As a result of ISP evolution to software and white box cloud elements, the core infrastructures of ISP and FAANG platforms are becoming virtually the same.

Network traffic growth trends are outpacing the ability to keep up with the traditional, hardware-centric network model. To meet future network traffic needs and give our customers more control of their network services, AT&T is moving to a software-centric network model.

The telecom industry used to spend years developing switches, routers, and other physical gear to run our network. Today that model is unsustainable. AT&T is moving to a Software Defined Network (SDN). We are becoming a software company.