NEC's Packet Core Node: A New Era for Mobile Operators
NEC Corporation is accelerating the delivery of its Advanced TCA(R) (ATCA) based packet core node to bring a new era and more benefits for mobile operators. After its first commercial shipmentin September 2003, the number of shipments of the SGSN and GGSN (*) for mobile telephone operators exceeded over 100 systems. The systems in commercial operations process rapidly growing internet traffic for applications such as packeti‚šed voice and video,as well as new services like on-line gaming over the 3G Mobile PacketNetwork.
NEC introduced the world’s first working model of an ATCA@based commercial wireless network equipment using Intel(R) Xeon(tm) processors in September 2003.
ATCA is the world standard for the basic architecture of the next-generation highly advanced telecom platform set by PICMG (PCI Industrial Computer Manufacturers Group) Forum. On the ATCA architecture, the new platform also employs MontaVista carrier-grade Linux(*)and NEC’s middleware.
NEC’s middleware boasts high carrier-grade reliability and capabilities, backed by its long-standing experience and know-how in public network systems.
The new platform was created to achieve a short-term development period and reduce development costs by utilizing open software/hardware. This new platform realizes rich services for carriers with carrier-grade reliability, easy operation, and high cost performance.
(*) Carrier Grade Linux developed by carrier-grade working group of OSDL ( Open Source Development Lab)
NEC will further expand the sales of the new system and also develop products for mobile operators based on the new platform and architecture by integrating its 3G and IP networking technologies and competence.
The mobile internet market is rapidly expanding in Japan, Europe and Asia. “What people expect from mobile internet is video and large volume data transmission capability, as well as higher response speed for end-users on a variety of IP based data services,” said Katsuhiro Nakagawa, Associate Senior Vice President and Executive General Manager Mobile Solutions Operations Unit NEC. “In the advanced mobile internet 3G arena, further flexibility to handle various kinds of IP traffic is required. The best solution for the mobile operator is to be equipped with a new type of packet core system capable of high-performance IP packet transmission enabling them to create a balance between their investment and profit. With these factors in mind, NEC, with the world’s leading mobile internet know-how, experience and total technologies including highly operational middleware and application software, create the new advantages for mobile networks with SGSN, GGSN product by employing an ATCA based platform.”
NEC also focuses on mobile internet service development with IP packet network range of IMS (IP Multimedia Sub system) product line-ups. The new SGSN and GGSN can be effectively combined with these service networks to offer a total solution to 3G operators.
The new SGSN and GGSN realize maximum of 6.2 Gbps throughput, offering a variety of mobile internet services. The user plane, which handles video and other large volume user packet data speed, and the control plane, which handles packet session control, are separated in the new product. It allows operators to easily and flexibly configure the product to fit their own services. The most important feature for operators’ ‘carrier-grade’ was realized by NEC’s own high-performance middleware, software and redundant architecture to provide highly reliable 3G services.
“As an early adopter of AdvancedTCA platforms, NEC has established a leading position in developing standards-based 3G network infrastructure.” said Howard Bubb, Intel vice president, Communications Infrastructure Group. “The use of industry standard AdvancedTCA platforms based on Intel building blocks reduces time to market for network equipment providers, enabling operators to more rapidly deploy innovative new services.”
“NEC is strongly committed to Carrier Grade Linux standardization activities and, at the same time, offering commercial products for the mobile carrier networks with sophisticated requirements. By using MontaVista Linux in its network and mobile products, NEC underscores the ability of MontaVista Linux to meet the requirements of network and mobile operators for high availability and reliability.” said Peder Ulander, Vice President, Marketing of MontaVista Software Inc.
For more information on NEC’s 3G mobile activities, please refer to the following: URL: http://www.nec.co.jp/3g-mobile/
Intel and Xeon are trademarks or registered trademarks of Intel Corporation or its subsidiaries in the United States and other countries. AdvancedTCA is a registered trademark of the PCI Industrial Computers Manufacturers Group.
About NEC Corporation
NEC Corporation (NASDAQ: NIPNY) (FTSE: 6701q.l) is one of the world’s leading providers of Internet, broadband network and enterprise business solutions dedicated to meeting the specialized needs of its diverse and global base of customers. Ranked as one of the world’s top patent-producing companies, NEC delivers tailored solutions in the key fields of computer, networking and electron devices, by integrating its technical strengths in IT and Networks, and by providing advanced semiconductor solutions through NEC Electronics Corporation. The NEC Group employs more than 140,000 people worldwide and had net sales of approximately $40 billion in the fiscal year ended March 2003.For further information, please visit the NEC Corporation home page at: www.nec.com
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NEC Corporation
Akiko Shikimori
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a-shikimori@ay.jp.nec.com