Internet service providers (ISPs) across Europe will now be able to offer new services more quickly to their customers. This development arises from a new collaboration between Consult Red, a pioneer in intelligent devices, and HUMAX Networks, a software vendor for ISPs.

Through this collaborative partnership, Consult Red has integrated an open-source functionality into HUMAX Networks' GPON Wi-Fi 6 routers. This enables applications to be deployed and managed remotely on customers' routers. The focus of this feature is to help ISPs roll out services faster.

The functionality leverages Downloadable Application Container (DAC) technology, which Consult Red has enabled to run the Plume OpenSync application on the routers. DAC technology provides a secure and flexible solution for managing native applications on a router stack remotely. Containerised applications or services can run independently or interact with other RDK-B components during runtime by directly integrating with the RDK-B message bus (RBUS).

Harsha Imrapur, Chief Commercial Officer at Consult Red, emphasised the importance of this technological innovation. He stated that "The Smart Router, and the containerisation technology that underpins it, are key innovations for the modular and efficient management of the software that powers future broadband connectivity. As a provider of solutions for the entire RDK community, including operators, OEMs, SoC developers and application publishers, we are proud to work with HUMAX Networks to enable its technology and market aspirations."

Prior to the collaboration, HUMAX Networks had several routers, modems and other broadband devices deployed across multiple markets, predominantly based on Linux software platforms. The collaboration with Consult Red enabled the integration of demonstrably lifecycle-managed, containerised applications on its hardware platform.

This initiative has significantly chased HUMAX Networks' ability to cater to the rapidly evolving needs of European communication service providers by offering a flexible, cost-effective and future-proof platform for broadband delivery.

James Kim, the Head of EMEA Business at HUMAX Networks Inc., acknowledged the market potential for their advanced broadband devices that utilise DAC functionality. He said, "We recognised the market opportunity for our advanced broadband devices to be RDK enabled and capable of utilising DAC functionality for the modular development and deployment of apps and services. Consult Red was the logical choice of partner due to its background and technical leadership in both RDK platform development and the implementation of containerised applications and services."

The HUMAX Networks GPON Wi-Fi 6 platform, operating OpenSync on RDK-B, will be demonstrated for the first time at the RDK Tech Summit 2024 in Amsterdam, which will take place from 23 to 24 April.