AT&T Works With VMware to Combine SD-WAN, 5G Capabilities

AT&T and VMware are partnering to implement 5G capabilities into the carrier’s SD-WAN offering. AT&T called this a “transformative combination,” claiming that it will bring better control to both the SD-WAN software and the cellular network. AT&T has two SD-WAN offerings: its network-based SD-WAN, which it initially launched in the U.S. in 2017 and expanded to over 150 countries in 2018, and its over-the-top SD-WAN offering, which is based on VMware’s VeloCloud SD-WAN. Both offerings will use VMware technology. The carrier launched its mobile 5G service in 12 markets at the end of last year. AT&T later said that alongside mobile 5G, fixed wireless and edge computing will comprise its three service pillars of its 5G strategy. This extension of AT&T’s partnership with VMware is part of its fixed wireless pillar in that it will add the SD-WAN services as part of its nationwide Wireless Broadband offering. Starting now, businesses will be able to leverage SD-WAN alongside its cellular network, and will be able to upgrade that to 5G connection — when it’s available — by changing the modem. The 5G capabilities will extend its current SD-WAN offerings where it’s deployed.