8]Peering refers to the interconnection of different networks to exchange traffic. Core refers to the central part of a network that handles high-speed, high-capacity communications. Edge refers to the part of the network where end users and devices connect directly.
- *The information contained in the articles is current at the time of publication.
Products, service fees, service content and specifications, contact information, and other details are subject to change without notice.
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