Georgia Chron - Nextlink Internet Deploys netElastic to Modernize Its Hybrid Broadband Network

Trending...

netElastic's software-based vBNG, CGNAT, and netVision management platform support Nextlink's network operations and growth across fixed wireless and fiber services

SANTA CLARA, Calif. - GeorgiaChron -- netElastic, a provider of software solutions for broadband ISPs, today announced that Nextlink Internet, a rural broadband provider headquartered in Hudson Oaks, Texas, has selected netElastic's virtual Broadband Network Gateway (vBNG), Carrier-Grade Network Address Translation (CGNAT) and netVision management platform as part of its broader network modernization. Serving approximately 100,000 subscribers across 11 states with a mix of fixed wireless and fiber, Nextlink is using a software-based approach to support network operations, expand capacity, and move away from legacy platforms and proprietary hardware.

Supporting Nextlink's Hybrid Network

netElastic provides BNG and CGNAT functions within Nextlink's broader network architecture. Current deployments include high-availability systems in Texas that carry traffic from Tarana fixed wireless sites, with further migration planned. Tarana is part of Nextlink's fixed wireless access environment. netElastic's available APIs support subscriber onboarding and operational workflows without custom middleware for those integrations.

More on Georgia Chron

Network Growth and Operational Requirements

The deployment supports Nextlink's broader growth across fixed wireless and fiber services. The network must meet day-to-day operational needs as well as applicable performance, reporting, and compliance obligations associated with publicly funded deployments. Programs such as the Connect America Fund (CAF), Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF), and Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) form part of that operating context.

Flexible Capacity and Procurement

By running netElastic software on standard Dell x86 servers, Nextlink can expand capacity with greater hardware flexibility and manage total cost of ownership. The approach also gives the company more procurement options when traditional networking equipment is constrained. As Nextlink evaluates a more distributed edge architecture, software-based gateway functions offer flexibility to place those capabilities closer to subscribers. Quotes

"Our work with netElastic is part of how we modernize and operate our network across fixed wireless and fiber," said Cameron Kilton, CTO of Nextlink Internet. "We need flexibility to add capacity, simplify subscriber operations, and adapt as the network grows. netElastic's software approach and the team's responsiveness support that work."

More on Georgia Chron

"Nextlink's use of our vBNG, CGNAT, and netVision management platform reflects the role software-based network functions can play in a growing hybrid broadband network," said Weixiao Liu, CEO and CTO of netElastic. "Running these functions on standard x86 servers gives operators flexibility in how they add capacity and manage costs. We look forward to continuing our work with Nextlink as its network evolves."

Read the Full Case Study

Visit us at WISPAPALOOZA in netElastic Booth #425

About netElastic

netElastic developed one of the industry's first virtual broadband network gateways (vBNGs), including CGNAT, from the ground up. Since its first customer acquisition in 2019, netElastic has grown to serve over 300 deployments globally. netElastic's reported industry milestones include 2,000 days of uptime and 1 Tbps of throughput in a single router instance on x86 servers. netElastic is based in Santa Clara, California.

@netElastic.com