Vod Ireland Uses MPLS CoreVod Ireland Uses MPLS Core

Cisco wins deal to upgrade Vodafone Ireland's core to MPLS for enhanced GPRS data services and eventually for 3G apps

December 20, 2002

2 Min Read

DUBLIN -- Vodafone, Ireland's leading mobile operator, has today announced that it is investing in an MPLS-based (Multi Protocol Label Switching) IP core network based on technology from Cisco Systems. The investment is designed to help enhance and improve GPRS (General Packet Radio System) capabilities on the Vodafone network in Ireland and to prepare the ground for the launch of 3G next year. Cisco Systems was awarded the contract for the provision of technology solutions to help enable the deployment of this core network following a competitive tendering process. The services that will be enhanced following this investment include MMS (Multi Media Messaging Services), dial-in access to corporate LAN, ISP access over GPRS and WAP over GPRS. MMS will initially run on GPRS but will also run on the new UMTS (3G) network when customers will have the ability to carry out media streaming and video telephony via Vodafone Ireland's mobile network Speaking at the announcement, Liam Butler, Director of Networks, Vodafone Ireland said: "Providing multimedia based services across our core network and out to mobile devices means that more than ever we need to be able to streamline and prioritise traffic. The robust nature of the MPLS implementation on Cisco's routing platforms was a major factor in our choice of Cisco as a provider and I am very confident that they will successfully meet our needs. "MPLS adoption is growing steadily, both amongst fixed and mobile network operators", said Paul Gainham, Routing and Broadband Access product manager, Cisco Systems, EMEA. "We're very encouraged to see that MPLS core networks using Cisco technology are being deployed not just in Ireland but by many parts of the Vodafone Group throughout Europe." Vodafone will deploy the Cisco 7600 Series Router in the network, with Cisco 2600 Routers, as well as the Catalyst® 6500 Series, and Catalyst4000 Series Switches. Cisco Systems Inc. Vodafone Ireland

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