Solutions : Secure Femtocell Aggregation
When considered in the light of escalating mobile broadband traffic and backhaul costs, operators are discovering the value of flattening mobile infrastructures and backhauling BTS traffic over IP networks. But while backhauling BTS traffic over IP has many advantages, the end-to-end solutions tested in recent Femtocell trials may not scale enough in the number of connections dimension, or in the traffic throughput dimension. Moreover, prudent investment requires that these gateways be evaluated in term of flexibility to support broader IP-enabled BTS goals. Focusing too narrowly can lead to network silos and an inefficient use of precious capital.
Additionally, trials have spotlighted subscriber sensitivities to femtocell cost and subsidies, while pursuing cost cutting measures are not the best answer. The key to driving out femtocell cost is competition; certifying and supporting more than one Femtocell is the best opportunity for operators to encourage Femtocell manufacturers to lower their costs. The implication of this strategy, or course, is that the operator edge must support Femtocells from several suppliers, and indeed manage secure IP communications for all your BTS IP migration plans. An open Femtocell gateway is required.
Scalable IP BTS Gateway Solutions
Operators are re-evaluating their trialed solutions and asking for more. For maximum flexibility, solutions must allow control plane functionality and bearer or user plane functionality to scale independently. This is particularly difficult to accomplish with a RNC-turned-security gateway, and operators are better served to decompose femtocell or Home NodeB gateway functions into two parts: security functions and signaling/control plane functions as shown in the diagram.
The Stoke Security eXchange performs the security functions of the Home NodeB Gateway, supporting from low to very high connection and traffic throughput densities in one modular and cost-effective platform. Supported subscriber densities range from 7,500 to 120,000 connected, active subscribers; supported throughput configurations range from 4 Gbps to 40 Gbps. The SSX-3000 delivers strong standards-based authentication and IP security capabilities together with the lowest cost per bit and lowest cost per subscriber in the industry today.
Stoke’s Comprehensive Gateway Supports Migration to Flatter All-IP Architectures
Operators can leverage the Stoke Security eXchange beyond femtocells, extending its scope to securing core network access from IP-enabled pico- and macro-cell BTSs as well. This flatter architecture reduces the number of network elements and extends the reach of IP, allowing operators to take advantage of lower cost transport solutions, and making progress towards more efficient 4G network architectures.
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