Comcast unveiled Janus, an initiative that leverages leading-edge cloud and AI/ML technology to transform the way its core network will deliver next-generation Internet experiences to customers today, and into the future. Janus maximizes network performance and efficiency by virtualizing Comcast’s core network, unlocking the ability to deliver consistently faster speeds and even more reliable Internet service so customers can stream live sports in 4K, stay connected when extreme weather hits, or use their increasing number of devices to videoconference, VR, game, surf and do everything else they want to do online.
Janus will transform the way the nation’s largest network, accessible to more than 63 million locations nationwide, manages the flow of Internet traffic to and from customers by shifting management and control of its core routing, switching and transport network functions to its edge cloud platforms. Traditionally, these functions have been managed by proprietary hardware systems in facilities across the country and now they will leverage the latest innovation in cloud, edge compute, AI/ML, virtualization, and digital optics.
Comcast is one of the first network operators in the world to take these critical steps to virtualize and disaggregate the core of its transport network and position it for the future of data consumption. The move is designed to further enhance the flexibility, reliability, and resiliency of its connectivity offerings for both Xfinity and Comcast Business customers.
“Data usage continues to skyrocket at unprecedented rates, primarily due to the rapid increase in streaming high-quality live sports,” said Elad Nafshi, Chief Network Officer, Comcast. “Janus builds upon years of investment and innovation to maximize our network performance and will be a gamechanger for our customers, our business, and the environment.”
Janus eliminates the proprietary bookended hardware components and embedded software in Comcast’s network that configures and manages the routing and transport of data to and from customers and the Internet and replaces them with white box hardware and with software that can perform those functions seamlessly. It also incorporates next-generation, AI-powered self-healing functions based on real-time telemetry and analytics, removing the opportunity for human error in core network operations. Initial trials are underway within Comcast’s network hub in Atlanta, with wide-scale rollout expected in 2025.
