Tokyo, February 18, 2014 - NEC Corporation (NEC; TSE: 6701) has launched the world's first (*) virtualized Mobile Virtual Network Operator solution (vMVNO-SL) that achieves Network Functions Virtualization (NFV).
NEC’s vMVNO-SL can be installed with an MVNO in order to establish connectivity between an MVNO's own communication network and a carrier's mobile network. This enables enhancement of security and certification, as well as control management of communication band and usage amount.
These functions are achieved using software that runs on a virtualized all-purpose Intel Architecture (IA) server, which helps to reduce the cost of equipment as well as operation cost. Moreover, these functions shorten the lead time for equipment acquisition when compared to the construction of conventional dedicated systems.
This solution will be offered as one of NEC SDN Solutions’ NFV Solutions. Software-Defined Networking (SDN) is one of the core domains of NEC’s “Solutions for Society,” which includes a pioneering virtual Evolved Packet Core (vEPC) network solution and trials on virtualized Customer Premises Equipment (vCPE) in collaboration with Telefonica.
“MVNO operators are often required to introduce gateway systems in order to establish connections with carriers through the layer 2 data link,” said Tsutomu Ookurano, senior manager, NEC. “This requires a large amount of time and money, which is further aggravated by facility investment and rapid increases in operational costs. Furthermore, MVNOs face demands from customers for more flexible and scalable services, such as session management, IP address management, charging data collection and security control. This new solution meets these needs and enables MVNOs to provide their original services more easily.”
Solution Features
1. Supports a wide variety of MVNO mobile services
This new solution offers a wide range of vital MVNO services, such as traffic restrictions/filtering of communication data and collection of charging information. Furthermore, the system enables flexible and prompt construction and maintenance of systems in order to satisfy the needs of as many users as possible.
2. Reduces total cost of operations (TCO) by employing a general-purpose IA server
1）Reduces capital expenditures (CAPEX)
The solution adopts NFV to achieve a variety of network functions on a virtual infrastructure of commercial-off-the-shelf IA servers, including the MVNO-GW functions conventionally achieved by dedicated hardware. This enables customers to begin with a single-server structure and to scale out their servers depending on business needs, thereby dramatically cutting back on capital expenditures.
Moreover, this expands the range of server hardware that is available to MVNOs, enabling them to construct systems that are optimized for their business environment.
2）Reduces operating expenses (OPEX)
This solution enables MVNOs and Mobile Virtual Network Enablers (MVNE) to take up contracts in a Layer 2 data link, where it costs less to establish a connection with a carrier's mobile network. Furthermore, MVNOs and MVNEs can reduce operating expenses by accommodating 3G and LTE line interfaces as well as improve a wide range of functions by simply upgrading software.
Going forward, NEC will continue offering SDN solutions to companies, public offices, carriers and data centers worldwide, with the aim of providing systems that contribute to the improvement of businesses and communities.
Based on its Mid-term Management Plan 2015, the NEC Group is working towards the safety, security, efficiency and equality of society. NEC aims to develop solutions for a wide range of social issues, as a company that creates value for society through the promotion of its “Solutions for Society,” which provide advanced social infrastructure utilizing ICT.
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NEC Press Contacts (Japan):
Seiichiro Toda
NEC Corporation
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+81-3-3798-6511
Joseph Jasper
NEC Corporation
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+81-3-3798-6511