NEC has unveiled a new Carrier Grade (CG) Linux based telecom platform that is intended to support mobile operators' growing appetite for large-volume IP packet transmission capabilities to deliver video streaming and GPS (Global Positioning System) services to third generation (3G) mobile handsets. The devices are being evaluated by NEC customer NTT DoCoMo for possible use in its FOMA service network, which NEC calls the most advanced 3G network service in the world.

(Click for larger view)

NEC claims its system represents the first commercial implementation of the PCI Industrial Computer Manufacturers Group's (PICMG's) Advanced Telecom Computing Architecture (ATCA) spec for next generation carrier grade communications equipment.

The new NEC devices will support GPRS mobile services, performing the functions of a Serving GPRS Support Node (SGSN) and a Gateway GPRS Support Node (GGSN). (See diagram, below.)

3G network architecture — click for larger view

Carrier Grade Linux inside

The devices run carrier grade Linux along with NEC ATCA middleware (see diagram, below). NEC said “the new platform was created to achieve a short-term development period (one third of current systems) and drastically reduce development costs, by utilizing open software/hardware.” Also, the new platform “realizes rich services for carriers with carrier grade reliability, easy operation, and high cost performance.”

New platform architecture — click for larger view

NEC says it will develop additional products for mobile operators based on the new platform by integrating its 3G and IP networking technologies and competence. It says the new SGSN and GGSN capabilities will be combined with IP packet networks for mobile Internet service, to offer telecom operators a complete 3G solution.

The new SGSN and GGSN realize 1.5 Gbps throughput, offering 10 times the throughput with one fifth the hardware size of previous offerings, NEC claims. The user plane, which handles video and other large volume user packet data, and the control plane, which handles packet session control, are separated in the new product, allowing operators to easily and flexibly configure the product to fit their own services, NEC claims.

 
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