WESTFORD, Mass. -- Sonus Networks, Inc. (NASDAQ: SONS), a global leader in SIP communications, today announced it has partnered with F5 Networks (NASDAQ: FFIV), the industry’s leader in Diameter signaling technology, to deliver integrated solutions designed to simplify the way Service Providers deliver differentiated mobile UC and multi-media experiences across blended network environments.

Operators are constructing 4G networks based on LTE and IMS technologies in support of the growing number of smartphones and devices that require ‘always on’ accessibility to mobile broadband and applications. The combination of capabilities from the Sonus SIP-based Session Border Controller (SBC) and the Diameter-based F5® Traffix™ Signaling Delivery Controller™ (SDC™) enables the delivery of these services in a scalable, billable, secure manner across networks. Service delivery and metering can now transcend network and operator boundaries, and go across network types such as LTE-to-3G. Additionally, operators are able to retain their existing 3G assets, while adding LTE and IMS elements to offer faster and better quality mobile broadband services.

The joint solution will enable growth for Service Providers through the deployment and maintenance of high performance LTE networks and while providing the seamless roaming required in the use of broadband mobile networks and smart devices:

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“When combining the advanced, robust solutions of F5 Networks and Sonus, operators can remain confident in delivering LTE roaming and VoLTE services that will satisfy customers and generate revenue,” said Mallik Tatipamula, vice president of Service Provider Solutions, F5. “We view addressing the requirements to deliver these services as a natural blend of our two product areas. Looking forward we envision other innovative joint scenarios, such as supporting operators to benefit from offering premium OTT services with our SDC gateway to enable real-time billing and charging. Through our partnership with Sonus, customers will benefit from working with the experts in SBCs and Diameter signaling control.”

“The industry is becoming increasingly mobile and, behind the scenes, much is being accomplished to keep up with the demands of enterprises and consumers,” said Todd A. Abbott, executive vice president, Strategy & Go to Market, Sonus. “As a result of Sonus’ close collaboration with F5, the integration of our products will empower operators of 4G/LTE networks to scale their delivery of enhanced services required by always-connected users and to track service usage, independent of end user location or the network to which they are connected.”

“While it is early days for LTE and IMS, we are seeing strong positive growth and expect the trend to continue,” stated Diane Myers, principal analyst, VoIP, UC, and IMS, Infonetics Research. “The increased use of mobile broadband networks is driving the growth of Diameter signaling within and between operators.”

“The integration of F5’s Diameter-based products with the Sonus SBC portfolio is logical, as they perform complementary functions to enable flexible service delivery across multiple types of networks,” said Zeus Kerravala, founder and principal analyst of ZK Research. “And with complementary go to market models, I foresee a win for Sonus and F5 as they deliver simpler provisioning and reduced OpEx for their customers building out and interfacing to LTE networks.”

Sonus Networks Inc.