Starent Networks (News - Alert) has launched its Serving GPRS Support Node (SGSN). The latest addition to its product family has been chosen by one of the largest global UMTS mobile operators for deployment in a major Western European country. 

 

Leveraging the intelligence, performance and distributed architecture of the Starent Networks ST40 multimedia core platform, the Starent Networks SGSN delivers market leading capabilities. The company now offers mobile operators the opportunity to select an SGSN from other than traditional radio network vendors.

 

Starent Networks’ SGSN can support both 2.5G and 3G technologies in the same platform. As the Starent Networks solution can handle a subscriber roaming between the 2.5G and 3G network within a single process, it will enable node and network performance to be optimized. 

 

The Starent Networks SGSN utilizes the ST40 platform’s built in routing engines, to enhance the handling of 3G traffic by providing both traditional 3G architecture and direct tunnel in a single solution.

 

Ashraf Dahod (News - Alert), CEO of Starent Networks said in a statement that today’s mobile communications operators continually face the challenges of better managing and improving network performance.

 

Dahod added that their SGSN solution joins their GGSN to provide a more complete UMTS packet core solution with the added flexibility of integrating both SGSN and GGSN solutions in a single platform and addressing both 2.5G and 3G radio network technologies. He pointed out that one of their key goals is providing a carrier-class solution with increased levels of flexibility and ease of deployment.

 

As Starent Networks’ SGSN is deployed on the ST40 platform, it provides high capacity, high through-put and robust availability in a smaller footprint than currently available in the market. The Starent Networks solution has the ability to support the radio and core network interfaces required of mobile operators. This enhances the SGSN’s performance while offering outstanding scalability and reducing interconnectivity complexity.

 

Starent Networks’ SGSN offers ATM and Frame Relay interfaces along with multiple port Ethernet interfaces. This provides connectivity with legacy network equipment. The company explains that the ST40 platform is also used for GGSN functionality providing a single platform for both SGSN and GGSN solutions and the opportunity for mobile operators to simplify network operations and maximize network investment.