Virtualization and Integration of Policy, DPI and Optimization Functions
This report analyzes the data plane functions of the modern 4G mobile broadband networks that are critical for optimizing the user experience and maximizing operator revenues: Deep Packet Inspection, Policy Control, and Web/Video Optimization. Opportunities for integration into multi-function platforms, even all-in-one platforms are presented, as is further integration into the EPC. Operators can benefit from the intersection of distributed 4G networking, Moore's Law pushing higher performance into smaller platforms, virtualization, SDN, and demand for outstanding User Experience to shape their mobile broadband evolution. Multiple distributed architectures are discussed, and representative example cases that range from the small rural mini-operator to the super-sized top tier operator are included. Top vendor products from the Competitive Assessment, “Next Generation Optimization, DPI, and Policy”, are used for illustration.
This analysis will be useful for operators considering their initial network evolution to 4G, or the evolution from an initial centralized 4G network to varying degrees of a distributed network, and various impacts to integration, optimization, and monetization that have not existed in previous 2G/3G networks.
Equipment vendors will also find this useful to develop their strategic plans and what competitive forces are coming their way with the shift to distributed and virtualized networks.
Financial analysts will benefit with insights to gauge how both equipment vendor and operator strategies are poised for success in the rapidly evolving world of digitalization and all-IP mobile broadband.
- 1. FLAT NETWORKS PUSH PROCESSING CLOSER TO SUBSCRIBERS
- 2. CANDIDATES FOR INTEGRATION
- 3. DEGREES OF DISTRIBUTION AND INTEGRATION
- 3.1. Completely Centralized Control and Bearer
- 3.2. Distributed Bearer with Centralized Control/Bearer
- 3.3. Distributed Bearer and Centralized Control
- 3.4. Completely Distributed All-in-one
- 3.5. Summary
- 4. CASE STUDY: TOP-TIER, REGIONAL, AND RURAL OPERATORS
- 4.1. Assumptions
- 4.2. Discussion
- 4.3. Conclusion
- 5. REPRESENTATIVE POSITIONS FOR VIRTUALIZATION AND SDN
- 5.1. Infrastructure Vendors
- 5.2. Specialist Vendors
- 5.3. Software Vendors
- 5.4. IT Infrastructure Suppliers
- 6. SELECTED VENDOR POSITION
- 6.1. Alcatel-Lucent
- 6.2. Bytemobile
- 6.3. Ciena
- 6.4. Cisco
- 6.5. Ericsson
- 6.6. F5 Networks
- 6.7. Sandvine
- 7. DISRUPTORS AND SUSTAINERS: SDN/NFV VERSUS BIG IRON
- 8. SUMMARY AND STRATEGIC RECOMMENDATIONS
Tables
- Mobile Network Policy, DPI, and Web/Video Optimization, World Market, Forecast: 2012 to 2018
- Centralized versus Distributed, Varying Degrees of Distribution
- Centralized versus Distributed, Advantage and Disadvantage
- Case Study, Tier One and Tier Two, Regional, and Rural Operators
- Case Study, Purpose-build Hardware, DPI Capacity
- Case Study, Blade Server, DPI Capacity
Charts
- LTE EPC with SDN/Virtualization, Worldwide, Forecast: 2012 to 2018
- Mobile Network Policy, DPI, and Web/Video Optimization, World Market, Forecast: 2012 to 2018
Figures
- Packet Core Architecture, Completely Centralized
- Packet Core Architecture, Distributed Bearer Centralized Control/Bearer
- Packet Core Architecture, Distributed Bearer Centralized Control
- Packet Core Architecture, Completely Distributed All-in-one
- Alcatel-Lucent's Hybrid Distributed System Concept
- Bytemobile T3100 Adaptive Traffic Manager
- Ciena's "Data Center Without Walls" Concept
- New Cisco Policy and Charging Control Solution Architecture
- Ericsson Service Provider SDN
- F5 Networks VAS Service Bursting / Net Cloud Dynamic Service Infrastructure
- Sandvine Generalized Centralized Architecture