What is a vRouter?
A flexible router for modern networks
A virtual router, or vRouter, is a software-based routing function that replicates the behavior of a traditional hardware router. Running in a virtual machine or container, it directs network traffic, supports routing and security protocols, and integrates with modern orchestration systems. Unlike physical routers, vRouters operate on commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) servers or cloud infrastructure, making them highly scalable and cost-efficient. As enterprises and service providers move toward software-defined, cloud-native networks, vRouter technology provides the flexibility and control needed to support dynamic workloads, hybrid environments and virtualized services. It’s also a foundational element in disaggregated network design, helping operators break free from proprietary hardware and evolve toward open, programmable architectures.
Edge networking with no hardware lock-in
vRouters deliver scalable routing services on high-volume servers that evolve with rapidly advancing silicon cycles – not limited by proprietary hardware.
Using vRouters, providers can scale routing functions at the pace of software rather than hardware refresh cycles.
Enabling open networking and service innovation
vRouters support disaggregated architectures, white box platforms and cloud-native service delivery.
How do virtual routers work?
vRouters deliver core Layer 3 routing services, such as packet forwarding, policy-based routing and VPN termination, in a virtualized form factor. They run on hypervisors, containers or bare-metal servers and can be deployed in minutes, making them ideal for agile network architectures. Most support integration with software-defined networking (SDN) controllers and other network function virtualization (NFV) components. Compared to traditional routers, vRouters are easier to scale, manage and automate. They’re used in a wide range of scenarios, providing multi-WAN dedicated internet access (DIA), MPLS edge functions, IPsec VPNs, stateful firewalls, cloud connect services and 5G backhaul.
Part of a complete virtualized edge solution
vRouters simplify network design, reduce provisioning time and accelerate service rollout — especially in distributed or hybrid environments.
Deploy next-gen services with Ensemble Cloudlet vRouter
Adtran’s Ensemble Cloudlet vRouter is a cloud-managed, intelligence-driven platform that bundles virtual routing, compute and cloud-hosted management into a single subscription. Built on Adtran x86 servers and powered by routing software designed for virtualization, it gives providers the agility to expand services quickly without waiting on hardware refresh cycles. With support for unlimited performance, 5G wireless backup and orchestration via Ensemble EdgeView, it modernizes edge services and streamlines operations.
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