Three UK is planning to deploy software defined networking and network functions virtualisation across its core network as it looks to meet demand for voice over LTE, HD video and other digital services, as well as improve network performance
The mobile operator is working with MYCOM OSI and Astellia on the project, which will see it deploy a fully integrated cloud native core network.
MYCOM OSI said the project will ensure “massive scalability, elasticity, and better reliability”. Its product will manage end-to-end network and service quality across its virtual and physical 3G and LTE RAN, backhaul and transmission, core and messaging domains, as well as its cloud, data centre and application areas.
Other features include real-time surveillance of the network, along with root cause analysis of issue, dynamic on-boarding and lifecycle management of virtual network functions.
Three UK’s telco cloud will be based on the ETSI NFV MANO framework and will incorporate open-source technologies such as Redhat’s OpenStack.
The operator will also deploy Astellia’s virtual monitoring solution, which will track traffic within its network, warn it if network performance is degrading and troubleshoot issues.
Analytics will address the likes of churn prediction and customer experience for a range of different services.
Earlier this month, SDN and NFV World Congress in The Netherlands heard that automation will be a central plank of a successful virtualisation strategy.
Vodafone’s Director of Technology Strategy and Architecture Matt Beal said the technology could enable a step-change similar to when telecoms went from landlines to smartphones.
However, Deutsche Telekom’s Deputy CTO warned successful virtualisation required “brutal and bloody difficult” work to bring about its awards.