Alcatel-Lucent has launched a virtualised mobile network functions portfolio, comprising an evolved packet core, IMS and RAN, after months of tests with partner networks.
Trials have been underway for several months with five operators using its virtualised evolved packet core. The product automates the authentication and management of a network’s customer base and the services they use. It also helps them create and connect to services within a network, the France-based vendor said.
Meanwhile, the company said it is trialling its virtualised IMS product with eight customers and deploying it among some of its customer networks.
Finally, A-L’s virtualised RAN product is based on its LTE software that is used in eight of the top 10 MNOs, as well as software from Bell Labs. The company made no mention of any trials, however.
All three products align with standards outlined by the European Telecommunications Standards Institute.
A-L said for the new products to work efficiently, they needed to be managed on a cloud network, such as its own integrated NFV platform CloudBand. The vendor said it has signed three customer contracts for the platform, with an additional 10 trials underway.
The platform also integrates its Virtual Service Platform from Alcatel-Lucent’s SDN venture, Nuage Networks. A-L said it has signed four contracts for its SDN product, with more than 20 trials also underway.
The launch follows A-L’s announcement at its Technology Summit in November that it was moving to hardware independent cloud products.
Caroline Chappell, Senior Analyst with Heavy Reading said: “The arguments for NFV are compelling for mobile operators. When combined with SDN, NFV will enable them to deliver new services flexibly and faster, with positive implications for revenue generation and their ability to expand into new markets.
“NFV is timely as operators migrate to LTE and look for new ways to take full advantage of this technology. However, it is critical that virtualised network functions for LTE maintain the features and stringent performance requirements of the same functions in non-virtualised networks. NFV also provides mobile operators with an opportunity to rethink network operations and reduce operational cost.”
Read More: