As network operators upgrade their metro and access networks to meet demand, it is a good time to ask whether it makes sense to invest in traditional equipment that is telecom service centric. This equipment is custom-built, designed first and foremost to optimize network throughput by increasing “speeds and feeds”; however, these highly specialized solutions are relatively one-dimensional and inflexible. An alternative is deploying customer and application centric equipment that is software focused, giving service providers more flexibility to develop and deploy new services. Based on general purpose server technology, this approach simplifies the convergence of voice, data and apps, because one platform does all the processing. Thus, the same hardware platform can be used to launch next generation services to improve the customer experience.

As we speak with carriers and equipment manufacturers across Mexico, Canada and the USA the number one thing on their minds is how to address the explosion of the “over the top” applications and services that the customers require.

A software-based approach for networks yields even more benefits with Intel’s 4:1 workload consolidation strategy. It creates a framework that enables an Intel® processor-based platform to execute four workloads (application, control plane, dataplane and signal processing) simultaneously on a basic networking element, such as a wireless base station.

GENBAND sees the worldwide market opportunity over the next decade for TDM switch replacement as a very large opportunity. IP is the future and they recognize that IP centric customer switches bring more revenue opportunities with more customer centric services for their carrier customers.

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-Jeff Seal