It won't be long before 5G networks are deployed around the world, but before that time gets here, operators everywhere are laying the groundwork to have the infrastructure in place to deliver on the promise this technology offers. As one of the largest telecom providers in the United Kingdom, Three UK is deploying the world's first fully integrated cloud native core network by Nokia (News - Alert). This will allow Three UK the massive scalability it needs to respond to next-generation communications services while also making the preparations for 5G and the Internet of things (IoT).
With this partnership, Three UK is going to be deploying a range of Nokia technologies along with the expertise it brings in cloud services and partner ecosystem. With these solutions in place Three UK will have a flexible ecosystem to deliver next generation communications data and voice services that can quickly address customer demand and deliver a higher quality of customer experience.
Graham Baxter, Chief Operating Officer of Three UK, said, “Three carries 35 percent of mobile data traffic in the UK today. The cloud core network will enable us to scale even further and continue to offer great value and service innovation to our customers. The agreement with Nokia will help us to continue delivering the UK's most reliable network.”
Three UK is going to have access to a cloud architecture that is going to deliver quality experience across its networks no matter how busy a particular location happens to be, and even as demand for VoLTE, next generation communications and high-definition video continues to grow. The deployment will start rolling out in 2017 at multiple data center locations.
The Nokia Cloud Native Core Network includes:
- Nokia AirFrame data center solution
- Nokia 7750 Service Routers providing data center switching and routing capabilities
- IP/MPLS network management using the Nokia Network Services Platform
- Nokia NetAct Cloud network management system on OpenStack
- Nokia CloudBand Network Functions Virtualization (NFV) management and orchestration (MANO) portfolio, including RedHat OpenStack
- Nokia Session Border Controller (SBC)
- Nuage Networks Virtualized Services Platform providing data center SDN capabilities
- Nokia virtualized evolved packet core and associated control functions
- Nokia virtualized IMS and TAS and associated control functions providing both VoLTE and VoWiFi
- Transport and Security
- Integration of the existing Nokia SDM solution and migration of VNFs to Nokia Shared Data Layer architecture
- Nokia Systems Integration services including Data Center Services and Transformation services
“This project highlights the breadth of Nokia's capabilities in technology and services, as well as our extensive ecosystem of cloud technology partners. I'm particularly proud of the role our new Global Cloud Design Center has played in first demonstrating the potential of an integrated cloud native core to Three, prior to working with the customer to tailor the design and delivery of a solution to meet its needs,” said Cormac Whelan, head of Nokia UK & Ireland.
Edited by Alicia Young