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    HomeInsightsNortel releases R4 IP infrastructure

    Nortel releases R4 IP infrastructure

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    Nortel has added 3GPP R4 functionality to its wireless packet voice core product portfolio for GSM and UMTS.

    The vendor says the changes will  significantly reduce operating costs and increase network efficiency while improving voice quality for subscribers.
    Release 4 enables more efficient use of transmission capacity and reduces the amount of network equipment required to support wireless backhaul.
    “Wireless operators recognise that packetising their voice core network is a critical factor in driving network efficiencies and improving the subscriber experience,” said Peter MacKinnon, president, GSM/UMTS, Nortel. “Our R4 solution leverages our expertise across wireless, wireline and packet technology to position operators for success.
    Unlike traditional circuit-switched Mobile Switching Centers (MSCs), R4 technology makes use of Call Servers and Media Gateways that separate the call control software and the physical ports carrying the voice calls.
    Nortel’s enhancements include the following:

    l Introduction of VSP4 Card — The VSP4 card provides packet network switching and routing for voice channels as well as support for special functions such as lawful intercept, conference calling, tones and announcements.
    l IP based Signaling — This will enable operators to deploy high speed next generation signaling interfaces and a greater number of signaling links. This functionality will reduce the footprint requirement by two-thirds for signaling equipment and reduce the backhaul cost significantly for signaling traffic.
    l Voice Compression — This functionality provides a solution for compressed voice traffic over packet backbone networks. The enhancement will reduce the bandwidth requirement by almost 75% for traffic between media gateways on the packet backbone, Nortel claims.
    l Voice Quality Features — The media gateway supports integrated Echo Cancellation as well as advanced voice quality processing features. Voice quality features are designed to ensure that wireless packet voice quality is as good as, or better than, traditional TDM voice service quality. 
    Nortel is currently deploying R4 technology in several major markets across Cingular Wireless’ national GSM network.