NEC Intros Packet Core

TOKYO -- NEC Corporation announced that it has realized an advanced new telecom platform. The first product based on the new platform for mobile operators are new SGSN and GGSN (*1), a packet core node which can handle large-volume IP packet transmission applications such as video streaming and GPS (Ground Positioning System) services in 3rd generation (3G) services.

The new platform is the world's first working model of an Advanced-TCA(TM) (ATCA) based commercial product. 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 carrier-grade Linux(*2)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 (1/3 of current systems), and drastically 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.

NEC will soon deliver the new SGSN and GGSN product to its first user, NTT DoCoMo, Inc., for an evaluation test. The new products will eventually operate in the FOMA (*3) service network, the most advanced 3G network service in the world.

NEC will further develop products for mobile operators based on the new platform 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 Yoshitake Matsuo, Associate Senior Vice President and head of the Mobile Network Business Unit. "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, created the new SGSN, GGSN product by employing an ATCA based platform."

NEC also focuses on mobile internet service development with IP packet network ranging IMS (IP Multimedia Sub system) product line-ups. The new SGSN and GGSN can be effectively combined with such service networks to offer a total solution to 3G operators.

The new SGSN and GGSN realize 1.5 Gbps throughput, that is 10 times larger packet transmission capability offering a variety of mobile internet services with 1/5 of the compact hardware size. The user plane, which handles video and other large volume user packet data speedy, 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.

NEC Corp.