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NETSCOUT > Case Studies > NetScout Supports Business-Critical UMTS/HSPA+ Migration for Canadian Mobile Operator

NetScout Supports Business-Critical UMTS/HSPA+ Migration for Canadian Mobile Operator

Technology Category

Networks & Connectivity - Cellular
Networks & Connectivity - Network Management & Analysis Software

Applicable Industries

Telecommunications

Applicable Functions

Logistics & Transportation

Services

System Integration
Testing & Certification

The Challenge

The mobile network operator in Canada was facing a challenge in migrating from their existing CDMA2000 network to a UMTS/HSPA+ network. The transition was critical to meet the increasing demand for broadband mobile applications and to introduce a wide variety of GSM Smart Phone handsets, including the iPhone. The operator planned to run the two networks in parallel while completely migrating to the UMTS/HSPA+ network over the next few years. The challenge was to minimize disruption to existing customers while introducing new services and handsets. The operator also needed a solution to rapidly identify, isolate, and resolve network problems that were disrupting services delivered to their customers.

About The Customer

The customer is a leading mobile network operator based in Canada, serving approximately 7 million mobile subscribers. The operator has been running a CDMA2000 network for many years but recently launched a UMTS/HSPA+ network to address the increasing demand for broadband mobile applications. The operator also wanted to make available a wide variety of GSM Smart Phone handsets, including the iPhone, as well as new services and improved call clarity. The operator plans to run the two networks in parallel while it migrates completely to the UMTS/HSPA+ network over the next few years.

The Solution

NetScout provided the nGenius solution, a unified platform that supports both CDMA2000 networks and UMTS/HSPA networks. The solution included distributed InfiniStream appliances for high-capacity performance monitoring of the mobile data network. The InfiniStream appliances were deployed across the network to aid in assuring the mobile operator’s CDMA network. The appliances were also used to monitor the operator’s Gi links between the mobile core network and the public Internet and data center servers. They were also deployed on the Gn links within the mobile data core. The InfiniStream appliances were strategically located within the core of the network so that virtually every traversing packet could be monitored and evaluated. NetScout also monitored the firewalls and load balancers in the mobile operator’s network, which are critical to maintaining high levels of network security and availability.

Operational Impact

The nGenius solution from NetScout is a key enabler for the mobile network operator’s migration to new, service-rich UMTS/HSPA 3G mobile broadband networks.
It helps mobile operators confidently reach out to a new market of data-intensive smartphone users in a highly competitive landscape.
With the nGenius solution providing performance monitoring and packet-level diagnostics to rapidly identify and resolve service issues, the mobile operator is now able to protect and grow its mobile customer base while managing a critical transition from their current CDMA network to a UMTS/HSPA+ mobile broadband network infrastructure.