Lucent to build Vodafone Australia 3G core data network

02.12.2004
Von Siobhan McBride

Vodafone Australia Ltd. on Thursday said the core data network of its third generation (3G) mobile service will be designed and deployed by Lucent Technologies Inc.

It will be integrated with Vodafone"s third-generation (3G) mobile network to bring mobile high-speed data services to customers in Australia.

Lucent Worldwide Services (LWS) will design and implement the new IP/MPLS (Internet Protocol/Multiprotocol Label Switching) solution using Juniper Networks M320 Multiservice Edge Platform to create a scalable, secure and reliable IP/MPLS core that will carry Vodafone"s 2G, 2.5G and 3G traffic, between Brisbane and Melbourne via Sydney.

Much of this traffic has traditionally been carried over lower speed ATM (Asynchronous Transfer Mode) systems, however the joint Lucent and Juniper Networks solution will enable Vodafone to consolidate this traffic onto a single IP/MPLS network that can reduce capital costs and increase bandwidth and service flexibility.

Following the deployment, LWS will provide ongoing maintenance and support services to help Vodafone continue to optimize its network. According to Vodafone Australia manager of technology operations Graeme Goss, the goal is to become a true multimedia player.

Lucent worldwide services Asia Pacific president Paul Higgs said the deal leverages multivendor experience, vast network integration knowledge and experience as well as Bell Lab"s tools and methodologies.

The Juniper Networks M320 is a 320 gigabit-per-second multi-service edge routing platform that aggregates multiple services onto a single MPLS network.

Running on the JUNOS operating system, the M320 features Juniper Networks Frame and ATM Service Emulation (J-FASE), which enable one of the industry"s most complete ATM and frame relay emulation over an MPLS infrastructure.

Vodafone will use the J-FASE technology to migrate existing services to the consolidated IP/MPLS core network.