NEC used an embedded, real-time database from TimesTen to build a telecommunications switch for mobile operators supporting Internet traffic, TimesTen says. NEC used TimesTen/DataServer in its Packet Core Node, said to be the first commercial telecom switch based on Intel hardware and Carrier Grade Linux.

NEC's Packet Core Node shipped in October of 2003, and is based on MontaVista Linux Carrier Grade Edition. It includes an SGSN (serving GPRS support node) and an GGSN (gateway GPRS support node). The hardware complies with AdvancedTCA, an emerging standard for telecom equipment aimed at replacing expensive, proprietary hardware designs with commodity computer parts.

TimesTen says its TimesTen/DataServer manages system configuration and routing information in the NEC switch, including IP addresses, roaming, and authentication information. It says the software enables transactions to be processed and managed in real time, and that NEC chose it because of “superior scalability, adherence to standards, and continuous availability features.”

NEC's senior GM of mobile network operations, Takatoshi Numasato, said, “WCDMA operators are now deploying new, innovative data services. TimesTen is providing the infrastructure software needed for a highly scalable and reliable networking infrastructure.”

TimesTen CEO Jim Groff said, “Over the next few years, many new 3G networks will be migrating online, capitalizing on the growing consumer and enterprise appetites for new data-intensive services, such as streaming video and remote access to corporate systems. NEC has [leveraged] AdvancedTCA specifications and best-of-breed components such as Carrier Grade Linux, and TimesTen.”

 
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