Motorola has announced a joint proof-of-concept project with Intel to show that open, standards-based communications servers running Carrier Grade Linux (CGL) are suitable for IMS (IP multimedia subsystem) service deployments. IMS is a 3GPP framework for voice/data integration on 3G cellular networks.

The joint Intel/Motorola project aims to get IMS services working Motorola's AdvancedTCA-compliant Avantellis communication server. The Avantellis server runs Carrier Grade Linux OEM'ed by MontaVista, along with “NetPlane” high availability middleware. It is available in both 19-inch, 12U models holding 14 blades, and 23-inch, 12U models holding 16 blades. For the IMS project, it will be fitted out with AdvancedTCA blades with Dual Low Voltage Intel Xeon processors and Intel IXP2850 chips, also running Carrier Grade Linux, Motorola says.

IP multimedia susbystem (IMS)

The IP multimedia subsystem, or IMS, is an umbrella framework developed by the 3GPP (3G Parnership Project). It provides a modular service platform based on IP (Internet protocol) and a modified version of SIP (session initiation protocol). IMS aims to converge cellular and Internet services, enabling features like PoC (push-to-talk over cellular) in the near-term, but eventually enabling cellular voice service to be just another packet-switched protocol on an IP network largely compatible with the Internet — VoIP over cellular, if you like.

Currently, TEMs (telecom equipment manufacturers) such as Nokia offer IMS products targeting 3G carriers, but based on proprietary designs. Motorola says proof that open systems can be used to run IMS service elements will “stimulate IMS application development,” and “accelerate the deployment of the infrastructure,” while also “enabling TEMs (telecom equipment manufacturers) and their service provider customers to deliver new and differentiated multimedia communication services.”

Intel announced a line of “second-generation” AdvancedTCA blades and management cards targeting IMS at SuperComm in Chicago this June, so the proof of concept may involve Intel cards, as well as chips. More details about IMS are available in our story introducing Intel's NetStructure IMS cards.

Rob Rich, an executive VP with the Yankee Group analyst firm, said, “Having two of the industry's top players working together to endorse specific network capabilities will help facilitate the adoption of targeted IMS-based applications by carriers. That this proof of concept is based on AdvancedTCA and Carrier Grade Linux reinforces the fact that open industry standards have become the widely-accepted future of telecom infrastructure.”

Additionally, Motorola announced it has been elevated from an Associate to a Premier member of the Intel Communications Alliance, a third-party ecosystem of communications and embedded developers and solution providers.

Availability

The joint Motorola/Intel proof-of-concept will be available to TEMs for evaluation, and will be demonstrated at Intel “Modular Communications Platform Solution Centers around the world,” the companies say, in an unspecified timeframe.

 
This article was originally published on LinuxDevices.com and has been donated to the open source community by QuinStreet Inc. Please visit LinuxToday.com for up-to-date news and articles about Linux and open source.