Software: Connectem virtual EPC powers Vipnet; Nokia supplies OSS platform to Zain Kuwait

Software is becoming an increasingly important part of telecommunication networks and deployments as both wired and wireless carriers look to add functionality to operations while increasing simplicity and reducing costs. RCR Wireless News is keeping an eye on recent developments through its weekly “Software” wrap up.
–The world of virtualization continues to spread across the telecommunications space as operators look for more cost efficient ways to roll out services. The latest example comes from Croatia, where Vipnet said it has demonstrated virtual evolved packet core deployment on its live network working with platform provider Connectem.
The demo involved a live transmission of high-definition video using LTE technology transmitting through Connectem’s cloud-based, virtual EPC at speeds of 100 megabits per second.
—Nokia said it has signed a deal with Zain Kuwait to deploy its operating systems support platform for the operator. The goal of the deal is to simplify network operations through providing a total network view with centralized operations, and to reduce resolution time and expenses associated with operating a multi-technology, multi-vendor network.
The contract calls for Nokia to provide its OSS portfolio and services, including its NetAct Advanced Monitor fault management platform; Performance Manager platform as a single point of access for network insight; and its IP fault management platform that includes EMC Smarts, EMC Watch4Net and EMC Network Configuration Manager.
–Regional wireless operator Cellcom announced a deal to use Vasona Networks’ edge application controller and analysis suite to monitor network usage and adjust cell site capacity during times of congestion.
The deal calls for Cellcom to use Vasona’s SmartAir 1000 edge application controller and SmartVision analysis suite to “gain real-time visibility of network congestion and improve the overall mobile broadband experience when cells are overloaded.” Vasona claims that the platform can provide up to 30% improvement in bit rate performance and 35% decrease in latency.
“After initial deployments in a handful and then hundreds of cells, the outcome was so successful that we rolled out the Vasona Networks solution across our network,” said Robert Riordan, EVP and director of corporate development for Cellcom.
—Hitachi Communications announced the integration of its virtual MME/SGSN as a virtualized network function into Juniper Networks’ Contrail software-defined networking/network function virtualization controller.
Hitachi said the Juniper Contrail orchestration capabilities simplifies its offering by allowing for independent scaling based on operator deployment requirements, including subscriber sessions, transactions processing and radio access point connectivity. Hitachi added that the merged offerings is currently undergoing trials with an un-named operator.
–Diameter signaling software provider Diametriq reported that its Diameter Interworking Solution was deployed by mobile virtual network enabler Transatel to provide interworking between its CAMEL-based legacy network and diameter protocols.
Diametriq said its solution was designed to support the enablement of prepaid subscribers including “quota reservation, balance checking and IVR interaction” for voice and text message delivery. The company also claims the system currently supports over 10,000 concurrent sessions.
Make sure to check out the latest in telecom related software news at RCR Wireless News’ dedicated software page. Also, if you have telecom software news to share, please send it along to: dmeyer@rcrwireless.com.
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