Nortel Networks has announced its Core IP (Internet Protocol) Network solution for UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunications Service) and other third generation (3G) wireless networks, based on industry-leading packet switching and IP services platforms.
This solution, expected to be generally available in the fourth quarter of 2001, will allow wireless operators to benefit from Nortel Networks extensive experience in IP networks while deploying reliable, high-capacity, standards-based solutions. It will provide a smooth evolution to an all IP network by maximising operator investment in all platforms deployed for initial UMTS service.
"The Nortel Networks 3G Core IP Network solution is designed to consolidate delivery of voice, video and data from multiple access technologies onto a single network, enabling operators to use network capacity more efficiently while eliminating the operational cost of maintaining multiple networks," says Nortel Networks South Africa country manager Malcolm Bayes, who was at the international UMTS conference in Barcelona, Spain, where the announcement of the Core IP Network solution for UMTS was made.
"The solution will allow operators to deploy packet switching technology as part of initial UMTS network builds, reducing Time Division Multiplex (TDM) investment and permitting a smooth evolution to Multi-Protocol Label Switching (MPLS)-based all IP networks. The Nortel Networks 3G Core IP Network solution will support personalised services based on customer profiles, allowing operators to generate increased revenues and reduce subscriber churn. It will also improve the subscriber experience using intelligent content switching, which provides faster access to multimedia content and reduced access delays."
Doug Lowther, vice president, strategic marketing, Nortel Networks, says that the company`s "leadership in data and IP networks has allowed us to build our 3G Core IP Network solution on field-proven, high-capacity and reliable platforms which we believe will enable customers to differentiate their service offerings in the marketplace.
"The Nortel Networks 3G Core IP Network solution will be built on four, industry-proven platforms - Nortel Networks Passport 15000 multi-service switch, Nortel Networks Shasta 5000 Broadband Service Node (BSN), Nortel Networks Succession solutions, and Nortel Networks Alteon content
networking Web switches. Nortel Networks Passport 15000 will provide media gateway functionality, offering interconnect to the access network and external voice network. Passport 15000 is also deployed in the Radio Network Controller, providing an IP-ready platform in the access network.
"Nortel Networks Shasta 5000 BSN will be deployed as the GPRS Gateway Support Node (GGSN). Surpassing the capabilities of a standard GGSN, the Shasta 5000 BSN enables wireless operators to build and sustain a more profitable business model by delivering a unique offering of per subscriber high touch IP Services. For the first time wireless operators can move beyond delivery of commoditised `connectivity based` services to higher margin value-added services," Lowther said.
Currently deployed globally in DSL and cable networks, Shasta 5000 BSN services include content delivery, managed private networks, security via ICSA certified network-based firewalls, quality of service (QoS) and Service Level Agreements (SLAs) with seamless ties into existing billing and accounting systems. Applications in wireless networks include mobile telecommuting, high-speed Internet access and subscription services based on user profiles. These services increase customer attraction and reduce subscriber churn, a major expense to current wireless operators.
Nortel Networks Succession solutions are a portfolio of next generation, multi-service network solutions that enable service providers to deliver mission-critical voice, data and multimedia services over a single, converged, packet-based network. As wireless operators move from circuit switched to a multi-service packet networks, succession solutions provide a smooth migration of the existing core network for established wireless operators and new entrants. Succession solutions are based on the latest generation of open standards, and are currently being trialed or deployed by carriers and service providers globally, including Telstra (Australia), BT Spain, France Telecom, Cannect Communications and Cable & Wireless.
Benefiting from the recent Nortel Networks acquisition of Alteon Websystems, the core network solution will also include advanced content networking technology to enable more granular control and optimisation of traffic flow.
Content networking allows operators to increase infrastructure reliability, support more simultaneous users, and improve response times. The ability to read and process actual Web content gives operators the power to offer individualised customer services while allowing user requests to be directed to the closest and best performing content servers, enhancing the user`s overall Internet experience.
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Nortel Networks
Nortel Networks is a global Internet and communications leader with capabilities spanning Optical, Wireless, Local Internet and eBusiness. The Company had 1999 U.S. GAAP revenues of US$21.3 billion and serves carrier, service provider and enterprise customers globally. Today, Nortel Networks is creating a high-performance Internet that is more reliable and faster than ever before. It is redefining the economics and quality of networking and the Internet, promising a new era of collaboration, communications and commerce. Visit Nortel Networks at www.nortelnetworks.com.